The long-delayed prosecution of the co-defendant in the case involving Sylvanus Enonche Oko, Mr. Timothy Ejiofor Benedict, took a new turn on Monday following his arrest by law enforcement agents after weeks of evading police administrative bail. His absence had stalled the previous court sitting and raised concerns about deliberate attempts to obstruct the judicial process.
Court officials confirmed that the defendant was apprehended over the weekend and brought to the Federal High Court for arraignment. His arrest followed what investigators described as “sustained tracking” after he failed to honour the bail terms earlier granted by the police.
“He had been on the run for some time, and his failure to appear in court at the last adjourned date made today’s arrest necessary,” a court source said. “The court could not continue to wait indefinitely.”
However, proceedings did not advance as expected. The defendant was served an amended charge only moments before the case was called, prompting his counsel to request more time to review the document. The presiding judge agreed and adjourned the matter to 17 December to allow the defendant to take his plea under fair hearing provisions.
“The amended charge was only brought to his attention this morning. The court must give him the opportunity to understand it fully before entering a plea,” a judicial officer explained.
Complainants in the case welcomed the arrest, praising law enforcement agencies for acting decisively.
One complainant said the arrest signaled that due process was finally taking shape. “We are relieved that he has been found and brought before the court. All we want is justice, and justice cannot move forward when defendants keep disappearing.”
Another complainant commended the officers who executed the arrest, saying their action restored confidence that the matter would no longer be stalled. “The police have done well, and we appreciate their commitment. This gives us hope that the truth will come out.”
A security source familiar with the investigation also noted that the defendant’s disappearance had complicated the prosecution. “Every time a suspect jumps bail, it stretches resources and slows justice for everyone,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that the principal suspect in the case remains at large, with efforts ongoing to locate him. Officials declined to give operational details.
Following his arrest, the court ordered that Timothy Ejiofor Benedict be remanded in Kuje Prison until the next adjourned date.
The case, which has already suffered several delays linked to the co-defendant’s disappearance, will now resume on 17 December, when the defendant is expected to take his plea after reviewing the amended charge.
As one complainant summed up: “We are watching closely. This time, the process must not be derailed again.”
Dan Zaki Media 