By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka
A claimant to the traditional stool of Isiagu community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Ben Ifeatu, has been arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court I, Awka.
The 'monarch', Blueprint learnt, was arraigned on two count charge of forgery and false claims bordering on alleged forgery of town union documents and signatures.
The police prosecutor, Mr. Emmanuel Oboma, told the court that Chief Ifeatu committed the offence on August 12, 2012, at the peak of chieftaincy tussle in Isiagu community.
“Chief Ben Ifeatu forged a letter head paper belonging to Isiagu Community Union in Awka South Local Government Area. When he was arrested over the issue, he said the document was issued to him by Isiagu Community Union as Igwe elect of the community. He also forged many signatures, which he said, were those of members of the town union executive.
“But when the leadership of the Isiagu Community Union was invited by police, they said that the letter did not emanate from them. When Chief Ifeatu was asked to produce the people that signed the document, he claimed that the signatories were all dead,” Oboma disclosed.
According to him, the offence contravened Sections 463 of the Criminal Code, which provides for three years imprisonment for forgery; and Sections 362 to 364 of the Penal Code, which stipulates punishment of up to 14 years.
However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him, and the Chief Magistrate, O. N. Ike, after listening to the matter, adjourned it to Wednesday, January 20, 2021, for continuation of trial.