EVAN’S LAWYER WITHDRAWS FROM KIDNAP CASE

The counsel further urged the media, prosecution, courts, and the public to note the dictum of Lord Denim in the case of Rondel vs Wosley where he opined that “An advocate is a minister of justice equally with the judge. He has a monopoly of audience in the Higher Courts.

“A barrister cannot pick and choose his clients. He is bound to accept a brief for any man who comes before the Courts. No matter how great a rascal the man may be. No matter how given to complaining. No matter how undeserving or unpopular his cause. The barrister must defend him to the end…He must accept the brief and do all he honourably can on behalf of his client.”

Penpushing recalled that Ogungbeje’s journey as counsel to the alleged billionaire kidnapper began in 2017 when he filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit on Evans’ behalf against the Nigeria Police Force seeking ₦300 million as damages.

After initially pleading guilty to conspiracy and kidnapping, Mr Ogungbeje waded into the matter and Evans changed his plea to not guilty.

Penpushing reports that the withdrawal of Ogungbeje from the criminal suits is a big blow to Evans who last month broke down in tears in court alleging maltreatment at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison where he is being held.

The accused next date in court is on June 26 when a Lagos Division of the Lagos State High Court will rule on an application brought by Ogungbeje to quash the criminal charges against his client.