The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, secured the conviction of 82-year-old Clement Nnamdi Okonjo for forgery before Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State.
Okonjo was first arraigned on January 17, 2023, on a four-count charge of forgery. He pleaded not guilty, prompting a trial that lasted over three years.
During the proceedings, evidence was presented linking Okonjo to the creation and use of falsified documents intended to mislead and gain an unlawful advantage.
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He reportedly expressed remorse and requested leniency, but the court found him guilty on all counts.
Justice Olubanjo sentenced Okonjo to 12 years in prison, emphasizing that age and status do not exempt anyone from accountability under the law.
The EFCC described the verdict as a demonstration of its determination to combat economic and financial crimes, including document forgery, which it said poses serious risks to legal and commercial integrity.