N2.4bn shipping fraud: Innosson Motors to face court November 25

Hearing in a N2.4 billion suit against Innosson Nig. Ltd, over allegedly falsification of shipping documents, has been fixed for November 25, 2016 by a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The accused persons include: Innosson Nig. Ltd, Innocent Chukwuma, Charles Chukwu, Maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines ‘C’ and Anajekwu Sunny.

When the case was called on Monday before Justice Saliu Saidu, on Monday, Mr. J. I. Ajakaiye announced appearance for the prosecution while Chief George Uwechue (SAN), Prof. C. Mbadugha, and Mr. Olusola Abioye announced appearance for the accused.

The prosecutor then informed the court that he had served the court processes on all defence counsels.

He added that he had served the first and second defence counsel on October 21 at about 4.18 pm, while the third to sixth defence counsels were just been served in court this morning.

In response, Uwechue, informed the court that he had received the processes but required adequate time to peruse and file a response.

Other counsels also aligned themselves with the submissions of Uwechue.

Based on the agreement of the counsels, Justice Saidu adjourned the suit to Nov. 25 for hearing.

Meanwhile, Uwechue has filed a motion, urging the court to recuse from the suit.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have conspired to commit the offence on October 10, 2013 at Apapa Wharf.

The prosecution alleged that the accused falsified shipping documents which they deposited with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc as collateral for the sum of N2.4 billion.

The loan facility was alleged to have been granted Innosson Nig. Ltd

The shipping document was also said to have been falsely presented as genuine and with intent to defraud, in order to clear goods worth N2.4 billion.

According to the charge, the offence contravened the provisions of sections 1(2) (c), and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous offence Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation 2004