Lagos Businessman Sentenced to 74 Years in Prison for ₦360 Million Fraud, 31 Dud Cheques

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ajah has sentenced 45-year-old businessman Chukwudi Goodness to 74 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of defrauding victims of ₦360 million and issuing 31 bounced cheques. The judgment comes after a prolonged criminal trial that spanned nearly ten years.

Goodness was charged with multiple counts of obtaining money under false pretenses, stealing, and issuing dud cheques. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted the case, presenting evidence that he defrauded several individuals and businesses under various false business deals and subsequently failed to honor payments.

The court heard that the convict deliberately issued the cheques despite knowing there were insufficient funds in his accounts. Justice O.O. Oshin, who delivered the verdict, ruled that the defendant would serve the sentences concurrently, meaning he would spend a significant portion of his life in prison.

The ruling has been hailed by anti-graft advocates as a strong message against financial crimes. Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant in business dealings and report suspicious transactions to law enforcement agencies promptly.

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