A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday fixed May 18 for continuation of trial of Prof. Joseph Mba, charged with forgery and perjury.
Justice Saliu Saidu adjourned the case following an application for adjournment by counsel to the accused, Mr E. I. Uko.
Uko had informed the court that he was yet to be served with the proof of evidence by the prosecution, in order to get him prepared for trial.
He, therefore, prayed the court for further adjournment to enable him prepare for trial.
The prosecutor, Mr Effiong Asuquo, who did not object to the prayer for adjournment, said he would make the proof of evidence available to the defence counsel.
Justice Saidu consequently, fixed May 18 for trial.
The accused was arraigned on Feb. 11 by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) on a three-count charge and had pleaded not guilty.
The judge had then ordered the accused to be remanded in custody, pending his application for bail.
The accused was alleged to have forged documents in the name of the Institute of Strategic Management Nig. Ltd.
The prosecutor had told the court that the accused allegedly forged a Special Resolution of the Institute of Strategic Management Nig. Ltd dated June 11, 2012.
According to the prosecutor, the forgery is with the intention of changing the name of the institution to the Institute of Strategic Management Ltd. The document was alleged to have been signed by one Dr Austin Uwandulu to make it appear genuine.
Asuquo alleged that this was to prejudice the Institute of Strategic Management Nig. Ltd.
The accused was also said to have forged another Special Resolution of the Institute of Strategic Management Nig. Ltd, where he stated that one Samuel Ojo had been appointed secretary of the institution.
Mba was further alleged to have conspired with others at large to forge a Special Resolution of the institutes’ Extraordinary General Meeting.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 1(2)(c) and 3(1) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation, 2004.