A Borno State High Court in Maiduguri has sentenced David Osigbe Irumekhai to one year imprisonment for defrauding his victim of N9.9 million. The convict, who pleaded guilty to the charge of criminal misappropriation, was also ordered to pay a balance of N9.4 million to his victim or serve an additional six years of imprisonment.
Irumekhai, who was first arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 8, 2022, admitted to collecting the sum of N9.9 million from one Alhaji Ali Mohammed for the purpose of supplying him with 300 bags of rice and 150 bags of beans. However, he diverted the money to his personal use and failed to deliver the goods.
Justice Aisha Kumaliya, who presided over the case, convicted and sentenced Irumekhai on September 12, 2023, after he changed his plea from not guilty to guilty. The judge also considered the plea bargain agreement between the prosecution and the defense counsel.
In his statement of regret and apology, Irumekhai said that he was sorry for his actions and asked for forgiveness from his victim and the court. He also promised to pay back the money as soon as possible.
The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said that the commission was committed to fighting economic and financial crimes in the country and urged the public to be wary of fraudsters who pose as businessmen or agents.