Justice B. O. Quadri of the Federal High Court, sitting in Benin City, has adjourned ruling till 22 May 2025 on a preliminary objection filed by Dele Igbinedion, counsel to Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen, one of the defendants in the case of aiding the suicide of Mrs Lilian Omokhuale, daughter of Omoruyi Oloton, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Uyi Technical Limited. 

The judge also issued a stern warning and threatened to issue a bench warrant against Blessing Jatto, another defendant in the case, which bears suit number FHC/B/C/2024 if she fails to appear at the next adjourned date.

The defendants in the suit include Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen, Vincent Uhunmwangho, Blessing Jatto, and Chukwudi Mudiaga. 

In November 2024, Justice Quadri had issued a bench warrant against Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen for failing to appear in court to face the charges brought against her by the police.

At the 4 February 2025 court sitting, P. O. Odion, representing the prosecution, informed the court that Jessica Oghomwen had deliberately refused to appear, treating the court with contempt despite being fully aware of the charges. 

He emphasised the difficulty in ensuring her presence and stated that INTERPOL’s assistance was necessary to enforce the bench warrant.

E. O. Afolabi, assisted by D. Ogbankwa, reminded the court that O. I. Asenoguan, who had previously taken Jessica on bail, was responsible for producing her in court, but had since withdrawn from the case. 

At a prior hearing, Jessica’s former counsel, O. I. Asenoguan, had apologised on her behalf, explaining that she was indisposed and currently in Germany. 

However, her new counsel, Dele Igbinedion, questioned why no effort was made to verify the validity of her absence.

In the circumstance, Igbinedion filed a Motion on Notice, urging the court to quash the charges against Jessica and vacate the bench warrant. 

However, the prosecution counsel, P. O. Odion, argued that he had not been served with the new motion, following an amendment to the charge sheet that reduced the number of defendants from five to four. 

He accused Jessica’s counsel of deliberately delaying the hearing by failing to serve the court process on the prosecution.

During proceedings, Jessica’s counsel eventually served the prosecution after seeking the court’s permission to effect the service during proceedings 

The prosecution then requested an adjournment to review the documents and respond appropriately.

Following the proceedings, Douglas Ogbankwa, representing the petitioner, and Dele Igbinedion, counsel to the defence, spoke to journalists.

The case has been adjourned to May 22, 2025 for further hearing.