Court convicts lawyer for issuing N10m dud cheque

An Ikeja High Court on Monday convicted a Lagos-based lawyer, Stella Achebe and her company, Infinite Favour Nigeria Ltd., for issuing a N10 million dud cheque to a man.

Justice Sodetan Ogunsanya found Achebe guilty as charged and deferred her sentencing until the defendant was produced.

“It is clear that the defendant has jumped bail and all efforts by her counsel to locate her have proved abortive.

“Delay in the judgement was due to the deliberate and willful refusal of the defendant to show face in court.

“The prosecution through its witnesses and documents tendered, proved by cogent, credible and convincing evidence beyond every reasonable doubt all the charges filed against her.

“The court found the defendant and her company guilty as charged. I hereby adjourn sentencing until when the defendant is produced,” Ogunsanya said.

NAN reports that the defence counsel, Mr O.S. Ahmed, on Monday told the court that the defendant could still not be located.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Achebe on an amended four-count charge dated Feb. 27, 2015.

The charge bordered on the issuance of a dud cheque and obtaining money under false pretences.

(NAN)