Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has been docked before Justice O. Abike-Fadipe of Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja for alleged forgery.
Fani-Kayode was charged before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge bordering on fraudulent use of false documents.
According to the prosecution, Femi Fani-Kayode on October 11, 2021, in Lagos fraudulent representation procured one Dr Ogieva Oziegbe to execute a document titled: “MEDICAL REPORT ON Olufemi Fani Kayode 60 YEARS/MALE/HOSP. NO.00345” and purported same to have been issued by Kubwa General Hospital.
EFCC noted that procuring and execution of documents by false pretence is contrary to section 369 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
At the resume of the proceedings, EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo urged the court to take the plea of the defendant over the allegation.
However, Fani-Kayode Counsel, Mr Wale Balogun opposed the prayer, noting that the defence team has filed an application to challenge the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.
Mr Oyedepo in his response urged the court to dismiss the application on the grounds that it’s an attempt to frustrate the trial because the defendant was charged with Lagos law and it can only be heard in Lagos jurisdiction.
He emphasizes that the Administration of Criminal Justice has addressed various antics about frivolous applications meant to delay the wheel of justice not to succeed to frustrate the trial.
In a counter-reaction, Mr Balogun told the court that the various authorities cited by the prosecution to back up his claims are wrongly interpreted.
He noted that the application is not to challenge the validity of the charge information but the jurisdictions to preside over the matter because everything concerning the charges happens in Abuja.
Fani-Kayode Counsel urged the court to entertain the application and rule on it before the plea can be taken.
After the submission of the counsel, Justice Abike-Fadipe adjourned till December 17, 2021 for ruling on the application.
