Benin Based Lawyer, Douglas Ogbankwa 'Docked', Court Adjorns after NBA Plea for Mercy

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By Correspondent

There was mild drama at the Criminal Court 1 in Benin City, the Edo State Capital today, March 28, 2024, as some members of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Edo State Chapter led by it Chairman, Barrister Nosa Edo Osagie besieged the court to plead on behalf of one of their member – Barrister Douglas Ogbankwa who was to be docked for stealing stabilizer and other allegations of conspiracy to commit felony amongst others.

On the resumption of hearing today, in the case with charge No: B/CD/60C/2024), and presided over by Justice E. I. Ikponmwonba, in attendance were Counsels from Edo State Ministry of Justice led by the Director of Public Prosecution and Douglas Ogbankwa, the accused who kept the court date to be docked.

The Chairman of the NBA, Edo Osagie along with other lawyers who were present in the court, prevented the accused from taking his plea as they pleaded profusely with the Judge to give the NBA opportunity to intercede in the matter, noting that the legal body will ensure that the denial of access to the son of Mrs. Sandra Palmer Martins – Master Owen Martins which is in the centre of what precipitated the alleged breaking and entering by Ogbankwa, will be resolved before the next adjoining date.

The Statement of offence counts against Douglas Ogbankwa reads: “Conspiracy to commit felony : Punishable under Section 412 of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.

“Particular of Offence: Douglas Ogbankwa and others now at large, sometime in the month of January. 2023, at 2nd Ugbor Road. GRA, Benin City, Edo State, within the Benin Judicial Division, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a felony to wit: forcible entry.

“Forcible Entry: Punishable under Section 56 (1) of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.

“Particular of Offence: Douglas Oghankwa and others now at large, sometime in the month of January, 2023, at 2nd Ugbor Road, GRA, Benin City, Edo State, within the Benin Judicial Division, did forcefully enter the residential house of one Sandra Palmer Kelvin.

“Aiding and Abetting forceful Ejection: Punishable under Section 14(3) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of Edo State, 2021.

“Particular of Offence: Douglas Ogbankwa and others now at large, sometime in the month of January, 2023, at 2nd Ugbor Road, GRA, Benin City, Edo State, within the Benin Judicial Division, did forcefully eject one Sandra Palmer Keivin from her matrimonial home.

“Wilful Damage to property Damage to property: Punishable under Section 353 of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.

“Particular of Offence: Douglas Ogbankwa and others now at large, sometime in the month of January, 2023, at 2nd Ugbor Road, GRA, Benin City. Edo State, within the Benin Judicial Division, did damage door keys belonging to one Sandra Palmer Kelvin.

“Stealing: Punishable under Section 294(1) of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.

“Particulars of offence : Douglas Ogbankwa and others now at large, sometime in the month of January, 2023, at 2m Ugbor Road, GRA, Benin City, Edo State, within the Benin Judicial Division, did steal one stabilizer belonging to one Sandra Palmer Kelvin.

“The charge was prepared by E.A. Omonuwa Esq. for the Attorney-General of Edo State.

The lawyer, Douglas Ogbankwa was to be formally arraigned today to face trial for the five criminal charges that have been leveled against him by the state. The State has lined up eight prosecution witnesses to provide evidences during trial.

Justice Ikponmwonba after listening to plea of the NBA members adjoined the case to June 5th, 2024. Ogbankwa may be docked on the adjourned date if the NBA fails to deliver on its mediation role.

It will be recall that Midwest Herald had earlier exclusively reported that Ogbankwa was awaiting trial in an alleged case of stealing and other infractions.