Court sentence businessman to 74 years for fraud

A Lagos High Court sitting in Ajah has sentenced businessman Chukwudi Okonkwo Goodness to 74 years in prison for stealing N360 million and issuing multiple dud cheques.

Goodness was arraigned by the EFCC in June 2016 on a 33-count charge bordering on theft and fraud. He was accused of converting the sum—belonging to one Henry Nnadike—for personal use between June & July 2015.

Despite pleading not guilty, the EFCC presented four witnesses and documentary evidence to prove its case. After a prolonged nine-year trial, Justice Josephine Oyefeso found Goodness guilty on 32 out of 33 counts.

The judge sentenced him to seven years in prison for the theft charge, two years each for 30 counts related to issuing bounced cheques, and another seven years for a separate count—without the option of a fine. He was acquitted on one count of possessing fake documents.

The sentences are to run concurrently. Additionally, the court ordered him to refund N215 million within 30 days, after which he may be considered for a fine.