By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
A Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has sentenced a businessman, Samson Joaqium to 7 years jail term over N43 million theft and issuing a dud cheque.
In convicting the defendant, the trial judge Justice Mojisola Dada held that the prosecution proved its case beyond any reasonable doubt. The judge held that the convict had an intention to defraud his victim.
Justice Dada sentenced Joaqium to 3 years imprisonment on count one, seven years on count two, and two years jail term on each of counts three to five.
However, the judge said that the sentences shall run concurrently and further directed that the convict should make restitution to his victim.
She also ordered that the convict’s company should be wound up and its assets forfeited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), had charged the convict and his company, Samgab Unique Investment Ltd., on five counts bordering on stealing, obtaining by false pretences and issuance of dud cheque.
EFCC counsel, Ms Fatima Mohammed, called three witnesses and documentary evidence to prove the case.
The convict was the sole witness for the defence. He was led in evidence by his counsel, Mr Mark Abraham.
According to EFCC, the convict and his company, sometime in 2016, with intent to defraud, dishonestly converted to their use, the sum of N43 million belonging to one Mr Lanre Oluwaleye.
It also submitted that the convict, sometime on January 31, 2019, wilfully issued a United Bank for Africa cheque for N2 million to one Mr Ogunleye Lanre.
It said that the cheque was dishonoured for insufficient funds in the convict’s account.
The offences violate Sections 278 (1) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006, and Section 1(1)(a) of the Dishonoured Cheque (Offences) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
