Alleged Forgery: Bayelsa Senator Remanded in Prison by FCT Court

Justice Christopher Oba of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja, has ordered the remand of serving Senator Benson Konbowei from Bayelsa Central in Kuje Correctional Centre. The senator faces a trial by the police on three-count charges related to the forgery of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate.

Senator Konbowei was arraigned before the court on March 26, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. Despite his plea, the court granted him bail set at N50 million but ruled for his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.

The charges, marked CR/028/2023, accuse the Senator of forging a document titled ‘Certificate of Exemption,’ bearing number 000256454 and dated July 4, 2008. According to the Inspector General of Police, Konbowei’s actions contravene Sections 366, 156, and 158 of the Penal Code Act CAP 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, rendering him liable to punishment under Section 364 of the same Act.

During his arraignment, Senator Konbowei maintained his innocence. The court granted him temporary freedom and scheduled the hearing for his bail application on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

After considering arguments from both sides, the court granted Senator Konbowei bail in the sum of N50 million, with two sureties required to own landed properties with Certificates of Occupancy in the Federal Capital Territory. Despite the bail grant, the court ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.

The case has been adjourned until June 24, 25, and 27 for further hearing.