An Ikeja special offences court has sentenced one Samuel Asiegbu to three years’ imprisonment without an option of fine for his role in an N8.56 billion fraud against Wema Bank Plc.
In a statement on Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said Rahman Oshodi, the presiding judge, convicted and sentenced Asiegbu after he pleaded guilty to his involvement in the fraud.
The commission said Asiegbu was arraigned alongside other defendants on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and unauthorised access to a computer system with intent to commit fraud, contrary to sections 409 and 386 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
“The defendants were first arraigned on June 23, and all initially pleaded not guilty,” the EFCC wrote.
“However, Asiegbu later changed his plea to guilty, prompting the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. The trial of the remaining defendants will continue.
“Justice Oshodi sentenced Asiegbu to 10 months and 8 days’ imprisonment on count three and 1 year and 8 months on count four, both without an option of fine.
“The sentences are to run concurrently. Consequently, the court struck out counts one and two.”
The EFCC said the judge ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, noting that the conviction was without an option of fine, before striking out counts one and two.
According to the post, the case was adjourned to November 14 for the continuation of trial against the remaining defendants, whose identities were undisclosed by the commission.
