The Lagos High Court has sentenced Indian national, Chandra Singh, to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a N816 million procurement fraud. Singh, who was found guilty of defrauding Nigerian authorities through fraudulent procurement processes, was convicted after a rigorous investigation and trial.
The court heard that Singh, acting in collusion with several accomplices, manipulated procurement contracts intended for various government projects. The fraudulent activities, which spanned over several months, caused significant financial loss to the Nigerian government.
The case, which has attracted widespread attention, highlights the increasing efforts of Nigerian authorities to tackle corruption and fraudulent activities in public procurement. Justice Abiola Adeyemi, who presided over the case, emphasized that the sentence serves as a deterrent to individuals and groups involved in similar corrupt activities, both locally and internationally.
The prosecution, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), presented compelling evidence that Singh had exploited the procurement system to misappropriate government funds, thereby undermining public trust and development. Justice Adeyemi stated, “This ruling is a strong message that Nigeria will not tolerate any form of corruption, regardless of nationality, and that all individuals who commit fraud will be held accountable under Nigerian law.”
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Singh to pay full restitution of the stolen funds to the Nigerian government. The EFCC has also vowed to continue its efforts to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in similar financial crimes, reinforcing the commitment to ensuring that justice prevails.