Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Makurdi, Nigeria — A Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, has sentenced Agene Johnson Godwin, the Managing Director of Builderstech Solution Ltd, to 48 years in prison without the option of a fine for orchestrating a large-scale investment fraud that defrauded more than 5,000 Nigerians of over ₦500 million. The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Justice M.S. Abubakar after the defendant was convicted on an amended eight-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Prosecution evidence showed that Godwin lured investors into fraudulent schemes under the guise of legitimate business opportunities operated through Builderstech Solution Ltd. The court found that the crimes — including obtaining money by false pretences and related financial offences — caused significant financial losses to thousands of unsuspecting victims across the country.
In handing down the sentence, Justice Abubakar described the offences as grave and far-reaching, noting the devastating impact on ordinary Nigerians who had entrusted their savings to what they believed were legitimate investments. The long custodial sentence reflects the court’s determination to send a strong message that economic and financial crimes will attract severe punishment in Nigeria.
The EFCC welcomed the judgment and reiterated its commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting citizens from fraudulent schemes. The anti-graft agency has urged the public to exercise caution in evaluating investment opportunities, warning that offers promising unusually high returns should be treated as potential red flags for fraud.
The conviction of Godwin is seen as one of the most significant rulings in recent efforts by Nigerian authorities to tackle large-scale investment scams that impoverish investors and undermine confidence in the financial ecosystem.
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