Aba Textile Mogul appears in court for Alleged Forgery & Threat to Life

In a significant development within the textile industry in Aba, Mr. Chibueze Ezeike, a leading figure in the sector and Managing Director of Odogwu Textiles and Caps West Africa LTD, Flamingo Gold, and Work and Chop Multi-Venture Nigeria LTD, is now facing charges of criminal conspiracy and forgery at the Abia State High Court sitting in Aba.

NATIONAL CONCORD reports that, on Tuesday, the Presiding Judge Justice Chibuzo Ahuchaogu adjourned proceedings until March 18, 2025. The case involves allegations that Ezeike, alongside his employee Chinedu Chukwu, engaged in fraudulent activities involving forged receipts and threats to life against a rival business owner.

Mr. Ezeike, renowned as one of the top dealers in traditional Igbo fabrics known as “Isiagu,” was arraigned alongside Chukwu on two counts—forgery and threat to life. Both defendants pleaded not guilty during their appearance before the court.

According to the prosecution, led by Assistant Director C. G. Korie from the Abia State Ministry of Justice, Ezeike and Chukwu conspired to commit forgery under Section 467 of the Criminal Code. Specifically, they are accused of altering an official receipt issued by P.S. Ezeagu & Sons Resources, a prominent competitor in the market.

The alleged forgery occurred between February 26 and February 29, 2024, at Ariaria International Market in Aba. Prosecutors claim that the defendants fraudulently inserted the phrase “Odogwu Odogwu Design” onto a receipt bearing the name of the complainant’s company, intending to deceive others into believing it was authorized by Chinedu Ezeagu, Managing Director of P.S. Ezeagu & Sons.

Chinedu Ezeagu, the complainant, recounted a series of events that he believes constitute a deliberate attempt by Ezeike to undermine his business. In a petition filed with the police in February 2024, Ezeagu alleged that Ezeike became hostile after he agreed to testify against him in another legal matter involving Matthew Eze, another textile trader.

Ezeagu detailed how Ezeike allegedly orchestrated a plan to implicate him in counterfeiting activities. According to Ezeagu, Ezeike sent representatives to his store twice, attempting to have his staff write “Odogwu Odogwu Design” on receipts for purchases made. Each time, Ezeagu’s employees refused, adhering strictly to their brand identity—”Full Lion Cream.” However, despite these refusals, Ezeike and Chukwu purportedly altered a legitimate receipt issued on February 29, 2024, inserting the unauthorized text.

To substantiate the allegations, the Abia State Police Command initiated a forensic analysis of the disputed receipt. On June 25, 2024, a request was sent to the Commissioner of Police Forensic and Crime Data at Alagbon, Lagos, seeking expert opinion on whether the same person wrote both “Full Lion Cream” and “Odogwu Odogwu Design.”

The results, received on August 20, 2024, confirmed suspicions: the handwriting analysis revealed that the phrases were written by different individuals. Based on this evidence, Deputy Commissioner of Police Etim G. Effiong concluded in his report that a prima facie case of forgery had been established.

“The findings clearly indicate that the suspect (Chinedu Ezeike) tampered with the document,” stated the DCP in his report. “A prima facie offence of criminal conspiracy, forgery, and threat to life has been established against the suspects, subject to prosecution.”

During bail hearings, defense counsel E.C. Uzoatu argued strenuously for lenient terms, citing the presumption of innocence. After careful consideration, Justice Ahuchaogu granted bail set at N10 million, requiring a surety who owns property in Aba with valid documentation.

However, the prosecution opposed the bail application, alleging ongoing intimidation tactics employed by Ezeike against the complainant and potential witnesses. “The accused continues to engage in behavior designed to obstruct justice,” asserted Korie. “This must be addressed to ensure a fair trial.”

This case underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards in commerce, particularly in industries rooted in cultural heritage like traditional textiles. As the judicial process unfolds, all eyes will remain fixed on Abia State High Court, where truth and accountability are poised to prevail.

As National Concord continues to monitor developments, we emphasize the necessity of upholding transparency and fairness in business dealings—a principle vital for preserving trust among stakeholders and safeguarding the reputation of Nigeria’s vibrant textile sector.