A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Senator Benson Konbowei at the Kuje Correctional Centre. This decision, issued by Justice Christopher Oba, stems from a case involving the alleged forgery of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate by the lawmaker representing Bayelsa Central in the National Assembly.
Senator Konbowei was arraigned before the court on March 26 and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Despite being granted N50 million bail, the court ruled that he should be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The charge against Konbowei, marked CR/028/2023, accuses him of fraudulently forging a document titled ‘Certificate of Exemption’ dated July 4, 2008. The police allege that the Senator violated Sections 366, 156, and 158 of the Penal Code Act CAP 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, which carries punishment under Section 364 of the same Act.
During his arraignment, the Senator maintained his plea of not guilty. The court granted him bail with two sureties in like sum, stipulating that the sureties must possess landed properties with Certificates of Occupancy in the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice Oba emphasized that bail is at the discretion of the court, noting that the offense is not a capital one. The court adjourned the matter till June 24, 25, and 27 for further hearing.