419: Ex-Legislative Aide Jailed 8 Years for N120.58 Million Employment Scam
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has sentenced Goni Yilkan, a former legislative aide and banker, to eight years imprisonment for obtaining N120.58 million by false pretence.
Yilkan was found guilty of a two-count charge of employment scam, punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Yilkan deceived a petitioner, Hindatu Bello, into believing he had the capacity to secure employment slots in government agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Bello collected varying sums of money from over 60 jobseekers, amounting to N120,580,550, which she remitted to Yilkan. However, the purported employment offers never materialised, prompting Bello to petition the EFCC.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Cosmas Ugwu, called six witnesses and tendered documentary evidence. The defence, led by J.A. Oguche, presented two witnesses, including Yilkan himself.
Justice F.E. Messiri held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, convicted Yilkan, and sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment without an option of fine. Yilkan’s co-defendant, Mohammed Adamu, was discharged and acquitted.
The EFCC has been working to combat employment scams, which have become a significant problem in Nigeria.
The commission’s efforts have led to several convictions, including Yilkan’s case. The EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Directorate recently arrested 28 suspected internet fraudsters in Kwara State, demonstrating its commitment to tackling cybercrime and other financial crimes.
