A 19-year old Nigerian, Tobechukwu Igbokwe was yesterday
sentenced to 37 years imprisonment by a
Lagos High court after being found guilty of defrauding an American of the sum
of $40m in an inheritance scam.
The presiding judge, Justice Lateef
Lawal-Akapo, found Igbokwe guilty of the 12- count charge bordering on forgery,
conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences as slammed against him by the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In the statement of judgement made available to Daily
Trust by EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwijaren, Justice Akapo
indicated that Igbokwe’s cumulative sentence is to run with effect from October
28, 2013.
The court also ordered Igbokwe to return the $40 million
as a restitution to the victim and forfeit a Toyota Corolla car, which is a
proceed of the crime, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Igbokwe was arraigned on October 28, 2013 when he pleaded
not guilty to the 12-count charges levelled against him. He later changed his
plea and was convicted by Justice Akapo accordingly.
Igbokwe (Alias David Prince) and his accomplice, Ifeanyi
Obi duped the American, M. Silva, the sum of $40 million.
The victim wired $40m in several instalments through
Western Union to Igbokwe.
Igbokwe also confessed that he had duped other
foreigners, including T. Bedwell $6,000
and R. Hunt $15,000.
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