PRESIDENT OF CHARCOAL PRODUCERS AND EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION JAILED FOR FRAUD

Babatunji Wusu –

The Gombe State High Court sentenced Edu Babatunde Azeez, President of the National Association of Charcoal Producers and Exporters (NACPE), and his company, Ablims Limited, to a year in prison on fraud charges totaling N7 million.

Justice H.H. Kereng imposed the sentence following a guilty plea to conspiracy and acquiring money under false pretenses.

The prosecution was led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Gombe State Zonal Command, after a victim, Ayanbisi Ismail, accused Mr. Azeez of earning N7,183,750 through fraud.

According to Ismail, the cash were intended for the shipment of charcoal to Saudi Arabia—a claim that proved to be incorrect.

In December 2022, Mr. Azeez and Ablims Limited were charged with making false claims, resulting in the illicit collection of monies disguised as commercial transactions for charcoal exports.

The exact allegations outlined how the accused colluded to commit cheating, which violated various provisions of the Penal Code Law.

The prosecution, led by A.B. Kware, argued for a harsh punishment, emphasizing the importance of justice and future deterrence of similar fraudulent conduct.

In contrast, defence counsel Inusa Mohammed appealed for leniency, noting that this was Mr Azeez’s first criminal offense.

In his ultimate decision, Justice Kereng acknowledged the gravity of the offense yet chose a sentence that included a monetary option.

Mr Azeez and his company were sentenced to one year in prison or a N200,000 fine.