Alleged theft: Court orders arrest of former NADECO chieftain, Ralph Obioha, other

Justice Modupe Nicole-Clay of an Ikeja High Court, today, issued a bench on a former Chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Ralph Obioha and one Ifeanyi Okereke, over their alleged involvement in wilful damage and stealing. 

The court arrived at the decision following their absence in court for arraignment.

Justice Nicole-Clay adjourned the case until May 18 for arraignment.

During the proceeding on the matter, the lawyer for the defence, Mr Temitope Ogunleye, apologized for the absence of Obioha and Okereke.

The counsel explained that he had tried to reach Okereke but to no avail. 

While insisting that Obioha is medically unfit, and he is on admission at Saint Francis Hospital in Ikoyi, the defence lawyer said, “He has been ill about a month ago, but had to travel down to Lagos a few days ago contrary to medical advice that he has to be present in court today.

“Unfortunately, he was rushed to the hospital yesterday. The matter is currently going on at the Magistrates' Court in Yaba and the defendant has not been absent.”

However, the prosecution, led by Dr Babajide Martins, told the court that the assertion made by the defence was inaccurate and misconceived.

The prosecutor who argued that the matter at the Magistrate's Court has been struck out upon the commencement of the proceedings stated, “My lord, the defendants are aware of their arraignment in court today, but they chose not to make themselves available.

“The assertion of my learned colleague that one of the defendants is sick is against what the bailiff who went to their house was told.

“Our application is that a warrant should be issued.”

It would be recalled that the defendants were charged alongside Olotu Monday, John Sunday and Dairo Olawale before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in 2021 and were granted bail.

But in the new amendment charge designated LD/20256C/22, Obioha and Okereke were the only defendants charged for the offence.

The defendants are to face an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, wilful damage and stealing.

The prosecution accused the defendants of damaging seven vehicles belonging to the former Managing Director of First African Trust Bank, Yomi Tokosi.

According to the charge, the duo were alleged to have entered the residence of Tokosi and wilfully damaged seven vehicles, windows, and doors on November 29, 2020, at about 8: 00 p.m. at 24B, Osborne Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The defendants were also alleged of stealing one Tecno phone, Wristwatch, Touch Light and eyeglasses, the property of one Olaiya Afeez.

The offence, according to the prosecution, is against Sections 411, 350 and 289 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

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