By Daniel Edu
On Wednesday, Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun ruled that five men arrested on charges of possessing fake foreign currencies and Indian hemp must remain in police custody until legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution is obtained.
The accused individuals – Francis Omwukei (26), Kingsley Ude (33), Umar Idris (37), Eyo (27), and Bright Ahamefula (26) – were presented before the Yaba Magistrates’ Court. They face a two-count charge of possessing Indian hemp and counterfeit foreign currencies, specifically Pounds Sterling and US dollars.
According to prosecutor Rita Momoh, the arrest occurred on August 9, 2023, at White Sand in Ijora, Lagos State. The defendants were apprehended for publicly displaying substances suspected to be Indian hemp, an act that could incite a breach of peace.
The charges against them cite Sections 329 and 442 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria as the basis for their alleged offenses. The charge sheet reads, in part, “On August 9, 2023, at White Sand, Ijora, Lagos State Magisterial District, you, Francis Omwukei, Kingsley Ude, Umar Idris, Eyo, and Bright Ahamefula, did unlawfully possess leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and two bags containing counterfeit US Dollar currency and Pounds Sterling currency, thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 329 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”
The defendants have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges brought against them. The court proceedings reflect the ongoing legal proceedings against the accused individuals.
