Igbinedion withdraws as Jessica Oghomwen’s counsel in money laundering case

BENIN CITY – Prominent Benin-based legal practitioner, Dele Igbinedion Esq., has withdrawn as counsel to Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen in an ongoing money laundering case before the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City.

The development followed the filing of a Notice of Change of Counsel by the defendant, notifying the court that she had engaged a new lawyer to handle her defence.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Igbinedion informed the court, presided over by Justice B.O. Quadri, that a Notice of Change of Counsel had been filed on behalf of the defendant by C.I. Ehikioya Esq. of C.I. Ehikioya Law Firm.

He subsequently announced his withdrawal from further appearance in the matter.

The notice, filed in Charge No. FHC/B/53/2024 between the Inspector General of Police and Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen, stated that the defendant had retained C.I. Ehikioya Esq. to take over the conduct of her defence.

Consequent upon the filing of the notice, Igbinedion formally withdrew from the case, bringing his representation of the defendant to an end.

The notice further requested that all subsequent court processes, including hearing notices and other legal correspondence, be directed to C.I. Ehikioya Esq.

It also stated that the new counsel had been fully briefed to assume responsibility for the defence of the case.

Copies of the notice were served on the prosecution, represented by Police Prosecutor P.O. Odion Esq. of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Benin City, as well as on Dele Igbinedion Esq., formally notifying all parties of the change in legal representation.

Counsel to the nominal complainant, E.O. Afolabi, SAN, who appeared with Douglas Ogbankua Esq. and A.O. Enobabo Esq., did not oppose the withdrawal but submitted that the procedure ought to have been initiated by a Motion on Notice.

Following the proceedings, Justice B.O. Quadri adjourned the case until October 8, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

Recall that at the last adjourned date, the prosecutor had sought for more time to enable him gather additional information in furtherance of an earlier order of the court for substituted service.

The prosecutor informed the court that the order had been executed through publications in The Nigerian Observer and Vanguard newspapers, as well as by pasting notices on the Federal High Court’s Notice Board.

Odion told the court that his application was anchored on Section 80, Part 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which empowers a prosecutor to seek the attachment of a defendant’s property where such a defendant is evasive or fails to comply with a court summons.

Quoting the provision, he said: “If a court has issued a summons or warrant and has reason to believe that the person has absconded or is concealing themselves to evade the service of the summons or execution of the warrant, the court may order the attachment of their property.”

He further cited Section 81 of the ACJA, noting that it authorises the court to order the attachment of any property, whether movable or immovable, belonging to such a suspect.