In a case that has captivated public attention and stirred up controversy, the Lagos State High Court has delivered a verdict that has shaken the foundations of justice. In a highly publicized trial, Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos High Court delivered an unexpected judgment by acquitting and discharging a businessman, Mark Obisesan, and three others from all forgery charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC).
The charges of possession of forged traveler’s cheques and conspiracy to purchase counterfeit bank notes had brought Obisesan and his co-accused, Olumide Mcintoush, Bolaji Bakare and Goodluck Bazunu, before the court in 2019. For years, the case has been marred by continuous postponements and repeated adjournments, leaving the accused in a state of constant limbo.
Finally, after a long and arduous legal battle, Justice Ijelu announced his decision to acquit them of all charges. In his verdict, the judge severely criticised the EFCC for failing to prove the eleven counts against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. He said the EFCC’s investigation was “hasty and woeful” and that the prosecution had failed to establish any link between the accused and the alleged offences.
The release of the accused was greeted with a mixture of relief and frustration. Mark Obisesan expressed dismay at the resources wasted by the EFCC on a case he considered baseless. He said the personal and professional consequences of the five-year legal battle had been devastating, resulting in the loss of relationships and business opportunities.
Nevertheless, Obisesan expressed immense relief at finally being able to clear his name after years of bitter struggle in court. This case raises questions about the thoroughness of the investigation and the quality of justice delivered, highlighting the need for reform of the legal system to ensure that justice is delivered fairly and transparently.