Abuja – The police on Friday arraigned an ex-policeman, Salihu Umar, in a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court in Abuja for forgery.

Umar, 35, who resides at No. 57 Market Road, Nasarawa, Kaduna, was alleged to have conspired with others now at large to forge a re-instatement letter.

The suspect, standing trial on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and forgery, was alleged to have committed the act after he had been dismissed from Nigeria Police Force.

The prosecutor, Cpl Francis Tanko, informed the court that on Aug. 21, the Provost Marshall lodged a report with the Inspector-General of Police at Nigeria Police Headquarters, Abuja.

Tanko told the court that between May 2008 and March 2013, the accused was dismissed from the Police Service but he forged a re-instatement letter with Police ‘signals’ (directives from higher authority).

The prosecutor told the court that the accused conspired with others now at large to carry out the forgery which he claimed was authorised by the Provost Marshal’s Office.

Tanko also told the court that the forged letter showed that Umar and others were posted to various police formations.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened the provisions of sections 97 and 364 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, the accused may be sentenced to 14 years in jail, fine or both.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After the plea, the prosecutor prayed the court to grant him a date to open his case against the accused.

The Magistrate, Mr Anthony Ogboi, admitted him to bail in the sum of N500, 000 and a surety who must be a public servant not below Grade Level 13, in like sum.

Ogboi said the surety must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned the matter to July 25 for hearing.

– NAN