Justice R. A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos, has sentenced Nigerian businessman, Bernard Okechukwu Nzenwa to four years and 11 months in prison for issuing false documents.
New Telegraph reports that Nzenwa, along with his company, Omega Maritime and Energy Ltd., faced charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after being arraigned on December 7, 2022.
The charges stemmed from the issuance of fraudulent documents, including a bond for the re-exportation of imported goods, which falsely appeared to be issued by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.
Nzenwa pleaded not guilty, but during the trial, the prosecution, led by G. C. Akaogu, called six witnesses and presented extensive documentary evidence to substantiate the allegations.
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Justice Oshodi, in delivering his verdict on Friday, September 20, 2024, declared that the EFCC had successfully proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.
He found the defendant guilty of false bond issuance, false documents, and fraudulent intent.
The businessman was handed a prison sentence of four years and 11 months, along with an option to pay a N50 million fine.
Additionally, his company, Omega Maritime and Energy Ltd., was fined N50 million as a deterrent.
Nzenwa’s conviction is part of a larger effort to crack down on fraudulent activities within the business sector, highlighting the importance of integrity in trade and financial transactions.