An 82-year old man, Clement Nnamdi Okonjo, has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for forgery by a Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State.
The conviction was secured on Wednesday by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice F. A. Olubanjo.
The convict, Okonjo, was first arraigned on January 17, 2023, on a four-count charge bordering on forgery.
At the time, he pleaded not guilty to all the charges, prompting the court to commence a full trial.
During the proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence and witnesses to establish the charges against the elderly defendant.
The court heard how the convict was allegedly involved in the falsification of documents, an offence that violates provisions of Nigerian law.
After evaluating the evidence before it, the court found Okonjo guilty on the charges and subsequently convicted him.
Justice Olubanjo, in his ruling, sentenced the octogenarian to 12 years imprisonment, marking the conclusion of the trial that began over three years ago.
The EFCC, which led the prosecution, reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes and ensuring that offenders, regardless of age or status, are brought to justice.
