A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned until May 22, the hearing in the case involving the Chairman of Innoson Motors Limited, Innocent Chukwuma, over an alleged falsification of shipping documents to clear goods valued at N2.4 billion.
The shipping documents were alleged to have been falsely presented to Guarantee Trust Bank as genuine and with intent to defraud, in order to clear goods worth N2.4 billion.
The Federal Government had filed four counts of forgery against Innoson Nig. Ltd and others including the Chairman of the company, Innocent Chukwuma, Charles Chukwu, Maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines ‘C’, and Sunny Anajekwu.
They were said to have conspired and committed the offence on October 10, 2013 at the Apapa Wharf.
However, when the case came up today (Tuesday), only one of the defendants, Maximian Chukwura was present in court.
The court then informed parties of a letter from counsel representing the third to sixth accused, Mr Macharty Ubadugha, requesting for an adjournment on the grounds that he was before an Appellate Court.
Following a request by the prosecutor, Mr. Julius Ajakaye, that he had not been served with the notice of appeal nor the motion for stay of proceedings, Counsel to Innosson Nig. Ltd, Mr. George Uwechue (SAN), informed the court that he would ensure the service of the notice of appeal as well as the motion on the prosecution.
Justice Ayokunle Faji consequently, adjourned the case until May 22, for determination of the pending motion on notice.
