Benin-based legal practitioner Douglas Ogbankwa has penned a letter to the Commissioner of Justice in Edo State, Mr. Oluwole Uzzi, asserting that the actions of the Ministry of Justice towards him amount to “persecution and not prosecution.”
In the letter dated March 7, 2024, addressed to the Attorney-General of Edo State and copied to the Solicitor General and Director of Public Prosecution, Ogbankwa raised concerns about the ethical aspects of the ongoing proceedings initiated by the Edo State Ministry of Justice.
He claimed that the persecution, which he contends is politically motivated due to his involvement with the All Progressives Congress (APC), lacks the elements of a fair prosecution.
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Ogbankwa pointed out the Ministry’s selective approach, emphasizing that while they are expeditiously pursuing charges against him, no similar actions have been taken against individuals like Oluwole Iyamu and Razaq Isenelumhe.
He criticized the Ministry’s conduct, suggesting that what exists is a “Director of Persecution” rather than a “Director of Prosecution.”
In an interview on the matter, Ogbankwa stated, “The Edo State Government has finally shown its hand in this matter. I’m not surprised at the activities of the Edo State Government, which confirms the credible intelligence I have gathered that the Edo State Government had been behind the girl all the way, together with a popular hotelier and politician who boasted about his political connections and wealth.”
Expressing his dismay, Ogbankwa accused the Edo State Government of aligning with certain individuals involved in the case, citing ex-party communications with the said girl and her sponsors.
He called for the Edo State Government to hand over the case file to the police, claiming that the government had compromised its position in the matter.
Asserting his resilience, Ogbankwa declared, “I am stronger in spirit, and I am ready to tackle all involved in this matter with the law. I eat and breathe law, and the Edo State Government will learn new things with this case.”
How Barrister Collin Ogiegbaen turned Ogbankwa into an accused
The Standard Gazette gathered that the legal dispute took an unexpected turn after Barrister Ogbakwa faced physical assault during an ongoing case involving Kelvin Uyi Martins, a resident of Denmark, and his ex-partner, Sandra Palmer Agho, on 9 January 2024.
The conflict arose when Kelvin accused Sandra of unlawfully seizing his Toyota Jeep, important documents, and a sum of approximately 17 million naira. Sandra had also sworn an affidavit in 2020 to have full custody of their child.
Seeking justice, Barrister Ogbakwa filed a petition with the police, leading to Sandra’s apprehension and subsequent presentation before the Area Commander at Sapele Road, Benin City.
However, the situation escalated dramatically during Sandra’s interview at the police station.
In a shocking turn of events, the enraged woman physically assaulted Barrister Ogbakwa, tearing his clothes and delivering multiple slaps and blows.
Reacting promptly to the assault, Barrister Ogbakwa contacted his former NBA Chairman, Collins Ogiegbaen, for assistance. However, the tables turned when Ogbankwa discovered that his colleague appeared as Sandra’s legal representative.
Seizing the opportunity, Collins advised Chris Otasowie to file a petition with the AIG Zone 5 in Benin City, making false accusations against Kelvin, including allegations of child abduction and other unspecified charges.
Ogbankwa served as the Publicity Secretary during Colin’s tenure as the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin Branch, from 2018 to 2020.
Speaking to the Standard Gazette, Ogbankwa expressed that Colin’s actions amounted to “professional misconduct.”
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