EFCC Arraigns Medical Doctor for Alleged Forgery in Calabar

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, arraigned Dr. Mrs Geraldine Orok Ita before Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross Rivers State on a nine- count charge bordering on forgery and uttering of documents.

The defendant is alleged to have forged and uttered the signature of Rose Orok Ita, in documents titled “Resolutions” filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

One of the counts reads; That you Dr. Mrs Geraldine Orok Ita on or about the 6th day of November, 2014 in Calabar, within the jurisdiction of this court did make a document to Ordinary Resolution of Sharpnet Concepts Limited by forging the signature of Rose Orok Ita on the said document with the intent that it may be acted upon as genuine, a pretext which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M 17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2007). The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her.

Based on her plea, the prosecution counsel, Esin Oto Ebipade asked the court to fix a date for trial. However, counsel for the defendant, C.A.C Efifi told the court that he has filed a bail application and prayed the court to grant bail to the defendant. He said the alleged offense were bailable and that the defendant will be available to face trial.

Justice Ekwo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2million and a surety in likesum. The surety must be a responsible Nigerian resident in Calabar and possess a C of O. The defendant also has been ordered not to travel abroad without the knowledge of the court.

The case was adjourned to 19, 20, 21 and 22 May for trial