The Anambra State High Court has sentenced a self-proclaimed traditional healer, Akinyola Ogundale, to 31 years in prison after finding him guilty of fraud and fraudulent conversion involving more than ₦5 million.
Justice D.A. Onyefulu delivered the judgment on Monday, stating that the prosecution successfully proved two criminal charges brought against the defendant under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act as well as the Criminal Code Law of Anambra State.
Court records showed that the case began after Juliet Onabe, who later died during the course of proceedings, met the defendant in July 2024 while travelling from Onitsha to Ondo on a business trip.
The defendant reportedly presented himself as a native doctor who could perform rituals to bring financial success. He allegedly collected money from the victim and her relatives, using threats and repeated pressure linked to spiritual harm.
Prosecutors told the court that the victim transferred funds from her bank and OPay accounts under intimidation and was also pressured into borrowing additional money. Witnesses testified that she repeatedly expressed fear during the period of the alleged abuse.
Bank records, written statements, and other documents were presented as evidence. The defendant also made a statement outside court admitting he received money for supposed spiritual services.
The court further heard that Ogundale continued collecting funds while also taking cash meant for the victim’s business operations.
Mid-trial, the defendant failed to appear in court after being granted bail. The court proceeded in his absence under provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
He was convicted on both counts. The court imposed a 21-year sentence for obtaining by false pretence and an additional 10 years for fraudulent conversion.
