EVANS BAGS SEVEN YEARS JAIL TERM FOR FORGERY

One of the counts reads: “That you, Okunrobo Osarenren, on or about the 24th day of August, 2009 in Lagos, within the Lagos Judicial Division, knowingly forged the National Population Commission of Nigeria Certificate of Birth No. 0273682 dated Friday 24th August, 2009 in the name of Okunrobo David and purported same to have been issued by the National Population Commission of Nigeria.”

Penpushing further reports that, the commission spokesman said the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him by the prosecution, thereby leading to his trial, adding that during trial, the prosecution counsel, Ufoma Franlin, called four witnesses and tendered several documents that were admitted in evidence by the court.

The Commission image maker said at the resumed hearing on Wednesday, the prosecution counsel urged the court to impose maximum sentence on the convict on the grounds that the defendant had wasted the time of the court.

Penpushing also reports that, Uwujaren said counsel to the defendant prayed the court to “temper Justice with mercy”, adding that my client is a first-time offender and has a wife and children to cater for.”

Meanwhile, Justice Mojisola Dada in her judgment said the prosecution had clearly proved its case beyond reasonable doubt with absolute diligence, therefore, convicted and sentenced Evans to seven years imprisonment on each count, while the sentences are to run concurrently.