Report reaching us indicates that the Nigerian Police has concluded its investigations into criminal allegations made by Prince Ned Nwoko against Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie in connection with land and chieftaincy disputes in Idumuje-Ugboko community, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
In the report released by the police, a certified true copy of which we have sighted, dated August 12, 2021 and signed by ACP Y.Y Abubakar, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Special Enquiry Bureau, Force Criminal Investigation Department, the police completely exonerated Dr. Ogbechie of all criminal allegations made by Prince Ned Nwoko.
It will be recalled that sometime in February, 2021, Prince Nwoko made series of allegations bothering on threat to life, murder and terrorism, against Dr, Ogbechie. In addition to the above, Prince Nwoko alleged that a certain Osemeka Bosah Oscar who was allegedly privy to the information bothering on the purported threat to life, died mysteriously.
These allegations subsequently formed the basis of several petitions written by Prince Nwoko and submitted to the Nigerian Police, against Dr. Ogbechie.
However, in its report, the police report revealed that;
“In view of the above facts, investigation has not revealed any evidence to establish a Pima Facie case of conspiracy, threat to life of Prince Ned Nwoko and threat to life of Osemeka Oscar Bosah against the suspects…”
Following the heinous allegations made by Prince Ned Nwoko, Dr. Ogbechie had also filed a defamation suit against him at the High Court of F.C.T, Abuja, presided over by the Honourable Justice Chizoba. N Orji. Hearing in the suit commenced on November 30, 2022, with Dr. Ogbechie giving evidence.
In the suit, Dr. Ogbechie is claiming, amongst others, a retraction of the defamatory publication made by Prince Ned Nwoko, a written apology and the sum of 1 billion Naira against Prince Ned Nwoko for defamation.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel to Ogbechie, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN, informed the court that the out of court settlement has broken down as the other party has not reached out to him since the last adjourned date.
Counsel to the defendant, Onyeka Nwokolo, told the court that he has not been able proceed with the out-of-court settlement as his client has been unwell, spending two months in Jordan with a critical ailment.
He told the court that he has discussed the possibility of the settlement with his client but he has not been able to communicate with the learned Silk, but is still convinced that the window for settlement could still be explored.
Ohwovoriole opposed the statement made by the counsel to Ned, stating that they had 180 days from May 30, 2022 which was the last adjourned date, stating that they are ready to proceed with their case.
Justice Chizoba Oji agreed with the submission of Ohwovoriole and called for commencement of hearing on the suit. She however advised both parties to explore the out of court settlement option before the next hearing date.
In the meantime, the case has been adjourned to February 27, 2023, for further hearing.
