- Prosecutor ASP Rita Momah stated alleged crimes occurred on August 9 in White Sand area of Ijora, Lagos State
- Defendants reportedly gathered under Ijora Bridge, publicly exhibited bags containing fake dollars and pounds, along with Cannabis Sativa (hemp)
Five men stood before the Sabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Wednesday, facing allegations of possessing and exhibiting two bags of counterfeit U.S. dollars and British pounds.
The accused individuals are Francis Omwukei, aged 26; Kingsley Ude, aged 33; Umar Idris, aged 37; Andrew Eyo, aged 27; and Bright Ahamefula, aged 26.
Without disclosing their addresses, the men entered pleas of not guilty to a three-fold indictment of conspiracy, possession of fraudulent foreign currency, and disturbing public tranquility.
ASP Rita Momah, the prosecutor, informed the court that the purported offenses took place on August 9 within the White Sand locality of Ijora, Lagos State.
Momah alleged that the defendants convened beneath the Ijora Bridge and openly exhibited two bags filled with counterfeit dollars and pounds. Furthermore, she claimed that they showcased Cannabis Sativa (commonly known as hemp).
These purported acts are in violation of sections 168, 329, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In response, Chief Magistrate Adeola Olatubosun ordered the remand of the accused for seven days, pending counsel from the state director of public prosecutions.
The case was adjourned to August 23 for further proceedings.