Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Carmen Diego
Justice Maryam Sabo of the Kano State High Court has convicted and sentenced Ebonine Rita Uzoamaka to seven years imprisonment for obtaining millions of naira under false pretence, in a judgment that reinforces the judiciary’s stance against financial crimes.
The conviction followed her arraignment on August 18, 2021, on a five-count charge bordering on dishonest misappropriation and advance fee fraud involving a total sum of ₦5,660,000. The prosecution alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained the money from her victim under the guise of supplying baking materials, an agreement she never fulfilled.
According to court records, one of the counts detailed that on January 18, 2021, within Kano State, the defendant obtained ₦2,000,000 from Ochayi Anthony Eneche. The money was paid into her bank account domiciled with Access Bank Plc. She had represented to the complainant that she had 500 cartons of D-Rich baking powder available for sale, a claim the prosecution established was false.
The charge was brought under Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act. Prosecutors argued that the defendant knowingly made the false representation with intent to defraud.
When the charges were read to her at arraignment, Uzoamaka pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial. During proceedings, prosecution counsel Salihu Sani called four witnesses and tendered multiple documentary exhibits. The evidence included bank transaction records, payment confirmations and communications between the defendant and the complainant. The exhibits were admitted by the court without objection.
In her defence, Uzoamaka testified as the sole witness. She attempted to dispute the prosecution’s claims but did not present additional witnesses or documentary evidence to counter the financial trail established during the trial. The court evaluated both the oral testimonies and documentary submissions before reaching its decision.
Delivering judgment, Justice Sabo held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court found that the defendant intentionally deceived the complainant into transferring funds on the false premise of supplying baking powder sourced from Aba in Abia State. Instead of fulfilling the supply contract, she converted the funds to personal use.
The court consequently convicted her on all five counts and sentenced her to seven years imprisonment. However, Justice Sabo granted her the option of a ₦500,000 fine, in line with sentencing discretion permitted under the relevant statute.
The ruling underscores ongoing efforts by anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to curb advance fee fraud and related financial crimes. Such offences, commonly known as “419” scams in Nigeria, have historically damaged both individual livelihoods and the country’s international financial reputation.
Legal analysts note that the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 provides strict penalties to deter financial deception, particularly where misrepresentation results in significant monetary loss. Convictions under the Act often hinge on documentary evidence tracing the movement of funds and proving intentional deceit.
The case also highlights the importance of due diligence in commercial transactions, particularly where payments are made for goods that are not physically inspected prior to transfer. Financial experts frequently advise businesses and individuals to verify supplier credentials and contractual documentation before committing substantial sums.
For the Kano State judiciary, the judgment reflects a continued commitment to prosecuting economic crimes within its jurisdiction. Observers say the option of a fine, though permitted by law, does not diminish the weight of the conviction itself, which remains a criminal record under federal statute.
As financial fraud cases continue to surface across Nigeria, the ruling serves as a reminder of the legal consequences attached to false representations and misappropriation of funds. The court’s decision reinforces the principle that fraudulent commercial dealings, regardless of scale, attract criminal liability under Nigerian law.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments