A Grade One Area Court sitting at Aco Estate, Abuja, has convicted a Computer Based Test Centre, CBT owner, Mr. Ezechinoso Augustine of registration infraction, concealment, breach of trust and theft.
The accused, who operates a CBT centre in Onitsha, had on 26th January, signed and collected a customised and sensitive registration material from the Anambra State Office of the JAMB to kick-start and activate the process of UTME registration.
But instead, concealed it with intention to acquire a second one, thereby defrauding the Board.
On interrogation, Mr. Augustine denied being in possession of any registration materials.
According to the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Olisaemeka Okeke, who was holding brief for Mr. Stanley Nafoaku, the suspect had pleaded guilty to the charge.
Counsel to the defendant, Pere Adge, however, pleaded that the accused was a Nigerian, who might have been prompted by the prevailing circumstances to commit the infractions without intent to cause damage or harm, and being a first-time offender, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
The presiding judge, Aliyu Kagarko found the suspect, Mr. Ezechinoso Augustine guilty on all four counts citing the criminal breach of trust, which attracted nine-month imprisonment or 30 thousand naira fine and attempt to commit the offence of cheating, which attracted a six-month imprisonment or a fine of twenty thousand naira.
Mr. Ezechinoso Augustine was also found guilty of intent to conceal, which attracted a three-month imprisonment or the payment of a fine of ten thousand naira while the fourth count charge, which was theft, attracted eight months or an option of thirty thousand naira fine.