Akwa Ibom: Doctor sentenced to 14 years in prison for N5m fraud

Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has committed Bassey Goddy Usen to 14 years imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Usen, a medical doctor, is the Managing Director of Ceephass Diagnostic Clinic/Surgery.

He was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge of obtaining N5million by false pretense.

According to the agency, around April 18, 2017, in Uyo, Usen obtained N2,000,000 from Edodiong Essien with the claim that it would be used to execute contracts awarded to him by Akwa Ibom State Hospital Management Board.

The offense contravenes Section 1 (1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and is punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.

The convicted pleaded “not guilty” and his trial commenced on October 24, 2018.

Prosecution counsel, Agbo Abuh presented four witnesses, tendered exhibits admitted in evidence, and closed the case on February 28.

Justice Okeke ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The judge sentenced the defendant to seven years of imprisonment on each of the two counts.

The prison terms will run concurrently and effective the day Usen was arrested.

The convict must restitute N3million to his victim as a condition for release upon completion of his jail term.