Sikiru M. Jimoh
27 August 2007
Abuja — Seven persons were last Friday arraigned before an Abuja Magistrates' Court for allegedly impersonating distance learning students of the University of Abuja.
Ime Lawrence (m), Augusta Ibeh (f), Chibuzor Udeami (f), Nwabuisi Joshua (m), Moses Nnadi (m), Linus Israel (m) and James Ugwu (m) were accused of allegedly forging UniAbuja identity cards and other documents to write the distant learning examination for the rightful candidates.
The prosecutor, Abu Opanachi, told the court that at about 10.30am on August 8 when the 400 level examination of the Distant Learning Centre, Kado Estate, of the university was being written, one Martins Sani of the Assistant Security Office of the University of Abuja caught Ime Lawrence, Augusta Ibe, Chibuzor Udeami, Nwabuisi Joshua, Moses Nnadi, Linus Israel and James Ugwu in the examination hall writing for students.
"During police investigations, it was discovered that the seven accused persons confessed to have impersonated other persons," the prosecutor told the court.
Only one of the accused pleaded guilty and the rest six denied the charges.
Augusta Ibeh pleaded guilty to cheating, impersonation and denied forging any identity card.
The presiding magistrate, David Ochimana, cautioned Augusta to be of good behaviour for the next one year and set her free.
"I am particularly moved by the fact that the accused person is remorseful and in view of the fact that penal measures of the criminal procedure code are primarily intended for corrective purposes, I do not think such a purpose will be further saved by imposing any sentence," the magistrate said.
The six accused persons who pleaded not guilty were granted bail in the sum N50, 000.00 and one surety in like sum.
"Each of the sureties must affix their passport sized photographs on the bail application forms and must be residents within the jurisdiction of the court," the magistrate ordered.
The case was adjourned until September 17, 2007 for hearing.
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