The High Court of Akwa Ibom State sitting in Ikot Ekpene has sentenced two men to prison over a financial extortion case involving more than ₦50 million.
The convicts are Innocent Ntokon and Abel Udo Jacob, a lecturer at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic. They were found guilty of forcing a businessman, Edikan Jacob Jackson, to part with huge sums of money over a period of four years.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Augustine Odokwo said the victim was subjected to a cruel and organised extortion scheme that almost destroyed his family business.
The court heard that between 2016 and 2020, Ntokon used his position as a leader of a cult group to threaten and intimidate the businessman. Armed men were reportedly sent to the victim’s shops, while death threats were made against his mother and sisters to force him to make regular payments.
The lecturer was said to have handled the money for the group. The court rejected his claim that he believed the funds paid into his account were meant for legitimate contracts. The judge described his explanation as unreasonable.
In his ruling, Justice Odokwo said the victim suffered serious emotional trauma and financial loss. He added that the court had to consider the deep impact of the crime on the victim and his family.
Ntokon was sentenced to eight years in prison for offences including stealing, terrorism and cult-related activities. The lecturer received a maximum of three years for his role in the crimes. The sentences will run at the same time.
The court also ordered both men to jointly pay ₦25 million to the victim. In addition, a Toyota Avensis and a Mercedes-Benz linked to the crime were forfeited to the state and will be sold to help compensate the businessman.
