There are indeed consequences for everything that we do, if only Edu Babatunde Azeez, had known this, he would have been sincere in his business dealings and would have said a big no when the idea of fraud dropped in his head.
Babatunde is the President of the National Association of Charcoal Producers and Exporters (NACPE).
The president, along with his company, Ablims Limited, bagged a one-year jail term.
The sentence was handed to him by the Gombe State High Court on charges of fraud to the tune of ₦7 million.
Babatunde came under the radar of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Gombe State Zonal Command.
In fact, the commission led the prosecution.
Trip To Saudi Arabia
It all started after a victim, Ayanbisi Ismail, accused Mr. Azeez of fraudulently obtaining 7 million Naira.
Ismail was told that the funds were meant for the export of charcoal to Saudi Arabia.
However, the claim turned out to be false.
In December 2022, Mr. Azeez and Ablims Limited were accused of making false representations.
This led to the illegal acquisition of funds under the guise of business transactions for charcoal exports.
The specific charges detailed how the accused had conspired to commit the act of cheating, violating multiple sections of the Penal Code Law.
A Strict Penalty
It was on this note that Justice H.H. Kereng handed down the sentence.
The sentence followed a guilty plea on conspiracy charges and obtaining money under false pretences.
The prosecution, represented by A.B. Kware, demanded for a strict penalty.
Kware echoed the need for justice and the future deterrence of similar fraudulent activities.
Final Ruling
The defence counsel Inusa Mohammed stood in contrast.
He pleaded for leniency, pointing out that this was Mr Azeez’s first criminal offence.
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In his final ruling, Justice Kereng acknowledged the gravity of the offense but opted to offer a sentence that included a fine option.
Mr Azeez and his company were sentenced to one year in prison with the alternative of paying ₦200,000 fine.
