Fraud: Court Sentences UNILORIN Chemistry Student to 9-Month Imprisonment

An Ilorin High court has sentenced a 19-year-old Chemistry Student of the University of Ilorin, Mr.Ajayi Joshua Oluwatobi, to nine-month imprisonment for allegedly defrauding three students seeking hostel accommodation.

Justice Sikiru Oyinloye who delivered the ruling on Tuesday June 30, 2020, also ordered Oluwatobi to pay the sum of one hundred and five (105) thousand naira fine to serve as a deterrent to others.

The Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission filed the court case against the affected student, following the report from the authorities of university.

The charge sheet presented against the student at the court by the EFCC reads, “That you, Ajayi Joshua Oluwatobiloba, in November 2019, in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did cheat by deceiving one Anjorin Oluwabukolami Eniola, a University of Ilorin student when you fraudulently induced her to pay N45,000 into the bank account of one Hassan Adefemi Daniel for hostel accommodation.”

“A representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 320 of the Penal Code and punishable under section 322 of the same Law,” it adds.

Counsel to the defendant, J.A.O Ayinde, urged the presiding Judge to temper justice with mercy and give his client an option of fine rather than a custodial sentence.

Responding, Prosecution Counsel, Andrew Akoja, said, “My Lord, the issue of sentencing is within the discretion of the Court. I want the court to use its discretion in sentencing the convict.”

After hearing the parties, Justice Oyinloye sentenced Oluwatobi to three months imprisonment on count 1, 2, and 3.

Justice Sikiru Oyinloye in his ruling said, “This honourable court is of the view that the prosecution has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The court hereby finds you, Ajayi Joshua Oluwatobi guilty of Count 1, 2 and 3. You are hereby convicted for the offence.”