Justice A .T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has convicted and sentenced Sokaribo Johnbull to seven months imprisonment for forgery.
Johnbull was arraigned by the Port Harcourt Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on two-count charges bordering on forgery contrary to Section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous offences Act, CAP M17, of the Revised Edition, (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and punishable under the same Act.
One of the count charge read:
“That you Sokaribo Johnbull on or about the 4th day of August, 2016, at Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of this honourable court forged a document titled ‘Certificate of Occupancy’ with Certificate number RSG 016878, with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt for the perfection of bail conditions of one Uche Samuel and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous offences Act, CAP M17, of the Revised edition , (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and punishable under the same Act.
He pleaded guilty to the charges.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel A. Chukwueggu prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly. Defence counsel, I. O. S. Mkpuma prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stressing that the defendant has learnt his lessons.
Justice Mohammed convicted and sentenced Johnbull to seven months imprisonment, with an option of fine of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) payable into the Treasury Single Account, TSA, of the Federal Government.
Johnbull’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt petitioned the EFCC, alleging a case of forgery, perjury and impersonation against him. He allegedly forged a Certificate of Occupancy issued to secure the bail of Uche Samuel. The allegation was investigated and found to be true.