The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentence of Abraham Walson at the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He was arraigned on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.
The charges read that Walson, alongside others at large, obtained money from victims with the promise of training and job offers with Saipem Nigeria Ltd, which he knew to be false. He pleaded not guilty, and the matter went into a full trial.
Prosecution counsel, I. Agu, called witnesses and tendered documents that were admitted as exhibits. Counsel to the defendant, S. S. Ibogun, prayed for mercy, stating that Walson was a first-time offender who had always been available in court.
Justice U.N. Agomoh convicted and sentenced Walson to seven years imprisonment on each count without an option of fine. The sentences will run concurrently, effective from the date of arrest.
The court also ordered the forfeiture and sale of a black Nissan Almera recovered from Walson, with the proceeds to be distributed among the victims. Additionally, Walson must depose to an affidavit of good behavior before the court.
Walson’s journey to jail began in 2011 when he was arrested by EFCC operatives for obtaining money from victims in exchange for jobs. He had set up a training field, claiming to offer pipeline fittings and fabrication training and job offers for a fee. About 263 victims paid a minimum of N100,000 each, totaling N2,115,000.
The convict could not secure any jobs for the victims nor was there any $101m contract as claimed. The EFCC’s investigation and prosecution led to Walson’s conviction and sentence.
