Man Bags 74 Years for N360m Fraud, Dud Cheques in Lagos

A Lagos High Court sitting in Ajah has sentenced Chukwudi Okonkwo Goodness to 74 years in prison for stealing ₦360 million and issuing multiple dud cheques.

Justice Josephine Oyefeso delivered the judgment on Tuesday, nearly a decade after Goodness was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 33-count charge of fraud and stealing.

Goodness was accused of converting ₦360 million belonging to one Henry Nnadike between June and July 2015 in Ikeja. He also issued 30 dud cheques to cover up the fraud.

Despite pleading not guilty, the EFCC presented four witnesses and documentary evidence that convinced the court. Justice Oyefeso found him guilty on 32 of the 33 counts.

Sentencing breakdown:

• 7 years for stealing (Count 1)

• 2 years each for 30 counts of issuing dud cheques (Counts 3–32)

• 7 years for Count 33

• All sentences to run concurrently

He was acquitted on one count involving fake documents.

The court also ordered Goodness to refund ₦215 million to the victim within 30 days. If he complies, he may be eligible for a fine in lieu of continued imprisonment.