Eight traders from Lagos Island’s Idumota Market have been re-arraigned before a Lagos State High Court over allegations involving conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and the submission of false information.
The defendants appeared before the court following an amended charge accusing them of allegedly producing and using fraudulent documents connected to the Association of Progressive Traders (APT), Idumota.
According to the prosecution, the accused individuals allegedly collaborated to create unauthorized documents related to the association at its trade complex in Lagos. They were further accused of preparing a forged resolution intended to mislead and defraud members of the association and the general public.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendants unlawfully altered the association’s certificate of incorporation by changing the list of trustees. In addition, they were accused of making false declarations before a Notary Public by presenting an individual as a legitimately elected trustee of the association.
The charges further claimed that some of the defendants falsely represented themselves as the association’s chairman and secretary despite not being duly elected into those positions.
Prosecutors maintained that the accused knowingly relied on the altered incorporation documents as authentic records with the intention of having them accepted as genuine by members of the public.
The alleged offences are said to violate several provisions of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State.
All eight defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court. Their legal representatives requested that the court allow them to remain on the existing bail conditions previously granted, a request that was approved.
The trial commenced immediately after the arraignment, with the prosecution presenting its first witness. Following the witness’s testimony, the defence sought additional time to prepare for cross-examination.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 21, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.
