LAGOS COURT JAILS MAN, COMPANY 30 YEARS OVER $62,500, €36,020 FRAUD

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and his company, Tennyvans Nigeria Limited, to a total of 30 years imprisonment for fraud involving $62,500 and €36,020.

The conviction, delivered on Monday, March 30, 2026, followed a six-count charge bordering on stealing and failure to declare assets.

The offences contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, as well as Section 27(3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, 2004, relating to non-disclosure of assets and refusal to declare properties.

One of the counts reads, “Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and Tennyvams Nigeria Limited sometimes in 2012 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of $62,500 (Sixty-Two Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars) being the cost of caterpillar parts, property of Rene Theodorous Johannes Brouwers of Brouwers USA Trucks and Parts”.

Another count reads, “Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and Tennyvams Nigeria Limited sometimes in 2012 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of €36, 020 (Thirty six Thousand, Twenty Euro) being the cost and shipping of DAF Truck, Box trailer and two (2) tippers, property of Rene Theodorous Johannes Brouwers of Brouwers USA Trucks and Parts b.v.”

Idowu was first arraigned on November 27, 2024, where he pleaded not guilty, leading to a full trial.

During proceedings, prosecuting counsel, E. S. Okongwu, presented three witnesses and tendered eleven exhibits, all admitted by the court, while the defence counsel, Kehinde Olawumi, called one witness.

In his judgment, Justice Ijelu held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and found the defendant guilty as charged.

The court sentenced Idowu to five years imprisonment on counts one to four, to run concurrently. He was also handed five years imprisonment on counts five and six, with an option of a fine of N1 million on each count, to be paid within six months or serve the custodial sentences.

The court further ordered restitution of $62,500 and €36,020 to the nominal complainant within six months.

Following the judgment, the convict was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.