An Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha has convicted and sentenced a self-acclaimed native doctor, Akinyola Ogundale, to 31 years imprisonment for obtaining money by false pretence and fraudulent conversion.
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.
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.
According to the prosecution, 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 court heard that the defendant falsely presented himself as a native doctor capable of performing rituals to make the victim wealthy.
The prosecution established that Ogundale, through threats, intimidation and spiritual manipulation, fraudulently obtained more than N5 million 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.
During the trial, two witnesses testified while documentary evidence, including bank transfer records and statements, were tendered before the court.
The prosecution also tendered the defendant’s extra-judicial statement in which he admitted receiving money from the deceased under the guise of performing spiritual and ritual services.
The court further heard 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.
Midway into the trial, the defendant absconded after being granted bail.
However, 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.
Justice Onyefulu subsequently convicted the defendant on both counts after holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court sentenced Ogundale to 21 years imprisonment on count one for obtaining by false pretence and 10 years imprisonment on count two for fraudulent conversion.
Reacting to the judgment, 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 also advised members of the public to remain vigilant against individuals making false spiritual or ritual promises for financial gain.
It further commended the prosecuting counsel, Ekwerekwu Uchenna and Rosemary Nkechinyere Uwaeze, for diligently prosecuting the case despite attempts by the defendant to frustrate the proceedings.
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