Lawyer Docked for issuing dud cheque

The police today arraigned one Bernard Afu before a federal High Court for allegedly issuing a N6 million cheque to one Hajia U. Garba on June 7, 2010 that was dishonoured by the bank.

Mr. Afu was also charged with criminal breach of trust for allegedly collecting N31.5 million on behalf of Hajia U. Garba for her property and converting the sum of N11.5 million out of the said amount for his personal use, which contravened section 309 of the penal code.

The accused denied the three-count charge and subsequently pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him in court. The police prosecutor, Simeon Lough, said the police  are prepared to pursue the case, as the court set April 26 for  hearing and commencement of trial.

However, the accused person’s lawyer appealed to the judge to consider his client’s bail, before fixing a trial date. 

After listening to both counsels, Justice Ugochukwu Ogakwu, asked the prosecutor if he was objecting the bail and he said no.

The judge then granted the accused bail in the sum of N10 million, along with two passport photographs of the guarantor, which should be deposited in the court.

The case was then adjourned to April 26.