Doctor Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison For N127 Million Fraud In Cross River
A High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita to seven years in prison after finding her guilty of forgery and fund diversion totaling N127,686,594.87.
Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie delivered the verdict after a 12-count charge was brought against Ita by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Despite pleading not guilty, the court ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming.
The case dates back to 2019, when Sharpnet Concept Limited and ROK Project Limited filed a petition against Ita, accusing her of:
- Forging company documents.
- Fraudulently altering corporate records.
- Illegally removing original directors and assuming control of the companies by falsely claiming to be the second wife of the late Engr. Orok Okokon Ita.
EFCC investigations revealed that Ita:
- Unlawfully appointed a new company secretary.
- Manipulated share allotments and changed the firms’ registered address.
- Illegally took possession of N45 million paid by the University of Calabar for a project executed by ROK Projects Limited/Sharpnet Concept Limited.
Justice Oghoghorie ruled that Ita’s actions violated:
- Section 1(2)(C) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act (forgery).
- Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) (possession of proceeds of crime).
With Ita’s conviction, the EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting financial crimes and corporate fraud in Nigeria.
