A Grade One Area Court at Aco Estate, Abuja, has delivered a guilty verdict against Mr. Ezechinoso Augustine, owner of a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centre in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The conviction is based on charges including registration infraction, concealment, breach of trust, and theft.
During the hearing on Monday, February 6, 2024, Ezechinoso was accused of criminal breach of trust, concealment, registration infraction (cheating), and theft.
The male suspect, residing at No. 28 Omonun Street, Awada, Onitsha, allegedly received customised and sensitive registration materials from the Anambra State Office of the Board for the purpose of initiating UTME registration.
Despite Ezechinoso’s claim that the received material was malfunctioning and his denial of possession during the interview, prosecuting counsel Mr. Olisaemeka Okeke, standing in for Mr. Stanley Nafoaku, reported that the suspect pleaded guilty.
In defence, Barrister Pere Adge argued that the accused, being a Nigerian, may have committed the infractions without malicious intent due to prevailing circumstances. Adge, emphasising Ezechinoso’s first-time offender status, appealed to the court for leniency.
However, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Kagarko, the presiding judge, found Ezechinoso guilty and ordered his remand at Nasarawa Correctional Centre until Thursday, February 8, 2024. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the judgment was postponed to the following day, Friday, February 9, 2024.
On that day, the judge found Ezechinoso guilty on all four counts.
The charges included criminal breach of trust (nine months’ imprisonment or a 30 thousand naira fine), attempt to commit the offence of cheating (six months’ imprisonment or a fine of twenty thousand naira), intent to conceal (three months’ imprisonment or a fine of ten thousand naira), and theft (eight months’ imprisonment or a thirty thousand naira fine).
In response, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), through its spokesperson Dr. Fabian Benjamin, applauded the judgment in a press statement on Sunday.
JAMB warned potential infractors to cease their illicit activities, highlighting the technological tools at its disposal for real-time detection of infractions.
The Board emphasized its commitment to taking strict measures against anyone seeking to undermine its integrity, regardless of their status.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
