Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced Obinna Anijiofor to nine years imprisonment for offences bordering on stealing and issuance of dud cheques.

Anijiofor was arraigned on February 10, 2025, before the court by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended three-count charge involving the sum of ₦9,500,000 (Nine Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and $32,000 (Thirty-Two Thousand US Dollars), which formed part of $91,000 (Ninety-One Thousand US Dollars) belonging to one Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri.

According to the EFCC, the funds were entrusted to Anijiofor for the importation of goods, but he dishonestly converted part of the money to his personal use.

Delivering judgment, Justice Ijelu found the defendant guilty on all three .

He was sentenced to two years imprisonment on count one for issuing a dishonoured cheque (without an option of fine). Two years imprisonment on count two for issuance of dud cheques (without an option of fine). Five years imprisonment on count three for stealing (without an option of fine).

The sentences are to run concurrently, amounting to a total of nine years imprisonment. The court also ordered restitution of $32,000 to the complainant, Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri.