Police Re-arraign Traders Over Alleged Forgery, Impersonation

Police have re-arraigned eight traders at the Idumota Market, Lagos, before the State High Court in Igbosere over allegations of conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and providing false information to security personnel.

The defendants, Basil Odinamba, Christian Okosa, Sunday Nwanko, Jacob Ogbu, Tochukwu Okoye, Cyril Okafor and Akas Ogu, were re-arraigned before Justice Serifat Sonaike by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Force CID.

The prosecutor, Morufu Animashaun, informed the court that the defendants conspired to produce false documents related to the Association of Progressive Traders, Idumota, and forged a resolution and the association’s certificate of incorporation.

Animashaun also claimed that the defendants altered the trustees’ details and submitted false declarations naming one Ruth Idowu as a trustee, all with the intent to deceive.

He also alleged that the defendants impersonated the association’s Chairman and Secretary without valid elections and knowingly presented altered documents as genuine.

The prosecutor maintained that the defendants committed offences under sections 411, 370, 365, 370(a)(b), 380, and 115 of the Lagos State Criminal Code, which carry sanctions under section 370.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, Ibrahim Bawa (SAN), urged the court to allow his clients to continue enjoying the bail previously granted by the judge.

Justice Sonaike granted the request and then adjourned the case to 21 September 2026.