A Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has sentenced a businessman, Samson Joaqium, to seven years in prison for over forty-three million naira in theft and issuing a dud cheque.
Justice Mojisola Dada, who convicted Joaqium, held that the prosecution proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The judge held that the convict had an intention to defraud his victim.
She sentenced him to three years in prison on count one, seven years in prison on count two, and two years jail term on counts three to five.
The judge, however, said that the sentences should 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 presences and issuance of dud cheque.
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EFCC counsel, Ms Fatima Mohammed, presented 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 Jan. 31, 2019, wilfully issued a United Bank for Africa cheque for two million Naira 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.
