The court’s unanimous decision was delivered by Justice Moore Adumein, confirming the rulings of both the trial court and the Court of Appeal.
The Supreme Court emphasised that Francis Atuche did not provide sufficient grounds to challenge the findings of the lower courts regarding his credibility.
The court reiterated its stance that an appellate court should not interfere with a trial court’s decision on the demeanour of a party or witness if it is supported by documentary evidence.
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld the conviction of Francis Atuche, former Managing Director of Bank PHB Plc, for his role in a N25.7 billion fraud scheme.
Atuche’s legal battle, which began in 2011, has finally come to an end with the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to affirm his conviction.
The court found him guilty of conspiracy to commit felony and stealing, and sentenced him to six years in prison.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Atuche, his wife Elizabeth, and Ugo Anyanwu on a 27-count charge in 2011.
While Elizabeth was acquitted due to insufficient evidence, Atuche and Anyanwu were found guilty and sentenced to prison.
The Supreme Court’s decision sets a precedent for the nation’s justice system, emphasizing the importance of credible evidence in criminal cases.
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