Tunde Bakare
The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has re-arraigned one Barrister Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu on a 20-count charge bordering on forgery, possession of forged documents and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N15, 700, 000. 00 (Fifteen million, Seven hundred thousand Naira)
Nwobodo was initially arraigned on January 27, 2025 on a five-count charge before the same Court and he pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him, thereby setting the stage for his trial. He was granted bail based on self-cognizance.
During the course of trial, counsel to the EFCC, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Chikezie Raymond Edozie presented six witnesses and tendered several exhibits which were all admitted in evidence.
When the matter came up on April 23, 2026, the prosecution informed the Court about the amended charge before it which was read to the defendant and he pleaded not guilty, again. Thereafter, the prosecution closed its case and the matter was adjourned to April 30, 2026 for the defence to open its case.
Recall that on March 4, 2026 the Court issued strong warning against Nwobodo for constantly interfering with the prosecution witnesses by harassing and intimidating them within and outside the Court premises. The Court threatened to revoke his bail if such reports got to it.
Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo on or about the 15th day of January, 2014 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, forged a land purchase receipt in the sum of Nine million Naira (N9, 000,000.00) dated 15th day of January 2014 purportedly issued by one Onyekachi O. Nwocha and Christiana C. Nwocha, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the Miscellaneous Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.
Count seven of the charge reads: “That you, Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo on or about 25th day of April, 2014 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, did present a forged land purchase receipt in the sum of Five million, Five hundred Thousand Naira (N5, 500, 000. 00) to one Ude Chinedu Emmanuel purportedly issued by Onyekachukwu O. Nwocha and Christiana C. Nwocha and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.
The defendant, who announced appearance for himself, is expected to open his defence on Thursday, April 30, 2026.