Elsie Markus
Abuja
The much-anticipated prosecution of Mr. Sylvanus Enonche Okoh, accused of identity theft, fraud, and criminal conspiracy, suffered a setback yesterday as the second defendant in the case failed to appear in court, causing proceedings to be postponed once again.
Mr. Okoh, who also goes by the alias Kenneth Ogbogu, is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on related charges. However, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force, which is leading the prosecution, could not proceed with the case without his physical presence in court.
Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the Police now require formal collaboration with the EFCC to secure Okoh’s release for arraignment. The suspect is also under investigation by the State Intelligence Department (SID) of the FCT Police Command for offenses bordering on forgery, identity theft, and criminal conspiracy.
A senior police official, who spoke off the record, confirmed that the delay was largely administrative but noted that the cooperation of the EFCC would be critical in moving the case forward.
“We need to align efforts with the EFCC to ensure Mr. Okoh is produced in court. He is central to multiple ongoing investigations,” the official said.
Although Mr. Okoh has been linked to multiple cases under different aliases, his arraignment in this particular case has now stalled twice due to procedural issues.
Frustration is building among the families of the complainants, who say they fear justice may be delayed indefinitely. “We want the court to hear our case. We have waited too long for this man to face the law,” said one relative of a victim who declined to be named for fear of retaliation.
The case has drawn increasing media attention, especially as reports suggest that other alleged accomplices may still be at large. Legal analysts say that such delays are not uncommon in Nigeria’s criminal justice system but stress the importance of clear communication and collaboration among investigative and prosecutorial bodies.
“This matter highlights a recurring challenge in high-profile financial crimes in Nigeria: poor inter-agency coordination,” said Barr. Adaku Onuoha, a legal practitioner and anti-corruption advocate. “The accused is already in custody. The least the agencies can do is ensure he is brought to court on time.”
She added that continual delays risk eroding public confidence in the justice system, especially in cases involving fraud and impersonation that directly affect citizens’ security and trust in legal documentation.
Efforts to reach the EFCC for official comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has assured the public that the case has not been abandoned and that internal procedures are ongoing to secure Okoh’s transfer to court.
The case is expected to resume once arrangements between the Police and EFCC are finalized. However, no specific date has been confirmed for the next court appearance.
South South Times . 