Benin court finds DHL franchise operator Nuhu Omokide guilty of conspiracy and theft charges.
The case involved missing academic documents meant for delivery to the UK in July 2023.
A Magistrate Court in Benin City, Edo State, has found Nuhu Omokide franchise operator for DHL in Benin guilty on five counts, including conspiracy, theft, and tampering with customer property.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, July 22, by Chief Magistrate Afe Osamudiamen (Grade I), under Sections 412(1)(2), 287(1)(b)(c), and 346 of the Edo State Criminal Law, 2022.
Omokide’s conviction stemmed from an incident in July 2023, when a customer submitted a parcel containing original academic documents and other important papers for delivery to the UK. The package, submitted at DHL’s Airport Road office, reportedly never reached its destination and was later discovered to be missing under Omokide’s watch.
Frustrated by his lack of cooperation, the affected customers reported the matter to the police. Omokide, instead of aiding the investigation at AIG Zone 5 headquarters, petitioned the Inspector General of Police, claiming harassment.
The case was eventually charged to court after police concluded their investigation.
During trial, the defendant’s lawyer, Razak Isenalumhe, argued that DHL, as a corporate entity, should be held responsible for the missing parcel not his client personally.
But prosecuting counsel, Principal State Counsel Festus Usiobaifo, disagreed. He explained that when a company commits a crime, its key officers such as managers can be held liable if they were directly involved or aided the misconduct.
Usiobaifo urged the court to pierce the corporate veil, arguing that Omokide could not use DHL’s name to shield himself from responsibility, especially since he admitted to having operational oversight and direct access to the missing item.
Chief Magistrate Osamudiamen sided with the prosecution, stating that corporate officers must be personally accountable for criminal acts carried out under their supervision.
He declared, “Corporate leadership comes with responsibility, not immunity. Those entrusted with customers’ property must act with integrity and transparency.”
The court’s decision serves as a warning to logistics and courier service providers to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct in all dealings.
