The ongoing trial of Stanley Offor took a dramatic turn on Wednesday before Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, as the judge issued a stern reprimand over a controversial petition submitted by the defendant’s former counsel, Nnana Ogbo.
Justice Ijelu openly criticised the petition, which was addressed to the Chief Judge of Lagos State and accused the trial judge of bias while requesting that the case be reassigned.
Describing the move as “frivolous, unethical and a calculated attempt to derail the judicial process,” the judge condemned the action strongly.
“This petition is not only unprofessional but also an unacceptable tactic to intimidate the court and derail the trial.
“The court cannot allow such conduct to take root in the administration of justice,” Justice Ijelu declared.
In a surprising twist, the defendant, Stanley Offor, distanced himself from the petition, informing the court that he had disengaged Ogbo and had since appointed a new lawyer, Chinedu Nwosu, to take over his defence.
With Offor’s clear disapproval of the petition, Justice Ijelu struck it out, noting that its contents had become immaterial in light of the defendant’s position.
Prosecuting counsel, Dr Emmanuel Jackson, expressed strong disapproval of the petition, describing it as a deliberate and unethical attempt to frustrate the proceedings.
“It is highly inappropriate for a lawyer to file such a petition during trial without informing the court or following proper legal procedures,” Jackson argued.
Nwosu, the newly engaged defence counsel, also denounced the petition, saying it was neither authorised by him nor his client.
“I was unaware of the petition and would never condone such conduct. It should be disregarded as an act made in bad faith,” Nwosu told the court.
Following his appearance, Nwosu filed an application to recall prosecution witnesses for further cross-examination.
However, the prosecution objected, citing procedural violations under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Justice Ijelu adjourned the case until September 29, 2025, for ruling on the application and the continuation of the trial.
He issued a warning to both parties against any further actions aimed at delaying the proceedings.
Stanley Offor is facing multiple charges including forgery, criminal trespass, and unlawful occupation of property.
The prosecution alleged that Offor and his accomplices, now at large, used forged documents linked to the late Mrs Comfort Eruchalu to fraudulently sublease her property.
He is also accused of unlawfully occupying a parcel of land belonging to Cool Comfort Africa Ltd., situated behind Atiku Abubakar Hall 3 at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex, and refusing to vacate despite formal eviction notices.
The alleged offences date back to 2016 and contravene several laws, including the Lagos State Property Protection Law, 2016; the Criminal Code Act of the Federation, 2024; and the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
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