Court Adjourns Innoson’s Alleged Forgery Case Till May 22

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday adjourned until May 22, the alleged falsification of shipping document to clear goods valued at N2.4 billion against Innoson Nig. Ltd.

The Federal Government through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had filed a four-count charge of forgery against the defendant and four others.

The defendants were Innoson Nig. Ltd, Innocent Chukwuma, Charles Chukwu, Maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines ‘C’ and Sunny Anajekwu.

They allegedly conspired and committed the offence on Oct. 10, 2013 at Apapa Wharf.

When the case was called up, one of the accused, Maximian Chukwura was present in court.

The court then informed parties of a letter from counsel representing the third to sixth accused, Mr Macharty Ubadugha, requesting for an adjournment on the grounds that he was before an Appellate Court.

In his response, the prosecutor, Mr Julius Ajakaye, informed the court that he was only served with a notice of pendency of an application for stay of proceedings in the suit.

He told the court that he had not been served with the notice of appeal nor the motion for stay of proceedings.

In his reaction, Counsel to Innoson, Mr George Uwechue (SAN), informed the court that he would ensure the service of the notice of appeal as well as the motion on the prosecution.

Justice Ayokunle Faji consequently, adjourned the case until May 22, for determination of the pending motion on notice.

In the charge, the prosecution had alleged that the defendant falsified shipping documents, which they deposited with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. as collateral for the sum of N2.4 billion.

The loan facility was alleged to have been granted Innoson Nig. Ltd.

The shipping document was also alleged to have been falsely presented as genuine and with intent to defraud, in order to clear goods worth N2.4 billion.

According to the charge, the offence contravened the provisions of sections 1(2) (c), and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation 2004. (NAN)