Use of false IDs on the rise, police officer tells court

The use of false identity documents seems to be on the increase, a police inspector told a court yesterday as she charged a Nigerian immigrant with using a forged Spanish ID.

Jeffre Idoghu, 23, pleaded not guilty to the charge after allegedly being apprehended in possession of the false document at the airport on Wednesday.

Mr Idoghu, who resides at the Safi detention centre, also denied escaping from detention last month.

Police Inspector Edel Camilleri objected to the defence counsel's request for bail saying Mr Idoghu did not give the police enough information to help them in their investigation. She said it appeared there were more cases involving forged identity cards.

Magistrate Michael Mallia refused bail. Lawyer Mark Busuttil appeared for Mr Idoghu.