In a recent ruling, Abraham Walson has been sentenced to seven years in prison by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for his involvement in employment fraud.
Charged before Justice U.N. Amogoh by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Walson faced a nine-count accusation related to conspiracy and fraudulent collection of money, violations that contravene Section 1 (1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and are punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same act.
According to the EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, one of the counts stated: “Abraham Walson and Marcus Udo lfon (who is still at large) solicited and obtained the sum of N1,300,000 from Apostle Emmanuel Tom Ebitu under false pretenses of providing training for his congregation members and securing them jobs with Saipem Nigeria Ltd. This pretense was proven false and constituted an offense under the law.”
Another count alleged that Walson, along with others, obtained N181,700 from Oboho John Ewa based on similar fraudulent promises related to training and job placement with Saipem Nigeria Ltd.
Upon being arraigned, Walson pleaded “not guilty,” leading the trial into a comprehensive examination where the prosecution, represented by counsel I. Agu, presented witnesses and evidence to support the case.
Despite the plea for leniency by Walson’s defense counsel, S. S. Ibogun, emphasizing his client’s first-time offender status and cooperation during the trial, Justice Agomoh convicted and sentenced him to seven years in prison without the option of a fine, mandating the sentence to run concurrently since the date of arrest.
Additionally, the judge ordered the forfeiture and sale of a black Nissan Almera belonging to Walson, with the proceeds to be distributed among the victims. Walson was also directed to submit an affidavit affirming good behavior to the court.
Walson’s criminal activities began when he was apprehended by the EFCC in 2011 on allegations of duping individuals who sought job opportunities.
Reportedly, Timothy Okpara Peters (now evading arrest) contracted Walson to organize a training program for youths in pipeline fitting and fabrication along NTA Road, Port Harcourt. Under false pretenses, Walson collected money from victims promising them training and job placements for an alleged contract worth $101 million, a claim that turned out to be entirely fabricated.
Subsequently, Walson was unable to fulfill the promised job placements, ultimately defrauding a total of 263 victims of N2,115,000 in the process.