Man, 42, Sent To Prison For Forging Dead Brother’s Signature To Inherit Property
MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 42-year old man, Francis Okoye, has landed in trouble for allegedly conspiring alongside his accomplice, Orimison Esomojumi, 56, to forge his late brother’s signature in order to inherit his property in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that both Okoye and Esomojumi have been arrested and charged for conspiracy and forgery under the Criminal Laws of the State.
The incident happened at Sonubi Street off Alapere, Lagos.
According to Police sources, the late brother, Mike Okoye passed on and the family went to bury him. But Francis and his accomplice secretly went behind and perfected plans to inherit his property.
They reportedly forged his signature in order to take possession of all his properties but deceased immediate family reported the alleged forgery to the Commissioner of Police through a petition. And the Commissioner of Police ordered his Tactical team to investigate the matter.
Thus, the suspects were arrested and detained for investigation. It was during interrogation that the Police discovered that the deceased signature was forged by the suspects for the purpose of inheriting his property.
The Police found them culpable and subsequently charged them before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence, which attracts several years of imprisonment.
However, they pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned.
The prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since they pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that they actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Layinka, granted the defendants bail with sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment and the addresses of the sureties must be verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant were remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.
