In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced Abraham Walson to seven years imprisonment for his involvement in employment fraud.
Walson was brought before Justice U.N. Amogoh by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a nine-count charge, including conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretense, contravening Section 1 (1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
According to EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, one of the charges against Walson involved obtaining N1,300,000 from one Apostle Emmanuel Tom Ebitu under the pretext of providing training and job offers with Saipem Nigeria Ltd, which turned out to be false.
Another count alleged that Walson, along with others at large, obtained N181,700 from one Oboho John Ewa under similar false pretenses.
Despite pleading “not guilty,” the matter proceeded to trial, during which prosecution counsel I. Agu presented witnesses and evidence. Defense counsel S. S. Ibogun pleaded for leniency, citing Walson’s first-time offender status and cooperation throughout the trial.
However, Justice Amogoh found Walson guilty on all counts and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment without the option of a fine. The sentence is to run concurrently from the date of arrest.
Furthermore, the judge ordered the forfeiture and sale of a black Nissan Almera recovered from Walson at the time of arrest, with proceeds to be distributed among the victims. Walson was also instructed to submit an affidavit of good behavior to the court.
Walson’s conviction stemmed from his fraudulent scheme, orchestrated in 2011, where he promised job opportunities in exchange for money. He falsely claimed to represent a training company engaged in a lucrative pipeline fitting and fabrication contract, duping over 263 victims of a total sum of N2,115,000.
