By Peace Erewunmi

A Kaduna State High Court has sentenced businessman Gbotemi Adebiyi to eight years’ imprisonment for obtaining ₦29 million under false pretences and issuing a dud cheque as repayment.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Adebiyi on charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and issuing a dishonoured cheque. According to the prosecution, the defendant secured a loan of ₦29 million from Mr. Fredrick James and issued a post-dated Zenith Bank cheque for the same amount, knowing that there were insufficient funds in the account.

During the trial, the prosecution presented documentary evidence and witnesses to establish that the businessman failed to honour the repayment agreement. The court found that the evidence proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

In his judgment, the trial judge convicted Adebiyi and sentenced him to eight years in prison. The court also ordered him to restitute the ₦29 million to the complainant, with the prison term serving as punishment for the criminal offences.

The EFCC described the conviction as part of its ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and warned members of the public against issuing dud cheques or engaging in fraudulent financial transactions, stressing that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.