Lawyer Arraigned over Forgery of Local Government Document in Anambra

By Praise Necherem

A 49-year old lawyer has been arraigned before an Otuocha Magistrate Court in Anambra East local government area of Anambra State over alleged forgery of local government street naming certificate.

The accused, Bar Etomike Ndigwe was said to have been dragged to court for allegedly forging public documents and using same to contest for street name in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area.

The prosecutor, Mr Richard Okoti had told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on June 29, 2022 at Otuocha Magistrate district.

He said the accused forged Anambra East local government’s stamp, as well as signature of then Local Government Chairman, Late Emma Nnacho, whose tenure ended in 1993, whereas the puported certificate read 1994.

According to him, there was no trace of record of the purported certificate in the Anambra East local government.

When the charges were read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail with sureties by Magistrate M.I. Ogolo who also rejected his lawyer, Hypo Onwuegbuke’s request of taking him on self recognizance.

The matter was adjourned to August 5, 2022 for commencement of trial.