Benin High Court Dismisses Suit against Ekundayo




A High Court sitting in Benin City, presided over by Hon. Justice Mary Itsueli, today, dismissed a suit leveled against Dr. Omowumi Labode Steven, of the Department of English and Literature, University of Benin, for lack of evidence.

Giving judgment on the suit marked B/CD/8CV/22, the trial Judge, Hon. Justice Mary Itsueli, stated that the Prosecution team failed to prove their case against the Accused beyond reasonable doubt.

The trial Judge while upholding the no case submission filed by the Defense Counsel and former Attorney General/ Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, upheld that evidence of the prosecution witness, PW 1, and nominal complainant, did not tally with the evidence of the other five prosecution witnesses.

The Judge observed that the prosecution team failed to tender the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, medical report as an exhibit to court during the trial process.

The Judge also noted that the prosecution team did not establish beyond reasonable doubt the three main claims of rape which bother on penetration, sexual intercourse and no consent, with such penetration linked with the defendant.

Another ground for dismissing the case was the claim of a lack of diligent investigation by the police before charging the Accused to court. The Judge gave a summary dismissal, "The prosecution case is beret of evidence and in a criminal case, the claimant is required to prove his or her case beyond reasonable doubt.

"I found no reason to call the Defendant to enter the dock for his defense. No case submission of the Defense Counsel is hereby upheld.

"The case is hereby dismissed for lack of evidence and the Accused is discharged and acquitted."

In hindsight, it is requisite to note that the suit instituted against Dr. Steven, a Senior Lecturer of the Department of English and Literature, University of Benin was brought about by a then final year female student of the department based on the claim of sexual assault, (rape), which she said took place in his office, on October 5, 2021.


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ulinfun declares interest in Edo Governorship race

Image
The number of aspirants declaring interest to govern Edo State on the platform of the Labour Party got swollen over the weekend with the affirmation of interest by  Mr. Kingsley Uaifo Ulinfun The declaration of interest ceremony which was tagged "Equity 2024" took place at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre Benin The former banker who addressed supporters and journalists unveiled his blueprint which details how he intends to empower two thousand - five hundred (2,500) youths with five million naira grants each to bring to reality their entrepreneurial drive as to make them creators of at least 50,000 jobs.  Sixty (60%) percent of such beneficiaries he said would be women to fasten the developmental drive of the state. This empowerment process, he posited, would be replicated every year, for the next four (4) years if voted into office to help trickle development to the grassroots.. Voicing on being the best man for the job, he talked about his plans for education, i
Read more

World wildlife day marked at Ogba Zoo

Image
       Image of a wild life conservation park  By Bernadette Idalu  Director, Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, Benin City, Mr. Andy Ehanire March 3, 2023, played host to stakeholders across the Wildlife, Forestry, and Conservation Biology sectors, who  converged at the park to mark the 2023 World Wildlife Day, (WWD.) The host who played an integral role at bringing together stakeholders to interface and chart the way forward as it concerns maintenance of the diversity of nature, at its peak harped on the relevance of the United Nation approved event which had the theme, "Partnership for Conservation," in celebration of its tenth anniversary which coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the signing of Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on March 3, 1973, welcomed participants to the event.  The special guest and Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, represented by
Read more

AP News Names Ayo Edebiri, One Of Its 2023 Breakthrough Entertainers

Image
Things are definitely looking up for Ayo Edebiri, an American based female entertainer whose nomination as one of the Associated Press (AP) News 'Breakthrough Entertainer' for year 2023, provides the needed spark and opportunity for migrants, especially those of Nigerian roots to reflect on their innate talent and vitality as they strive to actualise in foreign climes. The 28yrs old Ayo Edebiri, an Emmy nominated actor starred in “ Bottoms,” “ Theater Camp, ” “ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, ” guest-starred on “ Abbott Elementary ” and “ Black Mirror ” and returned for the second season of “ The Bear,” the show that is famed to have initially shot the stand-up comedian and writer turned actor to fame. She received recognition from the media outlet based on her roles in everything from bawdy and brutal live-action teen comedy to animated film to kitchen-based dramedy. Edebiri who said she picked an early interest in entertainment based on performing a
Read more