The Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha Division has sentenced a self-acclaimed witch doctor, Akinyola Ogundale, to 31 years’ imprisonment for obtaining money by false pretence and fraudulent conversion.
Delivering judgment, 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 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.
The court heard that the incident occurred in July 2024 when the victim, the late Juliet Onabe, met the defendant while travelling from Onitsha to Ondo for business.
The defendant was said to have falsely presented himself as a native doctor capable of performing rituals to make the victim wealthy.
The prosecution established that Ogundale fraudulently obtained more than N5 million from the deceased and her relatives through threats, intimidation and spiritual manipulation.
It was further revealed that the victim was repeatedly threatened with death if she failed to provide more money, with testimony indicating she was often heard pleading, “Akin, I will bring the money.”
The prosecution also showed that the victim borrowed money under 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 further presented the defendant’s extrajudicial statement in which he admitted receiving money from the victim under the guise of performing spiritual and ritual services.
The court heard that Ogundale also compelled the victim to transfer funds from her bank and OPay accounts and dispossessed her of cash meant for business purposes.
Midway through the trial, the defendant absconded after being granted bail, but the court continued proceedings in his absence in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
Justice Onyefulu held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted him on both counts.
The court sentenced him to 21 years’ imprisonment on count one for obtaining by false pretence and 10 years on count two for fraudulent conversion, bringing the total to 31 years.
