Microfinance Bank Employee Arraigned In Lagos Over Alleged Forgery

A 37-year-old employee of a microfinance bank, Henry Nwoko, was on Friday arraigned before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over the alleged forgery of a letter of non-indebtedness.

Nwoko is facing a two-count charge bordering on forgery and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP Simon Njue, told the court that the alleged offences were committed in February at Advance Microfinance Bank, located along Egbeda-Idimu Road, Lagos.

According to the prosecutor, Nwoko allegedly forged and issued a letter of non-indebtedness in the bank’s name to a client without the bank’s authorisation.

Njue further alleged that the defendant’s actions were capable of causing a breach of peace.

He said the alleged offences contravene Sections 365 and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Under the law, forgery attracts a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment, while conduct likely to cause a breach of peace carries a two-year jail term upon conviction.

Magistrate F.R. Ogunkoyode granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1.5 million with two responsible sureties.

The case was adjourned until August 11 for mention.