Justice S. M. Shuaibu of a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City has fixed March 12 for commencement of trial against six persons indicted over the death of one Lilian Omokhuale.
The defendants were charged for allegedly ‘aiding the suicide’ of Omokhuale, the daughter of Francis Omoruyi, a business mogul and Chief Executive Officer of Uyi Technical Company Limited.
They are: Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen, Akpes Omorodion, Chukwudi Akpotowho, Joy Noren, Vincent Uhunmwangho, and Blessing Jatto. The defendants in the suit (FHC/B/5C/2024) were also accused of money laundering, concealment of source of funds, and operating specialised banking without valid licence.
According to the prosecution, their offences contravened the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Criminal Code Act 2004 and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.
Recall that 40-year old Omokhuale, on October 7, 2022, allegedly committed suicide in the Government Reserved Area axis of Benin City, Edo State.
The incident prompted a police investigation, which revealed that the defendants allegedly aided her suicide.
