By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
An Indian national Chandra Singh has been sentenced to ten years jail over N816million procurement fraud.
Justice I.O. Ijelu delivered the judgment convicting Singh on charges of bribery and retention of stolen property amounting to N816,361,386.75.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Singh on 24 November 2022 on a 19-count charge.
The prosecution accused him of soliciting undue advantage for his company, CVN Engineering Limited, while employed at African Natural Resources and Mines Limited.
One of the charges stated, “That Chandra Prankash Singh, on or before 1st of January, 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst in the employment of African Natural Resources and Mines Limited, solicited indirectly to confer undue advantage for your company, CVN Engineering Limited, in order that you influence your employee to award the supply of items costing N365,757,457.00 to CVN Engineering Limited.”
Another charge detailed a similar offence involving Neo Paints Nigeria Limited, stating, “That Chandra Prankash Singh, on or before 1st of January, 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst in the employment of African Natural Resources and Mines Limited, solicited indirectly to confer undue advantage for your company, Neo Paints Nigeria Limited, in order that you influence your employee to award the supply of items costing N243,141,638.75 to Neo Paints Nigeria Limited.”
Singh was also accused of dishonestly retaining $4,150 belonging to African Natural Resources and Mines Limited.
He pleaded “not guilty” to all charges, leading to a full trial.
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Bilikisu Buhari called nine witnesses and presented documentary evidence to establish Singh’s guilt.
After reviewing the evidence, Justice Ijelu found him guilty on counts 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
The judge sentenced Singh to 10 years imprisonment without an option of a fine and ordered him to pay restitution of N345 million to his victim.
The case concluded with Singh’s conviction for his involvement in the fraudulent scheme, which saw him exploit his position for personal gain.