. . . As FCT High Court commences hearing of defamation suit

The Nigeria Police says it has concluded investigations into the criminal allegations leveled against Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie by Prince Ned Nwoko 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, the police completely exonerated Dr. Ogbechie of all criminal allegations made by Prince Ned Nwoko.

It would be recalled that in February, 2021, Prince Ned Nwoko raised several allegations bothering on threat to life, murder and terrorism, against Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie.

Prince Nwoko also 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 Ned Nwoko and submitted to the Nigerian Police, against Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie. However, in its August 12, 2021, report, a certified true copy of which was recently released, the police conclusively found that there is no scintilla of evidence to back up the allegations made by Prince Ned Nwoko.

In the report signed by ACP Abubakar, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Special Enquiry Bureau, Force Criminal Investigation Department, the police recommended 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 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 represented by a senior lawyer, Ekeme Ohwovoriole, SAN, 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. In the meantime, the case has been adjourned to February 27, 2023, for further hearing.

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