Justice Ismail Ijelu of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced a man, Obinna Kingsley Anijiofor, to nine years’ imprisonment for stealing and issuing dud cheques.
The court sentenced him after finding him guilty as charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on an amended three-count charge involving the sum of ₦9,500,000.
Anijiofor was arraigned on February 10, 2025, for allegedly stealing ₦9,500,000 and $32,000, which formed part of the $91,000 paid to him by Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri for the import of goods.
According to the EFCC, the funds were entrusted to Anijiofor for the importation of goods, but he dishonestly converted part of the money to his personal use.
He was alleged to have issued a cheque without sufficient funds in his account.
Anijiofor pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution counsel, M. K. Bashir, called three witnesses, tendered several documents in evidence, while the defence called two witnesses.
However, while delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Ijelu found the defendant guilty on all three counts. He sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment on count one for issuing a dishonoured cheque (without an option of fine).
On count two, he was also sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for issuing dud cheques and five years’ imprisonment on count three for theft, without an option of fine for the three counts charged.
Justice Ijelu ordered that the sentences be served concurrently, amounting to a total of nine years’ imprisonment.
The court also ordered restitution of $32,000 to the complainant, Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri.
