Igbinedion Quits Oghomwen’s Defence Team as Court Adjourns Money Laundering Case to October

Igbinedion Quits Oghomwen’s Defence Team as Court Adjourns Money Laundering Case to October 

Falmata Ibrahim 

Veteran Benin-based lawyer, Dele Igbinedion Esq, has exited the legal team defending Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen in an alleged money laundering case before the Federal High Court in Benin City.

The withdrawal came on Tuesday after the defendant formally informed the court of a change in legal representation.

At the resumed proceedings before Justice B.O. Quadri, Igbinedion told the court that a Notice of Change of Counsel had been filed on behalf of Oghomwen by C.I. Ehikioya Esq. of C.I. Ehikioya Law Firm.

Relying on the filing, he announced his immediate withdrawal from the matter and confirmed that he would no longer be appearing for the defendant.

The notice, entered in Charge No. FHC/B/53/2024 — Inspector General of Police v. Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen — indicated that the defendant had engaged Ehikioya to take full charge of her defence.

With that development, Igbinedion formally closed his brief in the case. The document also directed that all future filings, hearing notices, and legal communications be served on the new counsel, who, it stated, had been adequately briefed to proceed with the defence.

Copies of the notice were delivered to the prosecution, led by Police Prosecutor P.O. Odion Esq. of the State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Benin, as well as to Igbinedion, to formally put all parties on notice of the change.

E.O. Afolabi, SAN, who appeared for the nominal complainant alongside Douglas Ogbankua Esq. and A.O. Enobabo Esq, said he had no objection to the withdrawal. However, he argued that the proper approach would have been by way of a Motion on Notice.

After hearing submissions, Justice Quadri adjourned the trial to October 8, 2026, for continuation.

At the last sitting, the prosecution had requested more time to comply with a court directive for substituted service.

 Odion told the court on Tuesday that the order had been carried out through publications in The Nigerian Observer, and Vanguard newspapers, and by affixing notices on the Federal High Court’s board.

The prosecutor said his application was founded on Section 80, Part 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, which allows for the attachment of a defendant’s assets where the person is believed to be evading court process.

“If a court issues a summons or warrant and has reason to believe the person has absconded or is hiding to avoid service, the court may order attachment of their property,” he quoted.

He further relied on Section 81 of the ACJA, which he said gives the court powers to attach any movable or immovable property belonging to such a suspect.

The case has been adjourned for further hearing as the defence transitions to new counsel.