Nine Found Guilty in Forgery Case in Warri

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in the Warri Magisterial District, Delta State, has convicted nine individuals from the Egrangbene Community for forgery in a case brought before the court.

The convicted persons are Abemor Borikere, Selekowei Bruce, Bioukeme Benibo, Safademebo Eniyegbolokumor, Brobo Alele, Yougha Egboge, Bonke England, Chief Djokari Meli, and Chief Lawyer Olotuyei.

Presided over by His Worship E.O. Odjugo (Chief Magistrate, Special Grade), the court delivered its judgment on 18 November 2024 in Charge No: WM/161C/2020.

The case involved the Commissioner of Police, who acted as the complainant, against the nine defendants.

In the judgment, the court stated: “This Court finds as a fact that all the Defendants are guilty of Count 1 of the Charge. That is my finding, and I so hold.” The court further ruled the defendants guilty on Counts I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and IX but acquitted them on Count VIII.

The police had charged the defendants on a nine-count amended charge, including conspiracy under Section 516 of the Criminal Code and forgery under Section 467. They were also charged with aiding and abetting under Section 7 of the same code.

Although the defendants pleaded not guilty, the prosecution presented five witnesses and submitted exhibits marked A to R9. The defendants testified on their behalf and called one witness.

The prosecution’s counsel, Prof. Izebuwa, filed a written final address on 4 November 2024, while the defence counsel, Preye Onduku, filed a motion on 19 November 2024, seeking an abridgement of time to file a written address, which the court granted.

In a statement to newsmen, Mr Owen Nanakumoh, Chairman/Managing Director of Ocan Marine Services Nigeria Limited, said the convicted individuals now stand as “ex-convicts.” He noted that, as such, they are disqualified from holding public office or being addressed as chiefs unless pardoned by the state.

Mr Nanakumoh further emphasised, “These ex-convicts, by this judgment, have ceased to be chiefs and should comply immediately, as this decision has been escalated to all relevant security agencies.”

The forgery case stemmed from a kingship dispute regarding the installation of Henry Okrikpa as King of Egrangbene Federated Communities. The defendants had allegedly conspired to dissociate themselves from the crowned king by writing letters to the Burutu Council Chairman.