KINGSLEY EBERE
It appears that fraudsters parading themselves as native doctors have no hiding place following the recent onslaught on their illegal activities in Anambra State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that a self-style native doctor, Akinyola Ogundale, has been sentenced to 31 years imprisonment for obtaining over N5m from a victim, late Juliet Onabe, under the false pretence of performing spiritual rites to make her wealthy in Anambra State.
It was the judgment of the Anambra State Court sitting in Onitsha, which found him guilty for fraudulent conversion of the money under the Criminal Laws of the State.
While delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Justice D.A. Onyefulu, found the defendant guilty on two counts bordering on fraud and exploitation through spiritual and psychological intimidation.
The offences are contrary to the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act and Section 383(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 36, Laws of Anambra State, 1991.
He said that the incident occurred in July 2024 when the deceased, Juliet Onabe, met the defendant while travelling from Onitsha to Ondo for business purposes.
The Court heard that the defendant falsely presented himself as a native doctor capable of performing rituals to make the victim wealthy.
The prosecution established that Ogundale, through threats, intimidation and spiritual manipulation, fraudulently obtained more than N5 million from the deceased and her relatives.
The prosecution presented evidence before the court, which showed that the victim was repeatedly threatened with death if she failed to provide more money and was often heard pleading, “Akin, I will bring the money”.
The prosecution further proved that the deceased borrowed money from different persons due to the sustained pressure allegedly mounted by the defendant.
During the trial, two witnesses testified while documentary evidence, including bank transfer records and statements,which were 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 the defendant compelled the deceased to transfer money from her bank and Opay accounts and also dispossessed her of cash meant for business purposes.
Midway into the trial, the defendant absconded after being granted bail.
However, the court continued proceedings in absentia in line with Section 177(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law following his refusal to appear in court.
Justice Onyefulu subsequently convicted the defendant on both counts after holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court sentenced Ogundale to 21 years’ imprisonment on count one for obtaining by false pretence and 10 years’ imprisonment on count two for fraudulent conversion.