The trial of a Lagos business man, Jonathan Odu Isikwei, alleged to have been in possession of multiple counterfeit negotiable instruments of some foreign financial institutions has been adjourned till 14 May, 2025.
The businessman was initially standing trial before Justice Idris Mohammed until he was elevated to the bench of the Court of Appeal.
Consequently, the case had to start afresh before the current Judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. So far, the prosecutor has called three witnesses.
In the 17 count second amended charge filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos by the EFCC Legal officer, it was alleged thus:
- That Jonathan Odu Isikwei on or about the 18th day of September, 2015 at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos did attempt to export without lawful authority 448 pieces of travelers cheques knowing same to be counterfeit.
- That Jonathan Odu Iskwei same time and place, had in his possession negotiable instrument of Postbank Frankfurt with registration numbers 29734, 29742, 29737, 29718.
- That the defendant same time at Murtala Mohammed International Airport had in his possession negotiable instrument of Gunnebo Canadian Inc. with registration numbers 152501, 152502, 152503, 152504, 152505 each in the value of three thousand five hundred Canadian Dollars knowing them to be counterfeit.
The defendant was also alleged to have been in possession of negotiable instrument of safe Federal Credit Union with registration numbers 799401, 799402, 799403, 799404, each in the value of 3,500 United State Dollars.
Other counterfeit negotiable instrument alleged to have been found in possession of the defendant are Royal Bank of Scotland negotiable instrument with registration numbers 034303 and 034339.