In a significant ruling, Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has sentenced Abodurin Gerald Abozo to eight years in prison for land fraud. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Abozo faced charges filed on October 15, 2023, which included obtaining money under false pretenses and theft. The case centered around Abozo's dealings under the guise of S.G.B. & A Property Lines Company, where he deceived Engineer Samuel Segher in 2013 into paying N62 million for two plots of land in Chevy Estate, claiming to sell them while having no intention to do so.
The prosecution outlined that Abozo unlawfully retained the payment, leading to the theft charge. Despite pleading “not guilty,” Abozo was subjected to a full trial, during which prosecution counsel M.S. Owede presented two witnesses and various supporting documents, including Abozo’s extra-judicial statement.
In her judgment, Justice Ijelu imposed a seven-year sentence for the first charge and an additional year for the second, with no option for a fine. Furthermore, Abozo was ordered to repay the full N62 million to Segher, underscoring the court's commitment to justice for financial crimes.
Abozo’s legal troubles emerged after his fraudulent actions came to light, leading to his arrest and conviction for defrauding Engineer Segher by failing to deliver the promised land or refund the substantial payment.
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