Chief Okechukwu Chukwulozie, a former Commissioner of the National Insurance Commission, on Thursday began his journey to Kuje Prison in Abuja to serve 15 years over a N10.4 million fraud.
Chukwulozie was convicted on Wednesday at an Abuja High Court on five count charge for using private interest to furnish his official residence and demanding for a percentage in a contract he awarded.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission in 2007 jointly charged Chukwulozie; his wife, Angela; and a former Deputy Commissioner in charge of Finance and Administration, Adedolapo Ogungbe, to court.
They were jailed over the N10.4 million fraud without options of fine.
It was on Thursday that Chief Chukwulozie began his journey to Kuje Prison from the ICPC detention cell as it was late to convey him there after securing his conviction papers.
Delivering judgment, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi said that the court sentenced Chukwulozie to three years on each of the five counts he was convicted for.
It will run concurrently.
Oniyangi held that the ICPC had proved all the ingredients of Section 19 of the the ICPC Act against him.
He said: “The ICPC has proved beyond reasonable doubt that a commissioner of NICON, Chukwulozie, demanded 50 per cent of fees paid to liquidators of Gateway Insurance Plc.
“Beyond reasonable doubt is the standard of evidence required to validate a criminal conviction. Generally, the prosecution bears the burden of proof and is required to prove their case.
“The prosecution has presented to court evidence to support its charges against the convict.
“In this case, they have done so. The court hereby sentences you to three years each on each of the five counts level against you, which will run concurrently.”
However, Justice Oniyangi held that the ICPC failed to prove its case against the second (Angela) and third accused (Ogungbe) persons.
He said: “The court discharges the second and third accused persons charged with aiding and abetting the crime.”
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