An Ikeja High Court has set March 11 for the arraignment of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and three other defendants over allegations of forgery and mortgage fraud.
The other defendants in the case include Okogun Polycarp, Batik Line International Ltd, and Bolaji Adebajo.
Justice Ismail Ijelu adjourned the arraignment on Tuesday due to the absence of the defendants in court.
The prosecuting counsel from the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Daniel Apochi, informed the court that the defendants had been notified of the arraignment but expressed displeasure over their absence. He requested an adjournment to allow the court sheriff to formally serve the defendants.
The prosecution has filed a four-count charge against the defendants, alleging conspiracy to commit a felony, forgery, and fraudulent conversion.
The alleged offences reportedly took place between 2008 and 2009 in Lagos.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants are accused of forging the signature of the complainant, Mrs. Grace Akinwusi, on several legal documents. The forged documents include an authority to create a legal mortgage, a deed of assignment an irrevocable power of attorney, and a memorandum of understanding.
The documents were allegedly used to fraudulently convert the complainant’s property at No. 5B, Sasegbon Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, for personal use.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 287, 363, 365, and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, which address theft, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
The court’s decision to adjourn the arraignment ensures proper service of notice to the defendants, paving the way for the case to proceed.
