NYSC Certificate Forgery: Court Remands Senator Kombowei In Prison
Senator Benson Konbowei, representing Bayelsa Central under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been remanded in prison by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja.
The development stems from a suit initiated by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), bearing file number CR/028/2023. Senator Konbowei faces a three-count charge of allegedly falsifying a document titled “Certificate of Exemption,” dated July 4, 2008, with the number 000256454.
Authorities claim that the senator contravened sections 366, 156, and 158 of the Penal Code Act, CAP 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. Additionally, section 364 of the law prescribes penalties for such offences.
During the arraignment on Tuesday before Justice Christopher Oba, Senator Konbowei pleaded not guilty. Following the plea, he was granted leave to depart the court, and his bail application hearing was deferred to Thursday.
At the subsequent hearing, the prosecution, represented by Rubben Egwaba, opposed Senator Konbowei’s bail application, citing concerns that he might interfere with the trial proceedings.
In response, Gordy Uche, the senator’s legal counsel, sought bail, assuring the court that his client would not abscond.
After deliberation, Justice Oba granted Senator Konbowei bail in the sum of N50 million, with two sureties each providing the same amount. The sureties must be landowners in the Federal Capital Territory with valid certificates of occupancy.
However, the judge ruled that the senator would remain in detention at the Kuje facility until the bail conditions were met.
Subsequently, the defence counsel orally requested the drafting of an undertaking requiring the senator’s appearance in court until his bail was perfected. Nevertheless, the judge declined the request.
The hearing has been adjourned to June 24, 25, and 27 for further proceedings.
Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding legal saga as it progresses through the judicial system.
