Justice Rahman Oshodi of a Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja, has convicted and sentenced a businessman, Bernard Okechukwu Nzenwa, to four years and eleven months imprisonment for fraud.

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The judge found him guilty as charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and held that the prosecution proved the case against the defendant.

The EFCC arraigned Nzenwa along with his company, Omega Maritime and Energy Limited, on December 6, 2022, over allegations bordering on the issuance of false documents.

The anti-graft commission alleged that Nzenwa, along with a company and one Oluchi Nzenwa, who is now at large, issued false documents purported to have emanated from Guarantee Trust Bank Plc.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the prosecution commenced trial.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr. G. C. Akaogu, told the court that the defendants, on March 9, 2011, issued a false document titled, “Bond for the re-exportation of imported goods delivered without payment of import duty,” which they purported to have emanated from the bank. The value attached to the bond was about N97,480,930.00, which was due to be paid to the Nigeria Customs as customs duty for the importation of an oil rig.

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Their offence is contrary to Section 360(1)(b) and punishable under Section 364(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

During the trial, the prosecution called six witnesses, and several documents were tendered, which the court admitted as exhibits.

However, while delivering the judgement on Friday, Justice Oshodi declared the defendant and his company guilty as charged, finding the defendant guilty of false bond, false documents, and fraudulent intent.

He subsequently sentenced him to four years and eleven months and gave him an option of a N50 million fine.

The court also fined the company, Omega Maritime and Energy Limited, N50 million, to serve as punishment and a deterrent to others.

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