Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has sentenced a man, Obinna Kingsley Anijiofor, to nine years imprisonment for stealing and issuing dud cheques.

Anijiofor was convicted on an amended three-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving the sum of N9.5 million.

He was arraigned on February 10, 2025, for allegedly stealing N9.5 million and $32,000, which formed part of $91,000 entrusted to him by Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri for the importation of goods.

According to the EFCC, Anijiofor dishonestly converted part of the funds to his personal use and later issued a cheque that was dishonoured due to insufficient funds in his account.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by M. K. Bashir, called three witnesses and tendered several documents in evidence, while the defence presented two witnesses.

Delivering judgement yesterday, Justice Ijelu found Anijiofor guilty on all three counts. He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for issuing a dishonoured cheque and seven years for stealing, both without the option of a fine.

The judge ordered that the sentences run concurrently, amounting to a total of nine years’ imprisonment.

The court further directed the convict to make restitution of $32,000 to the complainant, Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri.