The Anambra High Court, Onitsha Division, on Monday sentenced a self-acclaimed witch doctor, Akinyola Ogundale, to 31 years’ imprisonment for obtaining money by false pretence and fraudulent conversion.

Delivering judgement, Justice D.A. Onyefulu found the defendant guilty on two counts bordering on fraud and exploitation through spiritual and psychological intimidation.

The offences are contrary to the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act and Section 383(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 36, Laws of Anambra State, 1991.

He said the incident occurred in July 2024, when the victim, the now-deceased Juliet Onabe, met the defendant while travelling from Onitsha to Ondo for business.

The court heard that the defendant falsely presented himself as a native doctor capable of performing rituals to make the victim wealthy.

The prosecution established that Mr Ogundale fraudulently obtained more than N5 million from the deceased and her relatives through threats, intimidation, and spiritual manipulation.

The prosecution presented evidence showing that the victim was repeatedly threatened with death if she failed to provide more money and was often heard pleading, “Akin, I will bring the money.”

The prosecution further proved that the victim borrowed money amid sustained pressure allegedly mounted by the defendant. 

During the trial, two witnesses testified, and documentary evidence, including bank transfer records and statements, was tendered before the court.

The prosecution also tendered the defendant’s extrajudicial statement in which he admitted receiving money from the deceased under the guise of performing spiritual and ritual services.

The court further heard that the defendant compelled the deceased to transfer money from her bank and OPay accounts and also dispossessed her of cash meant for business purposes.

Midway through the trial, the defendant absconded after being granted bail.

However, the court continued proceedings in absentia in line with Section 177(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law following his refusal to appear in court.

The defendant was convicted on both counts, with the court finding that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The court sentenced Mr Ogundale to 21 years’ imprisonment on count one for obtaining by false pretence and 10 years’ imprisonment on count two for fraudulent conversion.

(NAN)