Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offences Court, on Tuesday, told John Abebe, brother to late former first lady, Stella Obasanjo, that he had a case to answer over an alleged forgery of some portions of an oil contract document.

Abebe had earlier made a no-case submission shortly after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) closed its case against him.

However, in a fresh ruling on Tuesday, the judge said the evidence presented by the EFCC established a prima-facie case against Abebe.

“The no-case submission is hereby dismissed, and the defendant is hereby called upon to open his case,” Dada ruled.

Defence counsel had argued that no original copy of the allegedly forged document was produced in court to back up what prosecution witnesses testified in court.

Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, in response said that evidence adduced by the prosecution had not been discredited.

Abebe had in 2018 pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge of forgery, fabricating evidence, using fabricated evidence and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

Dada later adjourned the case until June 11 for defence.

 

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