Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, on Friday sentenced a businessman, Bernard Nzenwa, to four years and eleven months imprisonment for issuing fraudulent documents.
The judge sentenced Nzenwa and his company, Omega Maritime and Energy Ltd with an option of N50 million fine each.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved the sole charge of fraud against Nzenwa and his company.
He, therefore, found the convict and his company guilty as charged.
“EFCC proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt. I, therefore, find the defendant guilty of issuing false documents with fraudulent intent.
“I hereby sentence him to stay four years and 11 months at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre or pay a fine of N50 million,” Oshodi held.
The court also held that the convict’s company should pay a fine of N50 million to serve as a deterrent to others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission had submitted that the convict, alongside his company and one Oluchi Nzenwa (still at large) issued false documents purported to have emanated from a bank.
The EFCC’s Counsel, Mr Gabriel Akaogu had told the court that the defendants committed the offence on March 9, 2011 in Lagos.
The commission said that Nzenwa, issued a false document titled, “bond for the re-exportation of imported goods delivered without payment of import duty”.
According to EFCC, the value attached to the bond was N97.5 million which was to be paid to the Custom service as custom duty for importation of an Oil Rig.
EFCC said that the import duty was not paid.
NAN reports that the prosecution called six witnesses, through whom several documentary evidence were presented to prove the case against the convict.
According to the anti-graft agency, the offence contravene Section 360(1)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
FOR ADVERT AND NEWS PUBLICATION, EMAIL US @ tarakirivoicenewspaper@gmail.com or call or WhatsApp us on 08160439769
