The Police in Ebonyi on Tuesday, arraigned a 33-year-old man, Ugwumba Oje, before an Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court over alleged impersonation, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence.

Oje, who is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, impersonation, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mrs Lilian Anya, Principal State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, told the court that the defendant committed the offences between March and October in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.

“The defendant also committed the offences in other parts of Abakaliki Magisterial District,’’ Anya told the court.

She alleged that Oje conspired with others still at large to commit felonies, including impersonation, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence.

Anya said the offences contravened Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ebonyi, 2009.

She alleged that the defendant falsely presented himself as a legal practitioner by appearing in a wig, gown and bib, knowing that he was not qualified to practise law.

Anya said the offence was punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ebonyi, 2009.

She further alleged that the defendant forged Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) and Master of Law (LL.M.) degree certificates, a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal and court documents.

“The defendant also obtained N650,000 from David Onu under the pretence of registering a street name and constructing a road to his compound,’’ Anya said.

According to her, the money was obtained through false representation, an offence punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ebonyi, 2009.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Sunday Eleke, applied for bail for his client, assuring the court that the defendant would not jump bail.

Eleke said the defendant had a constitutional right to bail as he was presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Hosea Akata, however, noted that bail was not a constitutional right.

Akata adjourned the matter until Nov. 5 for ruling on the bail application.