These are not the best of times for Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, founder of Innoson Group, maker of First Made In Nigeria Car. In a four count amended criminal charge number FHC/L/565/C/2015 filed before the court by Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Saidu Diri, it was alleged that, Innoson Nigeria Limited, Innocent Chukwuma, Charles Chukwu, maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines and Annajekwu Sunny between January, 2010 and April, 2011 at Apapa Wharf criminally conspired amongst themselves to wit, falsification of shipping documents which they deposited with Mitsui Osk Lines Lagos which was used as collateral for the purpose of clearance of raw materials polyinlchloride (PVC )for the production of roof ceiling and other imported items.
Mr. Saidu Diri alleged further that all the accused persons, same time and place did without lawful authority and with intent to defraud, altered the shipping clearance documents to the shipping line, Mitsui Osk Lines which was used as collateral for the purpose of obtaining a loan of N2.4billion from Guaranty Trust bank PLC for the purpose of clearing raw materials, polyvinylchloride for the production of roof ceiling and other imported items.
The accused persons were also alleged to have falsely and fraudulently represented as genuine, the altered shipping documents and presented same to Guaranty Trust bank Plc to obtain a loan of N2.4billion. All the offences alleged to have been committed by the accused persons are contrary to and punishable under sections 3(6),1(2)(C) of the miscellaneous offences Act Cap. M 17 Laws of the Federation, 2004.
Therefore, Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted leave to the Attorney General of the Federation to commence the prosecution of a business man, Innocent Chukwuma, his company Innoson Nigeria Limited and four others for the alleged forgery.
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