An Abia State Magistrate’s Court, has convicted the immediate past Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uche Ogah, over forgery.
The court sitting in Umuahia, on Thursday ordered his arrest and committal to the nearest custodial centre in the state.
In suit no. UMSC/362/2022, the All Progressives Congress had brought a criminal complaint against Ogah that he did not participate in the governorship primary election of the party on May 26, 2022, but forged the party’s direct primary election result sheet “with the intent that it may be acted on as genuine.”
According to the complainant, the forgery perpetrated by Ogah was prejudicial to the party and its “authentic governorship flag bearer in Abia State, High Chief Ikechi Emenike.”
Delivering her judgment, the presiding magistrate, Ngozi Nwangwa, held that the defendant/respondent “is guilty as charged. I am convinced that the defendant has no defence.”
“I hereby commit Dr Uche Ogah for the offence as charged,” she added.
The magistrate ordered security agencies to arrest and keep him in the nearest custodial centre pending the day he would be brought to the court for sentencing.
Ogah had consistently been absent from the court.
