The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, arraigned Mr. Collins Afuwah and Mr. Nwafor Oyi, both residents of Agidiase Quarters, Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Delta State, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and forgery.
The defendants, who were present in court, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case involves allegations regarding the use of certain medical documents purportedly issued by the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in connection with the release of Mr. Afuwah from custody at the Federal Correctional Centre in Ogwashi-Uku.
According to the prosecution, concerns were raised about the authenticity of the documents, leading to a request for verification by the Delta State Ministry of Justice. In response, UBTH reportedly stated that the documents did not originate from the hospital and that the signatory named on them was not a staff member.
Following further investigation, law enforcement authorities filed criminal charges under Charge No. FHC/B/140C/2024: Inspector-General of Police v. (1) Collins Afuwah (2) Nwafor Oyi.
The prosecution was represented by Barrister S.A. Ogala, while the defendants were represented by Barrister K.O. Obamoge (SAN) leading four other lawyers.
At the proceedings, the trial judge ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody pending the commencement of trial. The case has been adjourned to April 3, 2025.
The court granted bail to the defendants, setting it at N10 million each, with two sureties per defendant. The sureties must possess verifiable landed property within Benin City, and all details, including their residential addresses, bank information, and proof of property ownership, must be verified by the court registrar.
As of the time of this report, the defendants have not yet met their bail conditions and remain in custody.
