By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Senior Correspondent
Justice Ayokunle Faji of a Federal High Court Lagos on Monday declared that all pending applications in a charge brought against Innosson Nigeria Limited by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over allegation of falsification of shipping documents
will be heard on June 28, 2017.
According to the four counts charge with suit number FHC/L/565C/1, the accused persons are Innosson Nig. Ltd, Innocent Chukwuma, Charles Chukwu, Maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines ‘C’ and Anajekwu Sunny.
During the proceedings on the matter, Justice Faji who took over the matter following the transfer of Justice Saliu Saidu who was formerly handling the matter, insisted that he would require some time to go through all the processes in respect of the case.
The judge’s decision came sequel to the an observation raised by counsel to the prosecution J.I Ajakaiye on George Uwechue (SAN) who announced appearance for the 1st and 2nd defendants, Professor Joseph Mbadugha who announced appearance for the 3rd and 6th defendants, and A. Olusola who appeared for the 4th and 5th defendants, and had informed the court of their pending applications.
The defendants were accused of conspiring to commit fraud on October 10, 2013 at Apapa Wharf.
The IGP had maintained that the defendants falsified shipping documents, which they deposited with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc as collateral for the sum of N2.4 billion.
The loan facility according to the prosecution was granted to Innosson Nigeria Limited.
The prosecution also stated that the shipping document was falsely presented as genuine and with the intention to defraud, so as to clear goods worth N2.4 billion.
According to the statement of offence, the accused persons allegedly contravene the provisions of sections 1(2) (c), and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation 2004.
