By Ijeoma G. | Edited by: Henry Owen
A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced businessman Obinna Kingsley Anijiofor to nine years imprisonment for stealing and issuing dud cheques amounting to over $91,000 (₦91 million).
Justice Ismail Ijelu delivered the judgment after finding Anijiofor guilty on a three-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1.
According to the EFCC, the convict fraudulently converted part of a $91,000 sum entrusted to him by one Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri for the importation of goods. Instead of using the funds for the agreed purpose, Anijiofor allegedly diverted $32,000 and issued two dud cheques totaling ₦9.5 million.
“That you, Obinna Kingsley Anijiofor, on or about the 31st day of December 2021, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without sufficient funds in your account with the United Bank for Africa, issued cheque number 0095976390, dated 3rd July 2022, in the sum of ₦6,000,000 in the name of OKINGS IND SUPPLY LTD for the benefit of ELLIS SUITES LTD. Upon presentation for payment, the cheque was returned unpaid.”
During the trial, which began in February 2025, the prosecution team led by M.K. Bashir called three witnesses and tendered several documents, while the defence called two witnesses.
After reviewing the evidence, Justice Ijelu found the defendant guilty on all counts and sentenced him to two years imprisonment each for the first two counts of issuing dud cheques and five years for stealing, all without the option of a fine. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve nine years in total.
The court also ordered Anijiofor to refund $32,000 to the complainant.
Justice Ijelu stressed that issuing cheques without sufficient funds and converting entrusted money to personal use undermines business integrity and public trust.
The conviction underscores the EFCC’s ongoing drive to tackle financial fraud and restore confidence in commercial transactions within Nigeria.
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