EFCC Docks Femi Fani-Kayode for Alleged Forgery

Wale Igbintade

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday slammed fresh charges against a former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, for allegedly forging medical certificate to mislead the court.

He was charged before Justice Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on 12-count charge, which bordered on procurement of medical report from one Dr. Ogieva Oziegbe, with inventory number 00345 dated 11 October, 2021.

However, the matter could not go on due to the application challenging the jurisdiction of the court and ruling on the matter was subsequently adjourned to December 17, 2021.

Fani-Kayode was accused of procuring document under false pretence, contrary to the provision of Section 369 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

Specifically, the EFCC claimed that the former minister procured one Dr. Ogiewu Ozeigbe, to procure the fake medical report.

The medical report was purportedly issued at the Kubwa General Hospital in Abuja.

EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, at the proceeding urged the court to take the plea of the defendant over the allegation.

Oyedepo urged the court to dismiss the application on the grounds that it was an attempt to frustrate trial.

He reiterated that the stakeholders in the Ad-ministration of Criminal Justice have addressed various antics about frivolous applications meant to delay justice.

But, Mr. Wale Balogun, lawyer to Fani-kayode, had filed an application to challenge the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter in defence of his client.

Fani-Kayode’s counsel told the court that the various authorities cited by the prosecution counsel to back up his claims are wrongly interpreted.

Balogun noted that the application is not to challenge the validity of the charge information but the jurisdiction to preside over the matter.

Fani-Kayode’s counsel urged the court to entertain the application and rule on it before the plea can be taken.

According to the prosecution, “Femi Fani-Kayode on October 11, 2021 in Kubwa, Abuja, fraudulent connived with one Dr. Ogieva Oziegbe to execute a document titled: Medical Report on Femi Fani Kayode, 60 Years/Male/Hosp. NO.00345 and purported same to have been issued by Kubwa General Hospital.”

EFCC noted that procuring and execution of documents by false pretense is contrary to section 369 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

After entertaining the submission of the counsels, Justice Abike-Fadipe, reserved ruling till December 17, Friday to decide the application.