A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, on December 4, sentenced a couple, Harry Uyanwanne and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa (also known as Kristein Uyanwanne), along with Temple International Church, to jail for stealing N52 million.
Justice Mojisola Dada delivered the verdict after finding them guilty of fraud. The judge also ordered that Temple International Church be deregistered and shut down for using God’s name and the church to deceive people.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged the couple with seven counts, including theft, fraudulent conversion, and false representation. They were arraigned on February 25, 2020, and pleaded not guilty, initiating the trial.
During the proceedings, the prosecution presented five witnesses, while the defense called two. Justice Dada concluded that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted both defendants.
Uyanwanne was sentenced to three years for count one and seven years for counts two to six. Odemuyiwa received a three-year sentence for count one and six years for the others. Their sentences will run concurrently. The court also acquitted them on count seven.
The judge ordered the convicts to pay N31 million in restitution to the complainant within 60 days.
The EFCC accused the couple of unlawfully converting N10 million in March 2016 from the late Mrs. Janet Adeola Odemuyiwa’s estate. The couple allegedly sold a property at Plot 32, Block 9, Magodo Residential Scheme 1, Ikeja, to Mr. Kingsley Atere for N42 million, falsely claiming Uyanwanne was authorized to sell it.
These actions violated the Advance Fee Fraud Act and the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
