Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Asaba, Delta State — In a significant enforcement of Nigeria’s anti‑fraud laws, 82‑year‑old Clement Nnamdi Okonjo has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for forgery following a lengthy prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The conviction, delivered on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, by Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, highlights the judiciary’s firm stance on financial and document‑related crimes, regardless of the offender’s age.
Okonjo was arraigned on January 17, 2023, on a four‑count charge of forgery by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. He had pleaded not guilty, initiating a protracted trial that attracted considerable attention due to his advanced age and the seriousness of the charges. The prosecution alleged that Okonjo engaged in the creation and distribution of forged documents with the intent to deceive and unlawfully gain benefits or confer advantages upon himself. These acts were presented as having potential to undermine public trust in legal and financial systems.
During the trial, the EFCC provided documentary evidence and expert testimony to establish that Okonjo knowingly produced and used falsified documents. Prosecutors argued that age should not exempt an individual from accountability, emphasizing that the seriousness of forgery — particularly when linked to financial or legal transactions — poses significant risks to institutions and individuals alike.
After reviewing the evidence and hearing arguments from both sides, Justice F. A. Olubanjo found Okonjo guilty beyond reasonable doubt and convicted him on all counts. The court sentenced him to a total of 12 years’ imprisonment, structured to run cumulatively across the four counts. In addition, the judge directed that Okonjo’s name be submitted to relevant regulatory bodies to prevent future engagement in roles requiring legal or fiduciary trust.
Following the conviction, the EFCC reiterated its commitment to pursuing offenders without regard for age, status, or influence. Officials described the ruling as a demonstration of the agency’s resolve to uphold the rule of law, protect the integrity of financial and legal processes, and deter would‑be forgers from attempting similar offences.
Legal observers noted that the sentence for an octogenarian is unusual, but consistent with the seriousness of forgery, which can have broad repercussions for economic activity and public confidence. While the convict’s defence may explore appellate options, the ruling underscores that the judiciary is prepared to impose stringent penalties where evidence of document-related crimes is clear.
This conviction is seen as part of a broader effort by the EFCC to combat economic crime in Nigeria, particularly crimes involving falsification of official documents. Authorities emphasise that such measures are critical to preserving trust in the legal and financial systems, reinforcing the message that all individuals are subject to the law.
The case of Clement Nnamdi Okonjo will likely serve as a reference point for future prosecutions of forgery and related economic crimes, demonstrating that rigorous investigation, prosecution, and judicial enforcement are essential in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s institutions and protecting citizens from fraudulent practices.
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