LThe Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has convicted and sentenced a former legislative aide and banker, Mr. Goni Yilkan, to eight years in prison for his role in a N120.5 million employment scam.
Justice F. E. Messiri delivered the judgment following a prosecution led by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to a statement issued by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday, Yilkan was found guilty of obtaining money under false pretence.
The court held that the convict deceived unsuspecting job seekers by promising them employment opportunities in exchange for large sums of money. Investigations revealed that he collected over N120.5 million from multiple victims, exploiting their desperation for work.
Yilkan, a native of Nguru in Yobe State, faced a two-count charge under Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, with punishment prescribed under Section 1(3) of the same law.
Delivering judgment, Justice Messiri ruled that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court consequently sentenced Yilkan to eight years’ imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness of financial crimes that prey on citizens’ aspirations.
The EFCC welcomed the conviction, describing it as another significant step in its ongoing fight against advance fee fraud and employment racketeering. The agency also cautioned the public to remain vigilant against offers of job placements in exchange for money, noting that such practices are illegal and often fraudulent.
The conviction adds to a growing list of successful prosecutions by the EFCC as it intensifies its campaign against financial crimes across Nigeria.
