Henry Udora, a senior member of the Abuja Geographical Information Service (AGIS), has received a nine-year prison sentence without the option of a fine.
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The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory convicted Udora for advance fee fraud and the issuance of worthless cheques.
Justice Maryann Anenih found him guilty of charges related to obtaining property through fraudulent means and issuing dud cheques, as presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In her ruling on the fraud case, Justice Anenih determined that the defendant used a company to deceive his victim out of N12.5 million under the false pretense of securing a plot of land, violating Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2003.
Additionally, Udora was convicted of issuing a dud cheque for N5 million to his victim, fully aware that his bank account lacked sufficient funds, which contravenes Section 416 (g) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
After examining the charges and the testimonies of two witnesses during the trial, the judge confirmed the defendant’s guilt regarding advance fee fraud. Justice Anenih also ruled him guilty of issuing a dud cheque.
He received a sentence of seven years for the advance fee fraud charge and an additional two years for the dud cheque charge.
However, Justice Anenih ordered that these sentences run concurrently, meaning Udora will serve a total of seven years in prison.
A request for leniency from his attorney, Osita Ibekwute, citing his status as a first-time offender, was denied by the judge, who noted that the Advance Fee Fraud Act does not allow for judicial discretion in such cases.
Furthermore, EFCC counsel Victor Ughagwu informed the court that the defendant faced multiple petitions against him amounting to millions of naira.
In response, Justice Anenih remarked that advance fee fraud cases, particularly those involving land in Abuja, have become a significant concern and a serious threat in Nigeria. The judge’s decision reflects the growing urgency to address these fraudulent activities in the region.