An Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha has sentenced a self-acclaimed native doctor, Akinyola Ogundale, to 31 years’ imprisonment for obtaining money by false pretence and fraudulent conversion.
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Delivering judgment, Justice D.A. Onyefulu found Ogundale guilty on two counts bordering on fraud, exploitation, spiritual deception and psychological intimidation.
The court held that the offences violated Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, as well as Section 383(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 36, Laws of Anambra State, 1991.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred in July 2024 when the deceased complainant, Juliet Onabe, met the defendant while travelling from Onitsha to Ondo State for business.
Ogundale was said to have falsely presented himself as a native doctor capable of performing rituals that would make the victim wealthy.
The prosecution established that the defendant, through threats, intimidation and alleged spiritual manipulation, fraudulently obtained over ₦5 million from the deceased and her relatives.
Evidence before the court showed that the victim was repeatedly pressured and threatened with death if she failed to provide more money. She was also said to have borrowed money from different persons as a result of the sustained pressure allegedly mounted by the defendant.
During trial, two witnesses testified, while documentary evidence, including bank transfer records and written statements, was tendered before the court.
The prosecution also tendered the defendant’s extra-judicial statement, in which he admitted receiving money from the deceased under the guise of performing spiritual and ritual services.
The court further heard that Ogundale compelled the deceased to transfer money from her bank and OPay accounts and dispossessed her of cash meant for business purposes.
Midway into the trial, the defendant absconded after being granted bail. However, the court continued the proceedings in his absence pursuant to Section 177(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, following his repeated failure to appear in court.
Justice Onyefulu held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted Ogundale on both counts.
The court sentenced him to 21 years’ imprisonment on count one for obtaining money by false pretence and 10 years’ imprisonment on count two for fraudulent conversion.
Reacting to the judgment, the Anambra State Ministry of Justice reiterated its commitment to prosecuting persons involved in fraudulent and exploitative crimes disguised as spiritual or ritual practices.
The ministry also advised members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid individuals making false spiritual promises for financial gain.
It commended the prosecuting counsel, Ekwerekwu Uchenna and Rosemary Nkechinyere Uwaeze, for diligently prosecuting the case despite attempts by the defendant to frustrate the proceedings.
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