3 in court over alleged forgery, theft of N1.5m

Three persons, including two bankers, were on Wednesday docked before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court for alleged forgery and theft of N1.5million.

The accused: Kelechi Amechi, 35, Rita Kpaakpa, 29 and Lawrence Amechi,42, are each facing a three-count charge of conspiracy to steal, stealing and forgery.

The accused persons, who reside at No. 32 Kunle Ajayi St., Ketu, and No. 21a, Fakunle St.,Ogba, respectively pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police prosecutor, ASP. Ade Adeola said the offence was committed on Nov. 4. and 14, 2011 within the premises of the FBN micro finance bank, Ogba branch.

He said Rita Kpaakpa and Kelechi Amadi, who were at the time, employees of the bank, conspired to obtain the sum of N1.5million from one Mr Omotayo Afolabi, under the pretext facilitating his transactions.

He said the duo, on the same date forged the signature of one Mr Vincent Akabueze, on a guarantors form for a loan request of one Nosiru Bamidele.

“The accused obtained the total sum of N1.5millon, from one Mr Omotayo Afolabi, under the pretext of securing the money as a processing fee.

“They also filled a guarantors’ form on behalf of one Nosiru Bamidele and unlawfully used Mr Vincent Akabueze as the guarantor and forged his signature for a the loan request”, Adeola said.

The prosecutor said that Amadi and Kpaapka on Nov. 14 2011, again allegedly forged the signature of one Mr Femi Awoyinka on another guarantor’s form for a loan request of Lawrence Amechi.

Adeola said the offences contravened the provisions of sections 285, 363 and 409 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Magistrate P.A Ojo granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each and two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case to March. 8 for further hearing. (NAN)