24th October, 2016
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday fixed Nov. 25 to hear a N2.4 billion suit filed against a company- Innosson Nig. Ltd over alleged falsification of shipping documents.
Charged alongside Innosson Nig. Ltd are Innocent Chukwuma, Charles Chukwu, Maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines ‘C’ and Anajekwu Sunny, who are facing a four-count charge.
At the hearing of the case on Monday, Mr J.I. Ajakaiye, announced appearance for the prosecution, while Chief George Uwechue (SAN), Prof. C. Mbadugha, and Mr Olusola Abioye announced appearance for the accused.
The prosecutor informed the court that he had served the court processes on all the defence counsel on Oct. 21 at about 4.18 pm, while the counsel to the third to sixth defendants were served in court before the commencement of trial.
In his response, Uwechue confirmed to the court that he had received the processes, but required adequate time to study and file a response.
Based on the agreement of counsel, Justice Saliu Saidu, adjourned the hearing to Nov. 25.
Meanwhile, Uwechue has filed a motion, urging the court to recuse from the suit.
Recuse, according to dictionary.com, is to reject or challenge (a judge or juror) as disqualified to act, especially because of interest or bias.
In the charge, the defendants were alleged to have conspired to commit the offences on Oct. 10, 2013, at Apapa Wharf.
The prosecution alleged that they falsified shipping documents which they deposited with Guaranty Trust Bank as collateral for the sum of N2.4 billion granted to Innosson Nig. Ltd.
The shipping documents were also said to have been presented as genuine and with intent to defraud and to clear goods worth N2.4 billion.
The offences contravened Sections 1(2) (c), and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Laws of the Federation 2004.