A Mapo Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday sentenced a 50-year-old woman, Bolanle Adeyemo, to one year in the correctional centre for possessing and forging a marriage certificate. The court's President, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, delivered the judgment after Bolanle pleaded guilty to the charges.
Court's Ruling and Sentence
In her ruling, Mrs Akintayo stated that the conviction and sentence were based on Bolanle's guilty plea and the evidence presented by the prosecution. She noted that the court exercised its discretion in sentencing, given Bolanle's admission of guilt. The court sentenced Bolanle to one year in the correctional centre for each of counts two and three, which relate to unlawful possession and forgery of the marriage certificate. However, the court offered an alternative of one month of community service for each count. The first count of conspiracy was discharged by the court.
Background: Divorce Suit and Forged Evidence
The case originated from a divorce suit filed by Bolanle's husband, Mr Adeboye Adeyemo, 55, on March 26. Adeyemo sought to dissolve the marriage due to misunderstandings between the couple. In an attempt to save the marriage, Bolanle informed the court that she had a valid marriage with Adeyemo and argued that it should not be dissolved. To substantiate her claim, she tendered a forged marriage certificate, which Adeyemo opposed.
Following the dispute, the court ordered the police to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the certificate.
Prosecution's Case and Investigation
Earlier, the prosecutor, Inspector Ayodele Ayeni, told the court that the crime was committed at about 9:00 a.m. at Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State. Ayeni explained that Bolanle presented the forged marriage certificate as evidence in the divorce suit filed against her by Adeyemo. Adeyemo challenged the admissibility of the exhibit, stating that no marriage certificate was issued to them on September 12, 1996.
The investigation revealed that the Ibadan North Local Government registry, which was named on the certificate, denied ever issuing a marriage certificate to Bolanle. The registry confirmed that the certificate in her possession was fake. The offences were said to contravene sections 516, 465, and 430 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State 2000.
The court's decision brings closure to the case, with Bolanle facing either imprisonment or community service, as per the judgment.
