…. As AGF takes over prosecution
ABUJA— The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded an estate developer, Ms Uzoamaka Onukwubiri, in prison custody following her arraignment on a nine-court charge bordering on forgery and obtaining property under false pretence.
The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice Musa Liman, ordered that the defendant should remacentre the Suleja Correctional Centre till December 1, when her request for bail would be considered.
The development came as the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, applied and took over the prosecution of the matter.
The prosecution counsel, Ms. Ndidi Gladys Okoha, from the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, informed the court that the alleged offences were contrary to section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) Act 2004, and punishable under sections 1 (2) (C) of the same Act and Section 368 of the Penal code Act.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to her in the open court.
Following her plea of innocence, FG’s lawyer applied for a date to be set down for full blown hearing.
On his part, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Joel Okoli, notified the court that he had filed an application for his client to be released on bail, pending the determination of the case.
Contending that the bail contained bailable offences, he drew that attention of the court to the fact that his client was previously granted administrative bail.
The bail application was however opposed by the prosecution which insisted that the defendant poser a flight risk.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendant was capable of interfering with the proposed witnesses.
After he had listened to both sides, Justice Liman adjourned for ruling.
Men Jerry Edemeka, who appeared as counsel for the nominal complaint, expressed his satisfaction with the proceeding.
Some of the counts in the charge against the defendant, read: “That you Uzoamaka Onukwubiri “F” 42 Year, the Managing Director of Sow Real Estate Nigeria LTD, (Company Incorporated Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020) of No.7 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja on or about the 29th day of November 29, 2019 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourself to commit felony to wit: Forgery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act ,Cap M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) Act 2004 and punishable under 1(2)(c) of the same Act.
“That you Uzoamaka Onukwubiri “F” 42 Year, the Managing Director of Sow Real Estate Nigeria LTD, (Company Incorporated Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020) of No.7 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja on or about the 29th day of November,2019 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court made a Forged document titled “Joint Venture Agreement dated” 29th day of November,2019 purportedly signed by Ideal Grace Consulting Limited (Ideal Grace) with Sow Real Estate Nigeria Limited (Sow Estate) in respect of 3 hectares of land situate at plot 3173 cadastral Zone B19, Katampe extension Abuja, knowing same to be false, with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of Ideal Grace Consulting Limited (Ideal Grace) and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act ,CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2004.”
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