29th February, 2016
Akin Kuponiyi
A federal high court sitting in Lagos south west Nigeria has adjourned till March 2 when the criminal charges for counterfeiting preferred against a Lagos businessman Chief Barnabas Igweh will start afresh.
The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Yunusa handling the case has been transferred out of Lagos division, hence the need to start the matter afresh, as new judge, Daggat takes over the case.
In a three count criminal charge number FHC/L/75C/2014 filed before the court by the custom prosecuting counsel, Mrs Adeji Afishetu, it was alleged that Igwe of number 18 Fakande street, Kirikiri town Amuwo Odofin, Lagos on the 25 February 2014, was found at Ikorodu lighter terminal command to have counterfeited custom examination report sheet dated 19 December 2013, “1x40ft” container number ZCSU823555-1.
On the same day, the accused businessman was also alleged to have counterfeited the official seal of the acting Area Controller, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal Command on Customs Examination report sheet dated 19 December, 2013.
Mrs Afishetu further alleged that, Igweh, at the same time and place counterfeited the signature of the acting Area Controller of customs.
The offence alleged to have been committed by the accused businessman is contrary to and punishable under section 162 (a) and (d) of the customs and Exerse Management Act Cap C45 laws of Federation.