A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ajah has sentenced Chukwudi Okonkwo Goodness to a total of 74 years in prison for the theft of N360 million and the issuance of multiple dud cheques. The judgment, delivered by Justice Josephine Oyefeso on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, comes more than eight years after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initially arraigned the defendant following an extensive investigation.
Chukwudi Okonkwo Goodness was brought before the court on a 33-count charge that included stealing, fraudulent conversion, and issuance of dishonoured cheques.
The case, which dates back to 2016, centered on the fraudulent conversion of the sum of N360 million belonging to one Henry Nnadike, a prominent Lagos-based businessman. According to the charge sheet, the offence was committed in Ikeja, Lagos, between June and July 2015.
The charge reads in part:
"That you, Chukwudi Okonkwo Goodness, sometime between the months of June and July, 2015, at Ikeja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently converted and stole the sum of N360,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and Sixty Million Naira), property of one Henry Nnadike…”
Despite the gravity of the charges, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all 33 counts during his arraignment. To prove its case, the EFCC, represented by counsel T.J. Banjo, presented four witnesses and submitted several exhibits that established the essential elements of the alleged offences.
Following the conclusion of the trial, Justice Oyefeso found the defendant guilty on 32 of the 33 counts. He was convicted on the first count of stealing and on 31 subsequent counts related to the issuance of dud cheques. However, he was acquitted on one count concerning the alleged possession of fake documents, as the court found the prosecution failed to prove that charge beyond reasonable doubt.
In her ruling, Justice Oyefeso sentenced the defendant to seven years' imprisonment on count one for the offence of stealing. For each of the counts related to issuing dishonoured cheques (counts 2 to 32), he received two years imprisonment per count, also without the option of a fine. On count 33, he was sentenced to an additional seven years, also without the option of a fine. However, all the sentences are to run concurrently, bringing the total prison term to 74 years.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered the defendant to refund the sum of N215 million to the victim, Mr. Nnadike, within 30 days of the date of judgment. Justice Oyefeso further remarked that the defendant may be considered for a fine in lieu of imprisonment, but only upon full compliance with the restitution order and any related court directives.
The judgment underscores the commitment of the judiciary to upholding justice in financial crimes and reinforces the EFCC’s mandate to prosecute cases of fraud and economic sabotage. It also serves as a stern warning to individuals who attempt to exploit the financial system through deceit, manipulation, and criminal enterprise.
