An Apapa Magistrates’ Court on Friday began the trial of two men, Paul Isaac Imo and Obodo Vincent for allegedly impersonating and forging visa documents.
Imo and Vincent are facing a three-count charge bothering on forgery, false pretence and fraud.
The prosecutor, Inspector Rachael Williams told the court that the defendants committed the offence on December 29, 2015 at about 8:15pm at Plot 3, Obabetinton Ashaye Crescent, Omole Estate, Ogudu, Ikeja.
Williams said, “The defendants conspired together to unlawfully forge visa document of Messrs Machuchun International Limited to travel to Republic of China without the consent of the company.
“The defendants also had the intention to defraud by false representation of document of Messrs Machuchun International Limited to China Embassy to procure visa.”
According to him, the offences are punishable under section 409, 361(a)(b) and 378 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.
During the cross-examination, the defence counsel, Slyvester Onyeama told the court that the complainant, Anthony Okpara used the names of his clients as guarantor to procure the visa.
Okpara told the court that the defendants were staff of the company.
Magistrate L.Y Balogun adjourned the case till May 30, 2018 for continuation of trial.