By  Akin Kuponiyi
A Nigerian based Lebanese  Rami El Masri, 42, alleged to have forged a letter of confirmation of being Nigerian Citizen , was today arraigned  before an Igbosere  Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos state south west Nigeria.

He was slammed with a  three count charge of,conspiracy,forgery and uttering a forge document.

The Police Prosecutor, Deputy Supretendent of Police Susan Ezema, told the court that Masri who owns two construction companies on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and others who are still at large committed the alleged offences  between 15 December  2008 and 19 November  2014.

She further alleged  that the defendant on 15 December 2008, at Oniru Street, in Apapa area of Lagos state forged a  letter of Confirmation of  Nigerian Citizenship with Ref: No MIA/NAT382/1 .

The letter dated same  day was used to falsely and fraudulently present  himself as a Nigerian citizen by birth.

Ezema also stated ‎that the defendant who presented himself as a Nigerian Citizen knew that it was false but wanted it to be acted upon as genuine in Nigeria.

The prosecutor further alleged that El Masri on November 19 2014, at police Special Fraud Unit, at 13 Milveton Road Ikoyi,  presented the alleged forged letter to one CSP Martin Nwogoh, as if it was a genuine document.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant presented the letter with the intention that it be acted upon as genuine in Nigeria.

The offences alleged to have been committed by the accused Lebanesse is punishable under Sections 363 (3), 363 (4) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. However, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Consequently Magistrate, Joy Ugbomiko (Mrs), granted him bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be gainfully employed and must be company directors or should have property any where in Lagos State.

The addresses of the sureties and their places of business must be verified by the prosecutor. The case was then adjourned  till June 16,2016 for mention.

The author, Akin Kuponiyi can be reached   at: [email protected]