A man identified as Chinedu Francis Nwabuisi has been sentenced to two years in prison without an option of fine for spending N21.9 million mistakenly paid into his bank account for personal purposes.
Justice Irele Ifijeh of the Edo State High Court in Benin City handed down the sentence after convicting Nwabuisi of the offence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Directorate, prosecuted him for converting the money, which was erroneously credited to his First Bank Plc account due to a system glitch.
During the trial, the prosecution counsel, M. S. Dahiru, called two witnesses, including a senior official of First Bank and an EFCC operative. The prosecution also presented documentary evidence, which was admitted by the court.
However, while defending himself, Nwabuisi claimed he believed the money was a benefit due to him for operating a Point of Sale, POS, business with the bank.