The police have filed a four counts charge against a popular automobile businessman, Innocent Chukwuma, and his company Innoson Nigeria Limited for alleged N2.4b shipping fraud.

Other defendants in the charge filed at a Federal High Court in Lagos are: Charles Chukwu, Maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines ‘C’ and Anajekwu Sunny.

In the charge, the police alleged that the defendants conspired to commit the offence on October 10, 2013 at Apapa wharf.

The police also alleged that the defendants falsified shipping documents, which they deposited with Guaranty Trust Bank as collateral for N2.4b.

The shipping document was also said to have been falsely presented as genuine and with intent to defraud, in order to clear goods worth N2.4b.

When the case was mentioned on Monday, Mr. J.I. Ajakaiye announced appearance for the prosecution while Chief George Uwechue (SAN), Prof. C. Mbadugha and Mr. Olusola Abioye announced appearance for the defendants.

The prosecutor told the court that he had served the court processes on all the defendant’s counsels and they all accepted to have received the processes.

Following the agreement for an adjournment by all parties, the trial judge, Justice Saliu Saidu fixed November 25 for hearing on the matter. (Daily Trust)