EFCC Tenders Fresh Documentary Evidence in $6.5 Million Forgery Trial Against Lawyer
EFCC Tenders Fresh Documentary Evidence in $6.5 Million Forgery Trial Against Lawyer
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has presented additional documentary evidence before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja in the ongoing trial of lawyer Olasubomi Osinusi, who is facing charges linked to an alleged $6.5 million forge
ry case.
Osinusi is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony and fabrication of evidence. At the resumed proceedings, the EFCC’s first prosecution witness, Assistant Commissioner of Police and investigator Umar Babangida, continued his testimony before Justice Mojisola Dada.
The witness told the court that during investigations, the defendant admitted receiving emails in November 2015 containing documents allegedly connected to the case. According to him, the materials included a sworn statement and a “To Whom It May Concern” letter prepared on the letterhead of Osinusi’s law firm and bearing his signature and official seal.
Babangida further testified that the defendant acknowledged receiving correspondence related to legal proceedings involving the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) before a United Kingdom court. He said the documents claimed that an individual identified as Dan Jafaru Mohammed, also known as Samuel Taidi, had signed relevant documents and that the Federal Government had approved the use of both identities.
The prosecution tendered the emails and related documents as evidence, but defence counsel objected, arguing that the requirements of the Police Act and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State had not been fully complied with. The prosecution maintained that the documents were voluntarily submitted by the defendant and did not constitute extra-judicial statements.
Justice Dada dismissed the defence’s objection, ruling that the documents were voluntarily produced during the investigation and were therefore admissible. The court subsequently admitted them as exhibits.
The EFCC investigator also informed the court that the commission sought verification from the CBN regarding the disputed documents. According to him, the apex bank responded that it had no record of receiving the documents, that the official seal attached to them did not match its authentic seal, and that the records were absent from its official register.
Babangida further testified that the EFCC contacted the Nigerian Army to verify claims regarding the identity and military service of Dan Jafaru Mohammed. He said the Army confirmed there was no serving or retired officer bearing that name, although it verified the existence of Brigadier General Samuel Taidi, who never used the name Mohammed Jafaru during or after his military career.
The prosecution also tendered certified correspondence exchanged with both the CBN and the Nigerian Army, which the court admitted without objection from the defence.
Following the proceedings, Justice Dada adjourned the matter for the continuation of the trial.
