The Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha has sentenced a self-acclaimed witch doctor, Akinyola Ogundale, to 31 years’ imprisonment for obtaining money by false pretence and fraudulent conversion.
Delivering judgment, Justice D.A. Onyefulu found the defendant guilty on two counts bordering on fraud and exploitation of victims through spiritual claims and psychological intimidation.
The offences, the court held, contravene Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, as well as Section 383(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 36, Laws of Anambra State, 1991.
The court heard that the incident occurred in July 2024, when the victim, late Juliet Onabe, met the defendant while travelling from Onitsha to Ondo for business purposes.
It was established that Ogundale falsely presented himself as a spiritualist capable of performing rituals to make the victim wealthy.
The prosecution told the court that the defendant fraudulently obtained over N5 million from the deceased and her relatives through threats, intimidation, and alleged spiritual manipulation.
Evidence further showed that the victim was repeatedly threatened with death if she failed to provide more money and was often heard pleading, “Akin, I will bring the money.”
The prosecution also proved that the victim was forced to borrow money under sustained pressure allegedly mounted by the defendant.
During the trial, two witnesses testified, while documentary evidence, including bank transfer records and written statements, was tendered before the court.
The prosecution further submitted the defendant’s extrajudicial statement in which he admitted receiving money from the deceased under the guise of performing spiritual and ritual services.
The court also found that the defendant compelled the deceased to transfer funds from her bank and OPay accounts and dispossessed her of cash meant for business operations.
Midway through the proceedings, the defendant absconded after being granted bail.
However, the court continued the trial in his absence in line with Section 177(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law after he repeatedly failed to appear.
Ogundale was eventually convicted on both counts after the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
He was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment on count one for obtaining by false pretence and 10 years’ imprisonment on count two for fraudulent conversion.
