Guardian

A MEMBER of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Umunnoechi Constituency, Mr. Ikedi Ezekwesili, was on Monday arraigned before an Umuahia magistrate court for alleged impersonation, forgery and giving false information, among others.

He was alleged to have, prior to his election into the House in January 2011, falsely declared in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Form CF 001 to be a legal practitioner.

He was also alleged to have, on the same date, in a judicial proceeding in the High Court registry before the commissioner for oaths given false testimony. Among the charges is that Ezekwesili fraudulently mutilated/altered the INEC Form CF 001 during investigation by the police by inserting the word ‘business man’ instead of ‘legal practitioner’ as he earlier presented to the security agents.

The prosecution said these false claims/testimony were to enable him contest for the state assembly seat, adding that these acts are contrary to the relevant sections of the Criminal Code and punishable accordingly.

Besides, the lawmaker is being alleged to have fraudulently presented a Bachelor of Law certificate to INEC during investigation which bore the name of Eze Ikedichi and awarded with a 3rd Class degree instead of  a pass by the Abia State University.

Ezekwesili pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read out to him in the court presided over by Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Kalu.

His lawyers led by Chief Okey Amechi (SAN) applied for his bail on self-recognition on the condition that he is a serving legislator and will not jump bail.

The prosecution counsel, Mr. Sampson Onyemuche of the Nigeria Police Legal Unit who did not oppose the bail application on self-recognition, said “this is a criminal trial and we expect him to be given bail with a reasonable sum and surety.”

The magistrate granted the bail application on self-recognition and adjourned next hearing to July 17, 2013.