A Magistrate Court in Benin City, Edo State, has convicted Nuhu Omokide, a franchise owner of DHL, on a five-count charge of conspiracy to steal, stealing, and unlawful interference with a customer’s parcel.
Omokide, who was arraigned in charge No. MEG/275c/2023/A, was found guilty on Tuesday by Chief Magistrate Grade I, Afe Osamudiamen, under Sections 412(1)(2), 287(1)(b)(c), and 346 of the Edo State Criminal Law, 2022.
The case stemmed from allegations that Omokide unlawfully converted a parcel containing original academic certificates and other sensitive documents submitted for delivery to the United Kingdom in July 2023.
The parcel, handed in at the DHL office on Airport Road, Benin City, reportedly went missing under his custody and never reached its destination.
Frustrated by Omokide’s lack of cooperation, the complainants reported the matter to the police. Omokide reportedly resisted the investigation by the AIG Zone 5 headquarters in Benin and filed a petition to the Inspector General of Police, alleging harassment. Following a concluded investigation, the case was brought before the court.
The defendant’s counsel, Razak Isenalumhe, argued that DHL, as a corporate entity, should bear liability for the missing parcel, not Omokide personally. However, the prosecution, led by Principal State Counsel Festus Usiobaifo, contended that individuals in managerial positions can be personally liable for criminal acts committed, aided, or abetted during their official duties.
Usiobaifo urged the court to “pierce the corporate veil,” insisting that corporate structures must not be used to shield individuals from accountability, especially in cases involving a breach of trust.
In delivering judgment, Chief Magistrate Osamudiamen upheld the prosecution’s argument and convicted Omokide on all five counts. The court ruled that executives and managers can be held personally accountable for crimes committed under the guise of corporate operations.
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“The judiciary has reaffirmed that corporate leadership confers responsibility, not immunity,” the judge stated, stressing the need for courier and logistics operators to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
