By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

A self-acclaimed native doctor, Akinyola Ogundale, has been sentenced to 31 years imprisonment by the Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha for obtaining money through fraudulent conversation and false pretence.

The court, presided over by Justice D.A. Onyefulu, found the defendant guilty on two counts bordering on fraud and exploitation through spiritual and psychological intimidation.

According to the judge, the offences were contrary to 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.

The court heard that the defendant falsely presented himself as a native doctor capable of performing rituals to make the victim wealthy.

Giving insight on the matter, the prosecution, explained that the incident occurred in July 2024 when the deceased complainant, Juliet Onabe, met the defendant while travelling from Onitsha to Ondo State for business purposes.

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 said: ”Evidence before the court 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”.

“It has been proved that the deceased borrowed money from different persons due to the sustained pressure mounted by the defendant. From the deceased and her relatives.

“Evidence before the court 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.

Two witnesses testified during the trial while documentary evidence which include bank transfer records and statements, were tendered before the court.

The prosecution also presented the court with the defendant’s extra-judicial statement where he admitted receiving money from the deceased under the guise of performing spiritual and ritual services.

It was also learnt 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.

Meanwhile, midway into the trial, the defendant absconded after being granted bail, but 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.

In his judgement, Justice Onyefulu convicted the defendant on both counts, saying that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Ogundale was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment on count one for obtaining by false pretence and 10 years imprisonment on count two for fraudulent conversion.

In its reaction, the Anambra State Ministry of Justice reiterated its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of fraudulent and exploitative crimes involving spiritual deception, ritual claims and related practices.

The ministry advised members of the public to remain vigilant against individuals making false spiritual or ritual promises for financial gain.

It also hailed the duo of Ekwerekwu Uchenna and Rosemary Nkechinyere Uwaeze, the prosecuting team for diligently prosecuting the case despite attempts by the defendant to frustrate the proceedings.

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