Couple Sentenced to 16 Years for N52m Fraud in Lagos

A A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced Harry Uyanwanne and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa (also known as Kristein Uyanwanne), alongside Temple International Church, for a N52 million fraud.

Justice Mojisola Dada delivered the verdict, finding them guilty of charges including stealing, dishonest conversion, false representation, and fraud. The court also ordered the deregistration and closure of Temple International Church for misusing the name of God and the church to perpetrate fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed seven counts against the convicts, who pleaded not guilty when arraigned on February 25, 2020. After a trial involving testimonies from five prosecution witnesses and two defense witnesses, the judge ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Justice Dada sentenced Harry Uyanwanne to a total of 10 years imprisonment and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa to six years, with the sentences to run concurrently. The court also ordered the convicts to pay N31 million in restitution to the complainant within 60 days of the judgment.

The EFCC revealed that in 2016, the convicts dishonestly converted N10 million belonging to the late Mrs. Janet Adeola Odemuyiwa. They were also found guilty of selling a property in Magodo, Ikeja, for N42 million under false pretenses, claiming authorization from the deceased owner.

These acts violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act and the Criminal Law of Lagos State.