Senator Konbowei Faces Arraignment for Alleged NYSC Certificate Forgery on March 26

Senator Benson Friday Konbowei, representing Bayelsa Central, is set to be arraigned on March 26, 2024, for alleged forgery of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Exemption Certificate.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice will prosecute the case before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Initially scheduled for February 12, the proceedings were postponed due to the absence of Senator Konbowei, who was reportedly medically indisposed.

The court accepted the medical report, but it was noted that the hospital name was missing. The judge ordered the hospital name to be provided, and the matter was adjourned to March 26 and 28 for arraignment and trial commencement.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has brought three charges against the senator, including criminal forgery of a document titled ‘Certificate of Exemption’ with number 000256454 and dated July 4, 2008.

The charges are in violation of sections 366, 156, and 158 of the Penal Code, Act CAP 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.

The case has seen its share of drama, with two different counsels claiming to represent the prosecution. The judge ultimately recognized the counsel from the AGF, citing the AGF as the Chief Law Officer of the land.

If found guilty, Senator Konbowei could face punishment under Section 364 of the same Act. The court has warned that if the prosecution does not bring their witnesses, the case may be struck out.

Stay tuned for more updates on this case as it unfolds.