The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned one Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita before Justice I E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, on a nine-count charge bordering on forgery and uttering of documents.

The defendant is alleged to have forged and altered the signature of one Mrs Rose Orok Ita, in documents titled Resolutions filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

One of the counts reads: “That you, Dr. (Mrs.) Geraldine Orok Ita, “F” on or about the 6th day of November, 2014 in Calabar, within the jurisdiction of this court did make a document to wit; Ordinary Resolution of Sharpnet Concepts Limited by forging the signature of Mrs Rose Orok Ita on the said document purported to be signature of the said Mrs Rose Orok Ita, being a director/shareholder of the said company and with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine, a pretext which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M 17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2007.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her.

Based on her plea, the prosecution counsel, Esin Oto Ebipade asked the court to fix a date for trial.

However, counsel to the defendant, C.A.C Efifi, told the court that he has filed a bail application and prayed the court to grant bail to the defendant. He said the alleged offence were bailable and that the defendant will be available to face trial. EFCC counsel did not opposed the application but urged the court to ensure that the defendant was available to face her trial.

Justice Ekwo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2 million and a surety in like sum. The surety must be a responsible Nigerian, resident in Calabar and possess a Certificate of Occupancy. The defendant is not to travel abroad without the knowledge of the court.

The case was adjourned to 19, 20, 21 and 22 for trial.

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