Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja sentenced Obinna Kingsley Anijiofor to nine years’ imprisonment for stealing and issuing worthless cheques.
Anijiofor had been arraigned on February 10 2025 by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on an amended three‑count charge involving ₦9.5 million and $32 000, part of a total $91 000 entrusted to him by Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri for the importation of goods.
He pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial in which the prosecution presented three witnesses and documentary evidence, while the defence called two witnesses.
The first count concerned a cheque for ₦6 million drawn on United Bank for Africa, which was returned unpaid due to insufficient funds.
The second count also involved a dishonoured cheque issued in the name of OKINGS IND SUPPLY LTD for the benefit of ELLIS SUITES LTD. The third count detailed the misappropriation of $32 000 that had been paid to Anijiofor for importing goods, which he instead converted to his personal use.
Justice Ijelu found the defendant guilty on all three counts. He imposed a two‑year term for each of the two cheque‑related offences and a five‑year term for the theft, all to run concurrently, with no option for a fine. In addition, the court ordered Anijiofor to repay the $32 000 to the complainant.
Anijiofor’s imprisonment began after his arrest for the fraudulent conversion of the $32 000, a portion of the $91 000 intended for business purposes.
The case underscores the EFCC’s continued crackdown on financial fraud in Lagos, with the court delivering a decisive sentence to deter similar misconduct.
