By Francis Wilfred
The Kano State High Court has sentenced a woman, Ebonine Rita Uzoamaka, to seven years’ imprisonment for obtaining N5.6 million by false pretence. Justice Maryam Sabo delivered the judgment after finding the defendant guilty on a five-count charge of dishonest misappropriation of funds. According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the prosecuting agency, Uzoamaka was arraigned on August 18, 2021, and initially pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial.
The prosecution told the court that on January 18, 2021, the defendant obtained N2 million from Ochayi Anthony Eneche, claiming she had 500 cartons of D-Rich baking powder for sale. The funds were paid into her Access Bank account. Prosecuting counsel Salihu Sani called four witnesses and tendered documentary evidence, which the court admitted. The defendant testified in her own defence.
In her ruling, Justice Sabo held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted the defendant on all five counts.The court sentenced her to seven years in prison, with an option of a N500,000 fine. Investigations presented in court indicated that after receiving a total of N5.6 million for the purported supply of baking powder from Aba, Abia State, the defendant failed to deliver the goods.
