By Anita
A Redeem Christian Church of God Pastor, Ayodeji Oluokun has been sentenced to two years in prison by the Lagos State Special Offense Court, Ikeja, Lagos, for issuing a dud cheque of $1.6 million.
Oluokun and his company, Peak Petroleum Industry Nigeria Ltd, were charged with an amended six-count charge involving the issuance of a dud cheque, stealing, and obtaining money under false pretenses.
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo stated that the prosecution had successfully proven the charge of issuance of a dud cheque against the defendants.
She, however, discharged and acquitted the defendants of stealing and obtaining money under false pretenses, stating that the prosecutor had failed to prove the case.
The judge then sentenced Oluokun to two years in prison or a fine of two million naira, as well as his company to a fine of two million naira.
She ordered the convict to pay $1.6 million in restitution to the nominal complainant within 18 months.
The defense council, Mr. Edoka Onyeke, prayed to the court to grant the convict a non-custodian sentence, adding that he was a pastor and could use his pastoral work as service to humanity, through community service.
