By Bamidele Kolawole
The trial of the Oba-Elect of Araromi-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Prince Babalola Babatunde over alleged certificates forgery has begun on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Akure.
During the hearing, the complainant’s counsel, Blessing Eleng informed the court that she had received an application from the defendant’s counsel on Wednesday, requesting to transfer the case from the Federal High Court in Akure to the Federal High Court in Ekiti, citing territorial jurisdiction.
Eleng explained that the application was based on territorial jurisdiction and requested the court to adjourn the case to allow her to respond to the application on legal grounds.
The defendant’s lawyer, Olumide Ogidan, confirmed that he had filed a motion to transfer the case to the Ekiti Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, arguing that it was the most appropriate forum for the just determination of the case and would be more convenient for all parties involved.
He did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Prince Babalola is charged with two counts of forging certificates from the University of Ibadan and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Upon hearing the charges, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The charge sheet, with suit NO: FHC/AK/16/2024, reads: “That you, Babalola Babatunde, on or about January 15, 2008, at the University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did make and alter a forged University of Ibadan Result, which you knew to be false and with intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine by the University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, to offer you a job, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
“That you, Babalola Babatunde, on or about January 15, 2008, at the University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, did make and alter a forged National Youth Service Corps Certificate, which you knew to be false and with intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine by the University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, to offer you a job, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.”
Justice Alexander Owoeye adjourned the case until July 16, 2024, for further hearing on the issue of the transfer.
