RismadarVoice Reporters
June 2, 2026
Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced Abdulrahman Lawal Raji to 15 years’ imprisonment for obtaining N26 million under false pretence.
Raji was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, on an amended two-count charge bordering on fraud and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the charge, the defendant, alongside another suspect currently at large, fraudulently obtained the sum of N26 million from one Olaide Ibidapo between March 20 and March 21, 2023, under the guise that the money was meant for the purchase of a 2022 Toyota Hilux vehicle.
The prosecution alleged that the representation was false and was made with the intent to defraud the petitioner.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting a full trial.
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel, Ebuka Okongwu, presented four witnesses and tendered several documentary exhibits which were admitted by the court. The defence, on its part, called two witnesses in support of its case.
In his judgment, Justice Ijelu held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and found the defendant guilty on both counts.
The court subsequently sentenced Raji to 10 years imprisonment on the first count and five years imprisonment on the second count, with no option of fine.
The judge ordered that both sentences should run concurrently.
In addition to the jail term, the court directed the defendant to restitute the sum of N26 million to the complainant.
The conviction stemmed from Raji’s failure to deliver the Toyota Hilux vehicle after receiving payment from the petitioner, as well as his refusal to refund the money.
