The Chief Executive Officer of Micheno Multi-purpose Cooperative Society, Uno Michael Eke, has been convicted and sentenced to one year in prison over a staggering ₦2 billion fraud scheme.
Justice Rosemary Dugbo Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, found Eke guilty of conspiracy, obtaining property by false pretence, and money laundering.
Eke had earlier pleaded guilty to a four-count amended charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate.
His elaborate scam promised unsuspecting investors an eye-watering 80% return on investment within just 40 days, luring in countless victims.
Investigators revealed that he operated multiple bank accounts under his name and his company’s, funneling billions into lavish properties while leaving investors in financial ruin.
His fraudulent empire however crashed down when authorities uncovered his massive assets, including: 12 luxury flats in Calabar, two vast plots of land in Cross River State, 18 self-contained flats near the University of Calabar and ₦10 million in cash.
Despite his guilty plea, Eke’s legal team sought leniency, citing a plea bargain agreement.
However, the court ruled decisively, sentencing him to one year behind bars or an option of a ₦2 million fine.
Additionally, all his seized assets and funds will be forfeited to the Federal Government, with restitution to be made to his defrauded victims.
