ALAKE & 1 ORS V THE STATE
TOBI, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment):
This matter originated from the National Oil and Chemical Company Ltd., Lagos. I will call it the NOCC or simply the Company. The matter moved from the NOCC to two banks. One is First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. The other is Union Bank of Nigeria Ltd. All in Lagos. The appellants were employees of the NOCC. The 1st appellant was the Cash and Bank Supervisor of the Company. The 2nd appellant was an Accounts Clerk in the NOCC. He was the 3rd accused. He became the 2nd appellant in this matter because the 2nd accused was discharged and acquitted.
Three persons, all former employees of the NOCC, and one other faced an 18-count charge of different offences. The bane of the matter involved three cheques purportedly issued by the company. They are Exhibits F, G, and H.
The criminal episode is fairly long and complicated. I shall pick only the relevant details. Seven witnesses gave evidence for the prosecution.
This is the summary of the prosecution's cas…