The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned Emmanuel Sanikpege for allegedly forging a document that he used as a surety for a suspect, Umor Bright.

The EFCC made this announcement through its official social media channels on Tuesday, revealing that Sanikpege was arraigned before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on October 31, 2023.

Sanikpege faced a two-count charge relating to forgery, as he was accused of “forging a letter of attestation and presenting himself as a surety to bail one Umor Bright, a suspect under investigation by the EFCC.”

According to the commission, this offense is in violation of Section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act (CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and is punishable under Section 1(2) of the same act.

One of the charges against Sanikpege read in part: “That you Emmanuel Sanikpege on or about the 22nd day of August, 2022, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make a forged document, to wit: LETTER OF ATTESTATION RE: Emanuel Sanikpege purportedly from Government Senior Secondary School, Oyigbo, Rivers State, a document which you knew was forged; with intent that the document be acted upon by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as original and genuine; and thereby committed an offence.”

Sanikpege pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. His legal counsel, T. Musa, also requested that the court grant bail to the defendant to allow him to prepare for his trial.

Justice P. I. Ajoku granted the defendant bail in the amount of N1 million and required two sureties, each posting an equal sum, who must be civil servants on grade level 12 or above.

Additionally, the sureties must possess landed property in Port Harcourt with certificates of occupancy to be deposited with the court.

The case has been adjourned until March 12, 2024, to initiate the trial proceedings.