Delta monarch, Ugoani of Okpanam charged by court in Asaba

A Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, yesterday, charged the traditional ruler (Ugoani) of Okpanam, in Oshimili North Local Government Council, Michael Ogbolu and one Wisdom Meddon for alleged forgery.

Recall that operatives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Abuja, had, in December 2021, arrested the monarch over a land dispute in a suit No FHC/ABS/168C/2022, between the Inspector General of Police (IGP), as complainant, and Dr. Mbanefo Michael Ogbolu, as well as Wisdom Meddon, as defendants

Reading the three-count charge before the defendants, the court said: “That you, Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu and Wisdom Meddon, on or about March 27, 2022, at Okpanam, Delta State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired to commit felony by forging a document, titled, ‘letter of instruction to survey, facilitate registration and fencing of the land, situated at Akwulor, Okpanam, measuring approximately 10.32 hectares.’

“Between the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Meddon Properties Nig. Ltd, and the Diokoas, as well as leaders of Okpanam Community, knowing same to be false, thereby, committed an offence contrary to Section 3(6) and punishable under Section 1(2)(C) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, LFN 2004.”

The defendants’ counsel, A.O Odum, in his submission, applied for bail after Ogbolu and Meddon pleaded not guilty to the charges.