Konbowei Benson, the senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, has been arraigned before the FCT High Court in Abuja.
The charges brought against him border on the alleged forgery of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate.
Benson, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), faces a three-count charge including acting contrary to provisions of the Penal Code Act, forgery of the NYSC exemption certificate, and submitting the forged document to secure admission into the School of Postgraduate Studies of the Imo State University, Owerri.
The forgery allegations stemmed from a document titled “Certificate of Exemption” bearing number 000256454 and dated 4 July 2008, which the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accused Benson of falsifying.
Despite an earlier attempt to arraign him in February, citing ill health, Benson and his counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN), were present in court during the recent proceedings.
The charges leveled against the senator include violating various sections of the Penal Code Act, with potential punishment under Section 364 of the same Act.
Additionally, it is alleged that Benson fraudulently used the forged certificate to contest elections, and gain admission into the Imo State University’s School of Postgraduate Studies.
Benson pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the Justice Christopher Oba adjourned the trial to March 28, 2024.
