A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday admitted the finger signature impression of a witness Chief Karina Ikata in the ongoing trial of Chief Paul Ozigbu for alleged N10bn property fraud
Justice Donatus Okorowo admitted also a Power of attorney presented to the court by the witness and Ozigbu Engineering Board resolution 2021 in the continuous of the trial.
The judge however over ruled the prayer of the prosecution counsel to send the finger signature for forensic analysis in order to have an expert opinion comparing the finger signature with the signature on the power of attorney.
Justice Okorowo ruled that the court has power to compare finger signature impression with the signature in the power of attorney.
Lead in evidence by defence counsel C.Menjikiti the witness, Chief Akata had told the court that late Nze Ike Ozigbu whose property is in centre of the dispute between the defendant and his three other siblings, that his uncle the decease was his confidant.
He claimed that when the forgery case was reported at the police station ,he was not invited and did not make any statement in regards to the power of attorney late Ozigbu gave him.
He said that one of the properties listed in the power of attorney is number 16 Aba – Port Harcourt Express high way but under cross examination by the prosecution counsel Dr.Joseph Nwadike, the witness said it is an address of a company.
Under further cross examination the witness said that late Ozigbu gave him the power of attorney on the property and he signed it. That the late chief Ozigbu invited him to his house where he signed the document after studying it.
But counsel doubted the signature and the document and applied under section 101 sub sections (1) and (2)of the evidence Act for the witness’ finger signature to be sent for forensic analysis. The prayer was refused and the finger signature was admitted and marked as exhibit E.
Still under cross examination the witness Chief Akata said that he hailed from same village with late Chief Ozigbu who had four children as follows in seniority: Paul Ozigbu, Peter Ozigbu,Mrs Stella Oga and Uche Ozigbu.
The defendant, Paul Ozigbu also yesterday began his testimony as he claimed he did not forged Ozigbu Engineering Company documents nor the signature of Hon Dr Ifeyinwa.
He said that Ozigbu Engineering Company Board resolution 2021 that made his wife Mrs Ngozi Ozigbu and son directors of the company was not registered with the CAC.
The trial continues on Tuesday, May 16.2023.