The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service on Monday arraigned one Garba Kasimu, 71, before a Zaria Chief Magistrate Court, for alleged forgery of vehicle documents and driver’s licences.

Kasimu, of No 214 Kaura, Zaria City, Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was brought before Chief Magistrate Umar Bature on two count charges of criminal conspiracy and forgery.

The Prosecuting Counsel, Insp. Sarki Abdullahi, told the court that the accused conspired with four others — Hussaini, kayoed, Kabiru and Ali — who were at large, and illegally forged vehicle documents and licences for motorists in Zaria.

Abdullahi said that the offence contravened sections 96 and 362 of the Penal Code Laws of Kaduna State, 1991.

He said that the criminal act was reported to the Zaria City Police Division on Jan. 18 by Yakubu Usman and Samir Tukur, both of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, Zaria licencing Office.

“That you, Garba Kasimu, have been illegally printing fake vehicles particulars, including drivers’ licences and issuing same to drivers in exchange for money.

“That on receiving the information, they decided to investigate by pretending to be drivers in need of vehicle documents and you, Kasimu, particularly printed and issued fake documents to Samir Tukur and collected money from him.

“You were also found with a fake licence and other vehicle documents at Gaskiya in Zaria, and during questioning, you admitted to have committed the crime along with Hussaini, kayoed, Kabiru and Ali, who are at large.

“You have, therefore, committed an offence of criminal conspiracy and forgery under sections 96 and 362 of the Penal Code Laws of Kaduna State 1991, “Abdullahi said.

Kasimu, however, pleaded not guilty, while his counsel, Audu Ladan, appealed for his bail.

Bature denied the defence counsel’s application for bail on grounds that count two was not a bailable offence.

The Chief Magistrate then adjourned the case to Feb. 10 for commencement of trial.

(NAN)