Court acquits bizman, 3 others over forgery charge by EFCC

Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has discharged and acquitted a businessman, Mark Obisesan and three other persons charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for forgery.

Obisesan and his co-defendants, Olumide Mcintoush, Bolaji Bakare, and Goodluck Bazunu, have been standing trial before the court since 2019 following the allegations of possessing forged traveller’s cheques and conspiracy to purchase forged bank notes, brought against them by the EFCC.

All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegation as the matter suffered multiple delays and adjournments until today when they were eventually discharged by the court.

In his verdict, Justice Ijelu held that the EFCC was unable to prove the 11 count charges against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge also held that the EFCC failed to connect the defendants to the alleged offences of possession of forged traveller’s cheques and conspiracy to purchase forged bank notes.

He also criticised the EFCC’s investigation as “haphazard and woeful,” stating that the prosecution failed to prove its case against the defendants.

Following the verdict, Obisesan expressed relief and frustration, saying, “It’s sad that the EFCC chose to waste state resources on a case they knew had no merit. Such poorly investigated cases should not be taking the time of hardworking judges.”

Obisesan highlighted the personal and professional toll of the five-year legal ordeal, citing lost relationships and business opportunities.

He however expressed relief at finally being able to clear his name after half a decade of legal battles.