A High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has struck out a criminal charge filed against former Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq.
The case, Charge No. B/CD/60C/2025, was struck out following a nolle prosequi filed by the Attorney General of Edo State, dated August 4, 2025.
During proceedings, Mrs. Stella Okojie, a Director in the Edo State Ministry of Justice, led other state lawyers to move the application, which was not opposed by Ogbankwa, who appeared in person.
Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Helen Ogbevoen, subsequently struck out the matter, bringing an end to 18 months of legal battle between the lawyer and the state.
Reacting after the ruling, Ogbankwa described the development as a vindication of his position, insisting that the charge was politically motivated.
“The law has eventually taken its course and justice is served in this matter. I have been vindicated after a politically motivated charge fueled by the outgone government of Governor Godwin Obaseki,” he said.
The ruling marks the conclusion of a long-running case that had generated widespread interest within legal and political circles in Edo State.
