AGF takes over alleged forgery case in Edo

Delta Chief Judge commences inspection of prisons

THE Attorney-general of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has taken over the prosecution of an alleged forgery case leveled against a Benin-based lawyer, Dele Edokpayi and his firm, Circular Merchants Limited.

Theguardian learnt that the AGF’S intervention in the case was as a result of a peti- tion where Edokpayi alleged that there was no proper investigation before he was charged to court.

In charge No. FHC/B/41C/2017 dated 25th May 2017, he was alleged to have conspired with Circular Merchant on March 13, 2006, to forge a deed of transfer of A.O. Obasuyi and Sons (Sawmill) Limited, an offence punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Law of the Federation 2004.

It was also alleged that the lawyer and Circular Merchant forged application for governor’s consent and thereafter forged the signature of one B. I Obasuyi on a deed of transfer of A. O. Obasuyi & Sons (Sawmill) to Circular Merchant that it may be acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of other provisions of the Criminal Code Act Cap 38 and 467 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Laws of the Federation 2004.

A letter to the Registrar of the Federal High Court in Benin City and signed by an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Justice, said Malami took over the prosecution of the case in pursuant to Section 174 (1)(b) of the1999 constitution, as amended.