A Kano State High Court sentenced Ebonine Rita Uzoamaka to seven years in prison for defrauding N5.6 million under the pretense of supplying baking powder

A Kano State High Court has sentenced Ebonine Rita Uzoamaka to seven years in prison for defrauding N5.6 million.

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The verdict was delivered by Justice Maryam Sabo, as announced by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Uzoamaka was charged with five counts related to obtaining funds under false pretence. She allegedly promised to supply D-Rich Baking Powder from Aba, Abia State, but failed to deliver, converting the money for personal use.

One key charge noted:

“On 18th January 2021, with intent to defraud, you obtained N2,000,000 from Ochayi Anthony Eneche under the false pretence of selling 500 cartons of D-Rich Baking Powder, which pretence you knew to be false.”

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The offense violated the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006. Uzoamaka initially pleaded not guilty, but after a full trial in which four prosecution witnesses and multiple documentary evidences were presented, she was found guilty on all counts.

The court also gave her the option to pay a N500,000 fine in lieu of part of her prison term.