The Inspector General of Police has taken legal action against Benson Konbowei, the senator representing Bayelsa Central, in a forgery case outlined in suit CR/028/2023. The charges leveled against Senator Konbowei include the forgery of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate, allegedly violating sections 366, 156, and 158 of the Penal Code Act CAP 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. The potential consequences involve punishment under Section 364 of the same Act.
Senator Konbowei stands as the sole defendant in this legal matter, accused of forging a document titled ‘Certificate of Exemption’ with number 000256454, dated July 4, 2008. The police also allege that the senator utilized this fraudulent document to participate in elections and gain admission into academic programs.
The second count of the charges specifies that Senator Konbowei, in March 2014, fraudulently used the forged NYSC certificate to contest elections, winning seats in both the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in the 2015 election and the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District National Assembly election on February 25, 2023. Additionally, it is claimed that he submitted four copies of the same forged NYSC certificate to gain admission into the School of Postgraduate Studies at the Imo State University, Owerri.
The legal proceedings will determine the outcome of these serious allegations against Senator Konbowei, who maintains his innocence until proven guilty.
