A Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has convicted and sentenced Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita, a medical doctor, to seven years in prison for fraud.
The court found her guilty of a twelve-count charge, including forgery and diversion of funds totaling N127,686,594.87.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dr. Ita was accused of forging documents and fraudulently altering the records of Sharpnet Concept Limited and ROK Project Limited, two companies where she was a director.
She allegedly removed the two initial directors from the companies’ records and claimed to be the second wife of Engr. Orok Okonkon Ita, who died in 2004.
The EFCC received a petition in 2019 from two directors of the companies, alleging Dr. Ita’s fraudulent activities.
The petitioners stated that Dr. Ita had forged and fraudulently altered the companies’ documents, including the annual returns and share allotments.
She was also accused of diverting funds meant for the companies’ projects.
During her trial, which commenced in 2019, prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin presented incontrovertible evidence, including documents and witness testimony, which implicated Dr. Ita in the fraudulent activities.
The prosecution proved that Dr. Ita had forged documents, including a Form CAC 10 (Annual Return for a Small Company) in respect of Sharpnet Concept Limited, dated November 6, 2014.
Justice Rosemary Oghogho-rie, who presided over the case, sentenced Dr. Ita to seven years in prison, citing the prosecution’s proof of her guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The court held that Dr. Ita’s actions constituted a serious breach of trust and fiduciary duty, and that her conviction and sentencing would serve as a deterrent to others.
The EFCC has hailed the conviction and sentencing of Dr. Ita as a major victory in its efforts to combat economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.