Lawmaker arraigned for forging NYSC certificate

Federal lawmaker Senator Konbowei Benson representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District appeared in the FCT High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, March 26.

He was accused of fabricating a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate.

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benson faced three charges, including contravening provisions of the Penal Code Act, forging the NYSC exemption certificate, and using the falsified document to gain entry into the School of Postgraduate Studies at Imo State University, Owerri.

The legal action resulted from a forgery complaint filed by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, identified as suit CR/028/2023.

Benson, initially set for arraignment on February 12 but absent due to health issues, was represented by his counsel, Gordy Uche, SAN, who cited medical reasons and requested an adjournment, pledging the defendant’s presence at subsequent proceedings.

At the court session, both Benson and his counsel were in attendance.

The charges brought against Benson cite violations of sections 366, 156, and 158 of the Penal Code Act CAP 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, with potential penalties outlined in Section 364 of the Act.