The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday, November
19, 2013 arraigned one Franklin Uche before Justice G.K Olotu of the Federal
High Court, Maitama on a 6 - count charge bordering on forgery and conspiracy
to defraud.
The accused allegedly forged Export Clearance Permit, a document
usually issued by the Ministry of Trade and Investment, and which is a major
requirement for the lifting of crude oil.
The offence is contrary to Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and
Other Related Offences Act 2006 and Section 1 (2)(c) of the Miscellaneous
Offences Act, Cap. M.17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read
to him.
Count one of the charge reads: “That you Franklin Uche on the 2nd
of September 2013 in Abuja within the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court
did, with intent to defraud, had in your possession a document titled Export
Clearance Permit with Serial No: Q2250342 and which document you knew contained
a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 of the
Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable
under S. 8(b) of the same Act.”
The Prosecution counsel, Samuel Okereke announced that he had ten
(10) witnesses who are ready to testify and asked the court for a trial
date.
The Defence counsel, Chinedu Obi informed the court that he had
filed a bail application since November 14 and that the prosecuting counsel has
been duly served.
Justice Olotu granted the accused bail in the sum of N10 million
and a surety in like sum. The surety must be a director in the civil
service. The accused person and his guarantor must deposit their passport
photographs with the court. The accused is however to remain in Kuje prison
pending when he perfects his bail terms.
The case was adjourned to April 21, 2014 for trial.
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