Crime

See How Doctor was Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for ₦127 Million Fraud in Calabar

Published by Tope Fakinlede on February 9th, 2025.

See How Doctor was Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for ₦127 Million Fraud in Calabar

A Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, under the leadership of Justice Rosemary Oghogho-rie, has convicted Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita for committing a large-scale fraud, according to reports from News360 Nigeria.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Uyo brought Dr. Ita to trial on multiple charges related to forgery and the illegal diversion of funds amounting to ₦127,686,594.87 (One Hundred and Twenty-Seven Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-Four Naira, Eighty-Seven Kobo).

One of the key charges against Dr. Ita involves the creation of a forged document: Form CAC 10 (Annual Return for a Small Company), which was falsely signed by Mrs. Rose Orok Ita, a director of Sharpnet Concept Limited. The document, dated November 6, 2014, was intended to be passed off as legitimate. The charge falls under Section 1(2)(C) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, punishable by law.

Another significant charge includes Dr. Ita’s involvement in the diversion of ₦45 million through a bank account linked to Rok Projects Limited, which was paid by the University of Calabar (UNICAL) for a project carried out by both Rok Projects Limited and Sharpnet Concept Limited. The funds were obtained knowing they were proceeds of crime, specifically forgery, violating the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

Dr. Ita pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, which led to a trial beginning in 2019. During the trial, the prosecution, led by Joshua Abolarin, presented strong evidence and testimonies, which the court found to be irrefutable.

After careful consideration, Justice Oghogho-rie determined that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced Dr. Ita to seven years in prison.

The case came to light after a 2019 petition from directors of Sharpnet Concept Limited and Rok Projects Limited, accusing Dr. Ita of altering company records for her own benefit. The petition claimed that Dr. Ita removed the original directors and falsely presented herself as the second wife of the late Engr. Orok Okonkon Ita. She also made changes to the company’s secretary, address, and shareholdings without authorization.