A High Court in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital has sentenced a man to a cumulative 37 years in prison for defrauding victims of over N29 million through a fake procurement deal involving sorghum supply.
The judgement was delivered by Justice Lawu Lawan of the Yobe state High Court, following prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Maiduguri Zonal Directorate.
The convict , Abubakar Sadiq Abubakar was found guilty on four counts bordering on obtaining by false pretence, forgery and criminal misappropriation.
The court heard that the accused posed as procurement officer of BUA Foods Plc to convince his victims to part with N29,17000 for the supposed supply of 38.9 metric tonnes of white sorghum.
Prosecution Counsel, Muktar Ali Ahmed told the court that five witnesses and multiple documents were presented to establish how the accused used forged agreements , receipts and company documents to perpetrate the fraud.
The court ordered the convict to refund the full sum of N29,175000 to the victims or face additional 10 years jail term .
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said the conviction underscores ongoing efforts to curb procurement fraud and protect businesses from financial crimes in the region.
NTA NEWS
