The Nigeria Police have arraigned a 52-year-old man, Abiodun Ejigbadero before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly parading himself as a member of a chieftaincy family with an intent to be crowned as “Baale” of Alimosho town.
Ejigbadero, whose residential address was not provided, is facing a four-count charge bordering on forgery, perjury, and impersonation.
Police Prosecutor, ASP Rita Momah alleged the defendant forged a land document dated December 18, 1974, with the intent that it might be used or acted upon as genuine whether in Nigeria or anywhere to the prejudice of one, Olubunmi Olubimi’s family.
Momah told the Court that the defendant committed the alleged offences with others still at large sometimes in August 2022 at Alimosho, Lagos.
The prosecution submitted that the defendant allegedly made a false statement on oath in suit No.ID/966ILMW/2022 where he misrepresented himself as one Prince Ishola Akapo,
ASP Momah alleged the defendant fraudulently presented himself to the office of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alimosho LGA, as a member of the Olubunmi Chieftaincy family with an intent to be crowned a traditional ruler in Alimosho, a representation he knew to be false.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Olatubosun, granted the defendant, N1million bail with two sureties in like sum.
Olatubosun said the sureties must be gainfully employed and have evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravened Sections 85(1), 365(1) 380(1), and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The judge adjourned the case until July 24 for a hearing.