Lagos Businesswoman Sentenced to 17 Years for N57.6m Fraud
A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has sentenced a businesswoman, Oluremi Phillips, to 17 years imprisonment for defrauding AYM Shafa Limited of N57,690,000. The judgment, delivered on Thursday, also included penalties for her company, Omritas Energy Limited.
Phillips was first arraigned before Justice Sherifat Solebo of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on January 27, 2022. However, following Justice Solebo’s retirement in November 2022, the case was reassigned to Justice Ijelu, who concluded the trial.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that Phillips and her company fraudulently converted the sum intended for the supply of Automotive Gas Oil in 2016. Additionally, Omritas Energy issued a N14,298,075 cheque to AYM Shafa Limited in April 2017, which was dishonored due to insufficient funds.
Phillips and Omritas Energy were re-arraigned on May 22, 2023, facing five counts of stealing and issuing dud cheques, offenses that contravene Section 285(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2011.
Guilty Verdict and Sentencing
During the trial, the EFCC presented three witnesses and several documents, while the defense called three witnesses. After reviewing the evidence, Justice Ijelu found both Phillips and Omritas Energy guilty on all five counts.
Phillips was sentenced to:
- Count One: Nine years imprisonment or an option of a N2 million fine, payable within 90 days.
- Counts Two to Five: Two years imprisonment each, to run concurrently.
Omritas Energy Limited was fined:
- N250,000 for count one.
- N100,000 each for counts two to five.
Restitution and Further Penalties
Justice Ijelu also ordered Phillips and her company to pay restitution of N57,690,000 to AYM Shafa Limited within 90 days. Failure to comply would result in Omritas Energy Limited being wound up.
This ruling highlights the judiciary’s commitment to tackling financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims of fraudulent activities.