The justice system took a stern turn as the Federal High Court in Akure, on a recent Monday, placed Prince Babalola Adebomi, heir apparent to the throne of Araromi-Ekiti within the confines of Ijero Local Government Area in Ekiti State, under arrest due to allegations of fabricating academic credentials.
Arraigned in the courtroom, Prince Adebomi is accused of doctoring a certificate from the University of Ibadan, purportedly to secure a position at the University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, dating back to 2008.
Alongside, he faces accusations of falsifying a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate for parallel ends.
The charge sheet, case number FHC/AK/16/2024:
“You, Babalola Babatunde, are alleged to have on approximately January 15, 2008, at the University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti, within the auspices of this Distinguished Court, forged and proclaimed a University of Ibadan result, recognizing its falsity but with the purpose that it would be seen and acted upon as legitimate by the University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti in order to gain employment therein, a violation deemed punishable under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
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And furthermore, it alleges that you, Babatunde, on the same date, presented a counterfeit National Youth Service Corps Certificate with the cognizance of its falsehood and with the intent that it be accepted as legitimate by the University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti to procure a job, an action subject to penalty under Section 12 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.”
In his initial plea, Babalola contended against the allegations. His legal counsel, Attah Paul, signaled to the court the filing of an application on notice and sought its deliberation.
Itunun Osobu, the prosecuting counsel, indicated a lapse in the review of the counterpoints posed by the defense’s counter-affidavit and voiced intentions to call upon a duo of witnesses to underpin the charges.
Pleading for his client’s conditional freedom, the defense attorney vouched for Babalola’s commitment to comply with judicial demands and nominated the accused’s junior brother, a businessman in Akure, Ondo State, as a guarantor, recommending the defendant maintain presence at the nearest police institution pending the subsequent court date.
In closing proceedings, Justice Owoeye mandated the detainment of Babalola Babatunde at the office managed by the Assistant Inspector General of Police and slated the session for continuation to Thursday, 23 May 2024.
