A self-acclaimed native doctor, Akinyola Ogundale, has been sentenced to 31 years imprisonment by the Anambra High Court sitting in Onitsha after allegedly deceiving a woman with promises of spiritual rituals to make her wealthy.
Justice D.A. Onyefulu delivered the judgment on Monday, finding the defendant guilty on two counts bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and fraudulent conversion.
The court heard that the convict fraudulently collected more than N5 million from the now-deceased Juliet Onabe and her relatives after claiming he possessed spiritual powers capable of changing her financial situation.
According to the prosecution, the incident began in July 2024 when the victim met Ogundale while travelling from Onitsha to Ondo for business.
During the trial, prosecutors told the court that the defendant manipulated the victim psychologically and spiritually, repeatedly threatening her with death if she failed to provide more money for the supposed rituals.
Witnesses reportedly told the court that the deceased was often heard pleading with the defendant, saying, “Akin, I will bring the money,” as pressure mounted on her to continue making payments.
The prosecution further established that the victim borrowed money from different sources due to the persistent demands allegedly made by the convict.
Evidence presented before the court included bank transfer records, account statements and the defendant’s extrajudicial statement in which he admitted receiving money from the deceased under the guise of providing spiritual and ritual services.
The court also heard that Ogundale compelled the victim to transfer funds from her bank and OPay accounts while also dispossessing her of cash meant for business activities.
Midway into the trial, the defendant reportedly absconded after being granted bail.
However, the court continued proceedings in absentia in line with Section 177(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law after he repeatedly failed to appear in court.
Justice Onyefulu ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently convicted the defendant on both counts.
Ogundale was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for obtaining by false pretence and an additional 10 years for fraudulent conversion.
