The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita, a medical doctor, for her involvement in a N127 million fraud case. The Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, presided over by Justice Rosemary Oghogho-rie, convicted and sentenced Ita to seven years imprisonment on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The case, prosecuted by the Uyo Directorate of the EFCC, involved 12 counts of forgery and diversion of funds.
Details of the Charges
Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita was arraigned on multiple charges, including forgery and money laundering, following a petition filed by Sharpnet Concept Limited and ROK Project Limited. The petition alleged that Ita fraudulently altered company documents, removed the names of the initial directors, and claimed ownership of the companies.
One of the charges read:
“That you, Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita ‘F’ on or about the 6th day of November 2014, in Calabar, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did make a forged document to wit: FORM CAC 10 (Annual Return For A Small Company) in respect of Sharpnet Concept Limited, dated 06/11/2014, purported to have been signed by Mrs. Rose Orok Ita (a Director in Sharpnet Concept Limited), with the intent that the document may be acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (2) (C) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M 17 of the Revised Edition (Law of the Federation of Nigeria) and punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the same Act.”
Another charge stated:
“That you, Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita ‘F’ on or about 14/02/2019, in Calabar, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did take possession of the sum of Forty-Five Million Naira (#45,000,000) through Bank Account No: 2027011283 domiciled in First Bank with Account Name: Rok Projects Limited, paid by the University of Calabar (UNICAL) for the project executed by ROK Projects Limited/Sharpnet Limited when you reasonably ought to know that the money was part of the proceeds of crime to wit: forgery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 16 (3) of the same Act.”
The Trial and Conviction
Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, leading to a trial that commenced in 2019. During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, presented compelling evidence and called witnesses to testify against the defendant. The evidence included forged documents, financial records, and testimonies from the petitioners, who accused Ita of fraudulently altering company documents and diverting funds.
Justice Oghogho-rie, convinced that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, convicted Ita on all counts and sentenced her to seven years imprisonment. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offences, particularly the forgery and diversion of funds, which undermined the integrity of corporate governance and financial systems.
Background of the Case
The case against Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita began in 2019 when the EFCC received a petition from Sharpnet Concept Limited and ROK Project Limited. The petitioners, who were initial directors of the companies, alleged that Ita had forged and fraudulently altered company documents to remove their names and claim ownership.
The petitioners further stated that Ita had appointed a new company secretary on November 6, 2014, and changed the registered address of the companies to No. 25, Uyo Street, off Market Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She also made re-allotments and return of allotments of shares, effectively taking control of the companies.
Additionally, Ita was accused of receiving N45 million from the University of Calabar (UNICAL) for a project executed by ROK Projects Limited/Sharpnet Limited. The petitioners alleged that the funds were proceeds of crime, as they were obtained through fraudulent means.
Implications of the Conviction
The conviction of Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita highlights the EFCC’s commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring accountability in corporate governance. It also serves as a warning to individuals who engage in fraudulent activities, particularly those involving forgery and money laundering.
The case underscores the importance of transparency and integrity in business operations, as well as the need for robust regulatory frameworks to prevent corporate fraud. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of the EFCC in investigating and prosecuting complex financial crimes.
Conclusion
Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita’s conviction and sentencing to seven years imprisonment mark a significant victory for the EFCC in its fight against financial crimes. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities and the importance of upholding ethical standards in business and professional practices.
As Ita begins her prison term, the case also highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial systems and corporate sector. The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice and holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or profession.
