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Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of a Special Offences Court in Ikeja yesterday sentenced one Nojim Opeyemi to one year in prison for possessing false documents.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Opeyemi on a one-count amended charge, to which he pleaded guilty. The offence was said to contravene Section 320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

During the court session, EFCC counsel Mr Fanen Anum revealed that Opeyemi was apprehended on June 27, 2024, at Reginal Annex Hotel, Iyana Isasi, Ojo, Lagos State. An iPhone 6 recovered from the defendant was analysed, revealing incriminating documents. According to the prosecutor, Opeyemi admitted in his statement to defrauding victims of $5,100 using the false documents found on the device.

After confirming that Opeyemi fully understood the charges and the facts presented by the prosecution, Justice Abike-Fadipe asked if he had any objections, to which the defendant responded in the affirmative. The prosecution then urged the court to convict him and order the forfeiture of the seized iPhone to the Federal Government.

In her plea for leniency, defence counsel Ms Bridget Omatetor highlighted Opeyemi’s cooperation with the court by pleading guilty promptly. She described him as a first-time offender and a young man deserving a second chance. She appealed for a non-custodial sentence, citing his willingness to reform.The judge subsequently sentenced Opeyemi to 12 months imprisonment but gave him the option of a N1 million fine and 100 hours of community service.