The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concluded its case on Thursday, November 30, 2023, against Mark Obisesan, Olumide Mcintouch, Bolaji Bakare, and Goodluck Bazunu. These individuals were re-arraigned on February 16, 2023, before Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court on amended 11-count charges related to the alleged purchase of forged United States dollar Travellers Cheques. The charges include receiving and possessing forged United States dollar Travellers Cheque number GA908-981-564 and conspiring to purchase, receive, and possess forged United States Travellers Cheques.
Prosecution Witnesses: Testimony of Ayotunde Solademi (PW2)
During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by N.K. Ukoha, presented two crucial witnesses. Ayotunde Solademi, a Foreign Service National Investigator with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bamaiyi Mairiga, a forensic expert with the EFCC‘s Forensic Department, testified against the defendants.
Solademi, as the second prosecution witness, detailed the FBI’s role in investigating the alleged fraud. He explained that in January 2020, the EFCC requested the FBI’s assistance in verifying the genuineness of eleven Travellers Cheques. The American Express Traveller’s Cheque Authentication Centre confirmed that all eleven cheques were not genuine. Solademi identified exhibits P2 and P3 as the letter of investigation activities from the EFCC and the FBI’s response, confirming the fraudulent nature of the cheques.
Cross-Examination and Clarifications: Testimony of Bamaiyi Mairiga (PW3)
During cross-examination by defense counsels, Solademi clarified that he was not a forensic analyst and that the American Express Traveller’s Cheque Authentication Centre conducted the analysis. He reiterated that the response was forwarded to the EFCC as requested.
Mairiga, the third prosecution witness, informed the court about the forensic analysis conducted on the documents. In 2020, the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Command requested a forensic analysis of ten American Express Traveller’s cheques and one Mastercard $100 Cheque. Mairiga revealed that all ten Traveller’s cheques were counterfeits, while only the MasterCard $100 Traveller’s Cheque was genuine. Exhibits P1 and the response from the Forensic Laboratory were presented, emphasizing the universal process of forensically analyzing documents.
Prosecution’s Closing Statement: Implications of Forensic Analysis
After presenting the witnesses, N.K. Ukoha announced the closure of the prosecution’s case. Justice Ijelu then adjourned the case until January 18, 2024.
The forensic analysis results play a pivotal role in establishing the alleged fraudulent activities of the defendants. The confirmation by both the FBI and the EFCC‘s Forensic Department strengthens the prosecution’s case, providing concrete evidence of the counterfeit nature of the Travellers Cheques in question.
EFCC Legal Defense Strategies: Future Court Proceedings
The defense’s cross-examination focused on clarifying the roles of the witnesses and highlighting the reliance on external agencies for the forensic analysis. This suggests a potential defense strategy centered around questioning the credibility of the forensic analysis and emphasizing procedural aspects in the investigation.
The case is set to resume on January 18, 2024. The adjournment allows both the prosecution and defense to prepare their cases further, shaping the narrative for the remaining proceedings. The coming court dates will likely delve into the defense’s presentation of evidence and arguments to counter the prosecution’s case.
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