The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a seven-year sentence for Abraham Walson, a man convicted of employment fraud by the Federal High Court in Rivers State.
The said Zonal Command brought Abraham Walson before Justice U.N Amogoh. The court issued his sentence on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Furthermore, Walson faced a nine-count charge including conspiracy and obtaining money under pretence, contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
However, his charges stemmed from incidents dating back to February 2011, where Walson, along with accomplices Marcus Udo Ifon and Glory Eneyo Etifit, allegedly deceived victims into believing they would receive job offers and training from Saipem Nigeria Ltd in exchange for monetary payments.
During the trial, prosecution counsel I. Agu presented witnesses and evidence, while the defendant maintained his innocence.
Despite pleas from Walson’s defense counsel, S. S. Ibogun, for leniency citing his client’s lack of prior offenses, Justice Agomoh handed down the verdict.
In addition to the seven-year prison sentence without the option of a fine, Justice Agomoh ordered the forfeiture and sale of a black Nissan Almera recovered from Walson at the time of his arrest.
The proceeds from the sale are to be distributed among the victims.
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Furthermore, Justice Agomoh instructed Walson to submit an affidavit of good behaviour to the court.
EFCC operatives apprehended Walson in 2011, revealing his criminal activities.
Investigations revealed that Walson and Timothy Okpara Peters (now at large) deceived victims into paying for training and job opportunities that never materialized.
Under pretences, Walson collected over Two Million Naira from approximately 263 victims, promising them employment opportunities in the oil and gas industry.
Investigations revealed that the promised training and job opportunities were fictitious, with no actual contracts or employment prospects.
Despite the significant sums collected from victims, Walson failed to deliver on any of his promises, leaving many individuals financially harmed by his fraudulent scheme.
