Court frees 89-year-old businessman, faults IGP over forgery case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the five-count charge of conspiracy and forgery filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) against 89-year-old businessman, Christian Eze, and 75-year-old woman, Josephine Obineme, citing lack of credible evidence.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice James Kolawole Omotosho held that the prosecution failed to prove its case, describing the police investigation as “vague, watery, and full of doubts.”

According to the court, there was no link between the defendants and the alleged offences, adding that the police failed to conduct a thorough investigation before filing charges.

Eze and Obineme were accused of conspiracy, forgery, unlawful conversion of property, and fraudulent claims of ownership of two companies — Jefrics Nigeria Limited and Zecon Nigeria Limited — said to belong to Eze’s late elder brother.

The police had alleged that the defendants falsified company registration documents at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2005, altering share allotments to make Eze Managing Director and Obineme Executive Director. They were also accused of selling a petrol station in Lafia, Nasarawa State, for ₦25 million and converting the proceeds.

The alleged offences violated Sections 1, 2, and 6 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, which prescribe up to 21 years’ imprisonment on conviction.

During trial, the prosecution tendered about 20 exhibits. However, Eze denied any wrongdoing, stating that he had never visited the CAC and had no knowledge of any alteration in company records. He said two lawyers — identified as Otti and Kamaldeen Raji — were responsible for handling the companies’ affairs and should have been investigated.

Obineme also maintained her innocence, explaining that she was only a former employee of the companies and was unaware of any fraudulent activities.

Justice Omotosho found both defendants’ testimonies consistent and credible, noting that the police’s failure to investigate the two lawyers mentioned in the case was “fatal” to their prosecution.

“I believe the evidence of the defendants as witnesses of truth. The claim by the police that they could not locate the two lawyers for investigation is doubtful, and such doubt must be resolved in favour of the defendants,” the judge ruled.

He further criticised the police for lack of diligence, stating that the testimonies of their three witnesses were unreliable and lacked probative value.

Consequently, Justice Omotosho discharged and acquitted Eze and Obineme of all five counts.