An Indian national, Chandra Singh, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja for procurement fraud
Justice I.O. Ijelu delivered the judgment on Thursday, 27 February 2025, convicting Singh on charges of bribery and retention of stolen property totaling ₦816,361,386.75.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Singh on 24 November 2022 on a 19-count charge, accusing him of soliciting undue advantage for his company, CVN Engineering Limited, while working at African Natural Resources and Mines Limited.
One of the charges alleged that Singh, while employed at the company, influenced the awarding of a ₦365,757,457.00 supply contract to CVN Engineering Limited. Another charge detailed a similar offence involving Neo Paints Nigeria Limited, where he was accused of influencing the awarding of a ₦243,141,638.75 contract to the company. Additionally, Singh was found to have dishonestly retained $4,150 belonging to his employer.
Despite pleading “not guilty,” the prosecution, led by Bilikisu Buhari, presented nine witnesses and documentary evidence to prove Singh’s involvement in the fra¥dulent scheme.
After reviewing the case, Justice Ijelu found him guilty on counts 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, sentencing him to 10 years in prison without the option of a fine. The court also ordered him to pay ₦345 million in restitution to his victim.
The verdict marks the conclusion of Singh’s trial, which exposed how he exploited his position for personal gain.
