The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned three persons, Fatuki Adebayo Paul, Babalola Idris Adebayo, and Afolayan David Ayodele before the Ekiti State High Court over allegations of document forgery and deliberately giving document with false information for the purpose of deceit.
The arraignment, which was presided over by Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye of the Ekiti State High Court, Ado-Ekiti, on the 17th day of July, 2024, under the case title FRN vs Fatuki Adebayo Paul & 2 others. It follows Charge No: HAD/02ICPC/2024.
The defendants faced six-count charges, bordering on forgery of a document contrary to and punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act Cap C28 LFN 2004, and knowingly and corruptly giving a document with false information with intent to deceive the principal, contrary and punishable under Section 17(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The arraignment at High Court 2, Ekiti State High Court, Ado-Ekiti, had two ICPC prosecutors in attendance, Mr. Kehinde Adetoye and Miss. Titilope Owoeye.
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The Counsels for the defendants were Mr. Rotimi Adabembe for the 1st defendant, Mr. Busayo Sule for the 2nd Defendant and held the brief of Mr. Bamidele S.I for the 3rd Defendant. During the proceedings, all three defendants entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against them.
The Court admitted the defendants to bail, upon applications for bail moved by the defense counsel. Each of the defendants was admitted to bail in sum of N2million and two sureties in like sum, one of whom must hold a directorial position within the Ekiti State Government and evidence of their residence within the jurisdiction must be confirmed.
The case was further adjourned to October 15, 2024, for hearing.
The charges against the defendants stem from an ICPC investigation into alleged forgery of official documents, underscoring the commission’s commitment to combat corruption and uphold integrity within public service institutions.
