Chinese docked for forgery, fraudulent sale of Mama Gold Rice brand in Lagos

A Chinese, Hong Dong Shen, 36, on Monday appeared before a Federal High Court, Lagos State, charged with forgery and fraudulent sale of 140 bags of Mama Gold Rice brand.
Shen is standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and forgery.
The Prosecutor, Daniel Apochi, told the court that the accused committed the offences between February 2011 and March 2013.
He said that the accused allegedly forged the trade mark of Ollam Nigeria Limited, marketers of Mama Gold Rice, and reproduced about 140 bags of the rice for sale to members of the public.
According to the prosecutor, the trade mark is valued at N200 million.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990, as well as Sections 3 and 32 of the Merchandise Act 2004.
He however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Section 390 provides a term of three years imprisonment for stealing.
Justice Mohammed Yunusa granted Shen bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum following bail application by Tokunbo Fayemi, the defence counsel.
The judge also ordered the accused to deposit his travelling documents with the court’s registry.
He adjourned the case to September 19 for trial.