Nigerian Pastor Sentenced To 5yrs In Jail Over 419

“I am not sure that you are a man of God with a call, but if you are, then you are a disgrace to the church and society. I have carefully listened to the submissions of both sides in the case and I am convinced that the guilt of the accused has been proven. 

I therefore, sentence them to three years imprisonment each for count one and two years’ imprisonment each for count two.”

These were the words of Chief Magistrate Sylvester Ehikwe in delivering judgement against a clergyman, Pastor Joshua Egwu and his accomplice, Mr Ekene Ilona, for committing financial crimes.

The convicts, News Nigeria gathered, committed the offence on September 15, 2011. 

Pastor Egwu and Mr Ilona presented a proposal for the supply of “blue” gas, which they knew was false to Obidinma with the intent to commit and obtain the said sum.

Chief Magistrate Ehikwe said the prosecutor, Mrs. Dora Enweliku, proved the case against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt. During the trial, the prosecutor told the court that the offence contravened Sections 517 and 419 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1 of Delta State, 2006.

Chief Magistrate Ehikwe of an Asaba, Delta State, chief magistrate court thus commuted 45-year-old Pastor Egwu and 43-year-old Mr. Ilona to five years imprisonment each for obtaining N700, 000 under false pretence for the fake "blue" gas business from Mr. Benedict Obidinma.