Emmanuel Nwude and Counsel Convicted for Forgery, Property Dealings
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced Emmanuel Nwude and his two lawyers, Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu, to one year imprisonment each. The trio was convicted on charges of forgery and unlawful dealings in property previously forfeited to victims of crime.
The defendants were arraigned in March 2018 on an amended 15‑count charge, including conspiracy, forgery, fabrication of evidence, and dealing with forfeited property. They pleaded not guilty, leading to protracted proceedings marked by multiple hearings, appeals, and adjournments. The prosecution presented five witnesses and extensive documentary evidence, while the defence pursued no‑case submissions and appeals. The Court of Appeal dismissed Nwude’s appeal, directing him to continue his defence before the trial court.
In her judgment, Justice Dada found the defendants guilty on 13 counts, including forgery and unlawful dealings with property ordered forfeited as restitution to victims of Nwude’s earlier fraud. They were acquitted on two counts relating to false statements to public officers. Each was sentenced to one year imprisonment.
The matter traces back to a 2005 judgment by Justice J.O.K. Oyewole, which ordered Nwude and his company, Emrus Auto Nigeria Limited, to forfeit assets used to defraud Banco Noroeste S.A of Brazil and Stanton Development Corporation. After serving his prison term, Nwude engaged Ilechukwu and Kalu to recover Plot Y, Mobolaji Johnson, Oregun, Lagos—already sold to third parties as part of restitution. Acting under a Power of Attorney through Mankris Ventures Ltd, they attempted to evict the rightful owners, G.C. Nweze & Co., prompting a fresh petition and investigation by the Commission. This culminated in the charges on which they were convicted.
The judgment reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to uphold restitution orders, deter attempts to undermine prior court rulings, and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s legal process. It is a reminder that justice can reach far beyond the initial crime, ensuring victims’ rights are protected even years later.
