Couple Sentenced to 10 Years for ₦52 Million Fraud in Lagos

A couple, Harry Uyanwanne and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa, also known as Kristein, were sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Ikeja Special Offences Court for conspiracy and theft of ₦52 million. Their church, Temple International Church, was also implicated in the case and has been ordered to close permanently.

Justice Mojisola Dada delivered the verdict after finding the couple guilty on a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate. The case, which began on February 25, 2020, involved allegations of financial misappropriation and deceit.

During the trial, the EFCC prosecution, led by counsel Babatunde Sonoiki, presented five witnesses, while the defense called two. Evidence showed that in March 2016, Odemuyiwa and the church converted ₦10 million belonging to the late Mrs. Janet Odemuyiwa Adeola. Furthermore, they falsely sold a property at Plot 32, Block 9, Magodo Residential Scheme 1, Ikeja, to Mr. Kingsley Atere for ₦42 million, claiming authorization from the late Mrs. Adeola.

The couple initially pleaded not guilty but were convicted after extensive legal proceedings.