The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission has arraigned two suspects before an Abuja Divisional High Court over alleged offences relating to being in possession of forged official documents to assist travellers falsely secure entry visas to India for a fee.
When the cases were called for mention, the two accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In the suit filed against Akwu Josiah, 28, and Oko Victoria Inaku, a 33-year-old female civil servant from Cross River State working at the Maitama District Hospital, Abuja, it was stated that they were arrested at the Indian High Commission in Abuja and the Maitama District Hospital, Abuja on October 24, 2014 and October 29, 2014 respectively for allegedly being in possession of forged official government documents in a bid to corruptly assist travellers obtain visas.
Josiah, who is facing a two-count charge, is accused of being in unlawful possession of a forged International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) contrary to and punishable under section 368 of the Code CAP. 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja 2006.
The second accused, Oko Victoria Inaku, is facing a four-count charge for being in possession of a forged document to wit Medical Report in the name of one Aniukwu Richard Chinonso, with reference number FCTA/HHSS/MDH/GEN/281, allegedly signed by one Dr. O. A. Balogun, dated October 29, 2014, which is against and punishable under section 368 of the Penal Code CAR. 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja 2006.
Inaku is facing additional charges for being in possession of a forged Chemical Pathology Laboratory Report Form issued in the name of one Aniukwu Richard Chinonso, with Hospital No. 444068 dated October 29, 2014 contrary to section 368 of the Penal Code CAP.
When the prosecution proceeded to open the case for Josiah, the defence lawyer raised an objection that he was not ready to proceed as he was just served with a copy of the charge and asked for adjournment and bail for the accused.
In the case of the second accused Victoria Oko Inaku, the prosecution opened her case by tendering relevant documents but the defence applied for more time to study the documents and applied for bail.
In his ruling, the trial Judge, Hon. Justice Adegbola Adeniyi, refused bail for Akwu Josiah and directed he should be remanded in prison while he granted bail to Oko Victoria Inaku but should be remanded in ICPC custody pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions.
The judge thereafter adjourned the case to April 23, 2015.