Operatives of Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID), Alagbon, Lagos State, yesterday re-arraigned eight traders from the popular Idumota Market in Lagos Island before the Igbosere High Court over alleged conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and giving false information to security agencies.
   
The eight, re-arraigned before Justice Serifat Sonaike, are Mr Basil Odinamba, Mr Christian Okosa, Mr Sunday Nwankwo, Jacob Ogbu, Tochukwu Okoye, Mr Cyril Chinwendu Okafor, Mr Cyril Uzodinma Okafor, and Akas Nicholas Ogu.
   
In an amended charge marked LD/26586C/2025, the prosecutor, Morufu Animashaun, told the court that all the defendants conspired among themselves to create and use false documents relating to the affairs of the Association of Progressive Traders (APT) in Idumota.
   
Animashaun alleged that on August 2, 2023, at the APT International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, the defendants conspired among themselves and others still at large to commit a felony by making false documents without lawful authority.
  
The charge further stated that the accused persons allegedly prepared a false resolution dated August 2, 2023, with the intent to defraud members of the association and the public.

They were also accused of forging the APT’s certificate of incorporation and altering the same to replace some trustees.
   
The defendants were also accused of making false statements and declarations before a Notary Public on February 8, 2024, by falsely representing one Ruth Idowu as a duly elected trustee of the association.
   
Among others, the prosecutor further alleged that the defendants falsely presented themselves as the APT chairman and secretary even though they were not validly elected into those positions.
   
According to the prosecutor, the alleged offences are contrary to sections 411, 370, 365, 370(a)(b), 380 and 115 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State 2015, and punishable under section 370 of the same law.
   
However, all the defendants denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the amended charge when read to them. Their lawyers, led by Ibrahim Bawa (SAN), prayed the court to allow their clients enjoy the bail earlier granted them, and this was granted.
   
Meanwhile, following their not guilty plea, their trial commenced immediately, with the prosecutor calling his first witness in the matter.
   
Upon conclusion of the witness’ statement, the defence team asked for an adjournment to cross-examine the witness. Consequently, the court adjourned to September 21, 2026, for the cross-examination of the witness and continuation of trial proceedings.