A Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, has sentenced the Managing Director of Builderstech Solution Ltd, Agene Johnson Godwin, to 48 years imprisonment without an option of fine for orchestrating a massive investment scam that defrauded thousands of Nigerians.
Justice M.S. Abubakar handed down the sentence after finding Godwin guilty on an amended eight-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC, Godwin fraudulently obtained over ₦500 million from more than 5,000 unsuspecting victims under the guise of an investment scheme operated through Builderstech Solution Ltd.
Investigations revealed that the scheme promised unrealistic returns to investors, many of whom were lured through aggressive marketing and false assurances of guaranteed profits.
The anti-graft agency told the court that the convict abused the trust of the public by presenting Builderstech as a legitimate investment platform, while diverting investors’ funds for personal use.
The prosecution added that several victims lost their life savings, plunging families into financial hardship.
Delivering judgment, Justice Abubakar held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, noting that the offences committed by Godwin were deliberate, systematic, and had far-reaching consequences on the victims and the wider society.
“The court cannot overlook the magnitude of the fraud and the number of people affected,” the judge said, stressing that the sentence was meant to serve as a deterrent to others who may intend to engage in similar criminal activities.
Agene Johnson Godwin was consequently sentenced to a cumulative 48 years imprisonment across the eight counts, with no option of fine.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
