An Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Braide, has testified before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja about her residential property in Ikorodu, Lagos State, which she claims was occupied and altered by her close friend, lawyer Chinwe Onuoha. Braide's testimony was given before Justice Hakeem Oshodi, while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Emmanuel Jackson, in the trial of Onuoha, who faces a 12-count charge related to conspiracy, forgery, and uttering of false documents.
According to Braide, she met Onuoha in 2011, and their relationship grew into a close friendship involving their families. Onuoha frequently visited Braide's home, sometimes stayed for days, and even travelled abroad with Braide and her relatives. However, in 2019, Onuoha was arrested and detained at a police station in Ogun State, following a complaint by her landlord over an eviction dispute. Braide facilitated Onuoha's bail and allowed her to stay in her Ikorodu property temporarily.
Braide stated that she acquired the Ikorodu property in 2008, after returning from a peacekeeping mission in Liberia, and personally developed it. She agreed to let Onuoha stay in the four-bedroom house for three months while Onuoha searched for alternative accommodation. However, Onuoha's stay eventually stretched to six months and later exceeded a year. Braide did not initially insist that Onuoha leave due to their friendship and because she had no immediate need for the property.
The situation changed in 2021 when Braide needed the house for her younger brother and his family, who were relocating from their hometown due to insecurity and attacks. Braide contacted Onuoha and asked her to vacate the property. Onuoha eventually left, but their relationship became strained, and communication between them stopped.
In January 2022, Braide visited the Ikorodu property with her driver and some community elders to inspect its condition. She found that the property had been converted into an industrial facility known as "Shearwater Factory," with internal structures altered, walls and partitions removed, and heavy-duty machines, wires, and pipes installed. Some workers were living on the premises, and Braide was shocked by the extent of the alterations.
Braide alleged that Onuoha and other defendants conspired to forge a lease agreement, purportedly dated February 12, 2018, which was used to fraudulently secure a loan facility from the Bank of Industry (BoI). The prosecution alleged that the document was part of the documentation used to defraud Braide. Braide's testimony prompted Justice Oshodi to adjourn the case until November 10, 2026, for cross-examination of the witness.
The case involves a 12-count charge against Onuoha and other defendants, who are accused of conspiracy, forgery, and uttering of false documents. The prosecution alleges that the defendants used the forged lease agreement to secure a loan facility from the BoI, causing financial loss to Braide. The trial will continue on November 10, 2026, with the cross-examination of Braide.
Key points
- - ACP Ngozi Braide testifies in Lagos court about her Ikorodu property allegedly occupied and altered by lawyer Chinwe Onuoha. - Braide's friendship with Onuoha led to Onuoha's temporary stay in the property, which eventually exceeded a year. - The property was converted into an industrial facility, "Shearwater Factory," with significant alterations and installations.
