A man identified as Ajari Oghenekewe was on Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court, sitting in Osogbo, for allegedly presenting his death certificate to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to escape justice.
EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Muritala Usman, told the court that the defendant on February 17, 2020, sent a false death certificate to make the commission believe that he is dead when he was under investigation for alleged fraud.
He noted that the defendant was granted administrative bail, but refused to report to the commission for further questioning, claiming that he is dead.
“He presented fake death certificate through one Iyekute Felix to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibadan Zonal office.
“He had forged a Mikano International Limited Identity Card in the name of one Emefiele Smart and presented it to the staff of Fidelity Bank, Ile-Ife, attempting to obtain money under false pretense by presenting himself as Emefiele Smart,” Usman said.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the three count-charge of fraud, forgery, and cybercrime preferred against him by the EFCC.
His Counsel, M. O. Benson, urged the court to grant him (Oghenekewe) bail, promising that he would stand his trial.
Justice Emmanuel Ayoola directed the counsel to file a formal bail application and ordered that the defendant be allowed to continue the EFCC bail.
Justice Ayoola adjourned the matter to November 18 for ruling on the bail application.
