A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ajah has sentenced 45-year-old businessman Chukwudi Okonkwo Goodness to 74 years imprisonment for stealing N360 million and issuing 31 dud cheques, a criminal case that spanned nearly a decade. Justice Josephine Oyefeso delivered the judgment on Tuesday after finding Goodness guilty on 32 of the 33-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC arraigned Goodness in June 2016, accusing him of fraudulently converting the sum of N360 million belonging to a man identified as Henry Nnadike, in addition to issuing numerous dishonoured cheques. The offences were committed between June and July 2015 in Ikeja, Lagos. Goodness had pleaded not guilty, but after a prolonged trial involving testimonies from four witnesses and documentary evidence presented by the prosecution, the court ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Oyefeso sentenced Goodness to seven years imprisonment for the main stealing charge and two years each for the 30 counts related to issuing dud cheques. Another seven-year term was handed down for an additional stealing charge. However, the sentences will run concurrently, meaning Goodness will serve a maximum of seven years in prison. The court also ordered him to restitute N215 million to the victim within 30 days, warning that any consideration for a fine would depend on compliance with this restitution order.
This case highlights the Nigerian judiciary’s firm stance against financial crimes, especially those involving large-scale fraud and dishonoured financial instruments, which have long plagued the business environment. The lengthy trial and substantial sentence serve as a deterrent to others who might engage in similar fraudulent activities, reinforcing the commitment to uphold justice and protect victims of economic crimes.
The EFCC’s successful prosecution underscores the agency’s role in combating financial crime and recovering stolen assets, which is vital for promoting transparency and trust in Nigeria’s economic system.
