Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Lagos High Court sitting in
Ikeja, on February 19, 2013, sentenced a former banker, Vera Ogbonna Akanni to
nine (9) years imprisonment for defrauding her bank customers various sums of
money to the tune of N35,402,440.75 (Thirty-Five Million, Four Hundred
and Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Forty Naira, Seventy Five kobo only). The
convict was prosecuted on an eight (8) count charge bordering on obtaining
money by false pretence and stealing by fraudulent conversion.
Prior to her sentencing, defence
counsel, Yinka Oyeniji, drew the attention of the court to an affidavit of
means placed before the court on February 17, 2013. Besides, Justice Onigbanjo
asked the prosecution counsel, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, if the convict had any
previous records of conviction.
Owodunni confirmed to the court that the
convict did not have any such record. However, the prosecution counsel further
addressed the court on the convict’s sentencing, saying that the offence for
which she was tried attracts a punishment of between seven (7) and twenty (20)
years imprisonment.
counsel, Yinka Oyeniji, drew the attention of the court to an affidavit of
means placed before the court on February 17, 2013. Besides, Justice Onigbanjo
asked the prosecution counsel, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, if the convict had any
previous records of conviction.
Owodunni confirmed to the court that the
convict did not have any such record. However, the prosecution counsel further
addressed the court on the convict’s sentencing, saying that the offence for
which she was tried attracts a punishment of between seven (7) and twenty (20)
years imprisonment.
”My lord, this is money entrusted to the convict as a
banker and an account officer. Her criminal conduct is not only a breach of
trust but a heinous crime. This money belongs to innocent and unsuspecting
members of the public”, Owodunni submitted. He, therefore, prayed
the court that the convict be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Justice Onigbanjo consequently sentenced the convict
to 7 (seven) years imprisonment on two of the counts and 2 (two)
years imprisonment on two other counts effective from December 2, 2009
when she was first arrested. The sentence is to run concurrently.
banker and an account officer. Her criminal conduct is not only a breach of
trust but a heinous crime. This money belongs to innocent and unsuspecting
members of the public”, Owodunni submitted. He, therefore, prayed
the court that the convict be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Justice Onigbanjo consequently sentenced the convict
to 7 (seven) years imprisonment on two of the counts and 2 (two)
years imprisonment on two other counts effective from December 2, 2009
when she was first arrested. The sentence is to run concurrently.
Also, Justice Onigbanjo ordered the
convict to make full restitution of the stolen money to the owners.
convict to make full restitution of the stolen money to the owners.
Wilson Uwujaren
Ag. Head, Media & Publicity
20th February, 2013
Ag. Head, Media & Publicity
20th February, 2013
