A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ajah has sentenced 45-year-old businessman Chukwudi Goodness to 74 years in prison for stealing N360 million and issuing 31 dud cheques in a criminal case that spanned nearly a decade. The conviction, delivered by Justice Ismail Ijelu, followed a prolonged legal battle initiated by a petition from the law firm of Olusegun Omotoyosi & Co., acting on behalf of the complainant, Mr. Adeyemi Adewuyi. The case, identified as ID/21629C/2023, involved charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Goodness for theft and issuance of dishonored cheques, marking a significant ruling in financial crime prosecution in Lagos.
The legal proceedings began after Adewuyi, a businessman, reported that Goodness had defrauded him of N360 million through a failed business transaction. According to the EFCC, Goodness issued 31 cheques to Adewuyi as payment, all of which were returned unpaid due to insufficient funds in Goodness’s account. The prosecution, led by EFCC counsel A.O. Mohammed, presented evidence that Goodness had no intention of honoring the cheques, constituting theft and a breach of trust under Nigerian law.
The trial, which commenced years ago, faced multiple delays due to the complexity of financial evidence and legal arguments. The EFCC called three witnesses, including Adewuyi and bank officials, who testified about the transactions and the dishonored cheques. The prosecution tendered bank statements and cheque stubs as exhibits, which were admitted by the court, proving that Goodness’s actions were deliberate and fraudulent.
Goodness, represented by his defense counsel, pleaded not guilty and argued that the transactions were part of a legitimate business deal gone wrong. However, the court found the defense lacking, as Goodness failed to provide credible evidence to support his claims or demonstrate efforts to settle the debt. Justice Ijelu, in his judgment, emphasized that the issuance of dud cheques constituted a serious offense under the Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act and warranted a strong penalty to deter similar crimes.
The 74-year sentence was structured to reflect the gravity of the offenses, with concurrent and consecutive terms for the multiple counts of theft and cheque fraud. Specifically, Goodness was convicted on all 31 counts related to the dud cheques, with each count carrying a two-year sentence, and additional years for the theft charge, totaling 74 years. The court also ordered Goodness to pay restitution to Adewuyi, though the exact amount and terms were not detailed in the public judgment.
This case highlights the Nigerian judiciary’s increasing focus on tackling financial crimes, particularly those involving large sums and deliberate deception. The EFCC’s involvement underscores the agency’s mandate to combat economic offenses, which have significant impacts on individuals and the broader economy. The lengthy trial process also reflects challenges in prosecuting complex financial cases, including gathering evidence and navigating legal technicalities.
The conviction serves as a warning to business operators about the severe consequences of issuing dud cheques and engaging in fraudulent transactions. Legal experts note that the ruling reinforces the protections under Nigerian law for victims of financial fraud, ensuring that perpetrators face substantial penalties. The case may also prompt calls for faster judicial processes to avoid prolonged delays in similar cases.
For Adewuyi, the judgment brings closure to a nearly decade-long ordeal, though recovering the stolen funds remains uncertain. The court’s restitution order offers hope, but enforcement will depend on Goodness’s financial capacity and cooperation. This case adds to the growing body of jurisprudence on financial crimes in Nigeria, setting a precedent for future prosecutions.
