Justice Ismail Ijelu of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, yesterday, jailed Olumuyiwa Idowu and his firm, Tennyvans Nigeria Limited, to a cumulative 30 years for stealing and failure to declare assets in a $62,500 and €36,020 fraud case.

In his judgment, the judge held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Idowu dishonestly converted funds meant for the purchase of heavy-duty vehicle parts and equipment belonging to a Dutch businessman, Rene Theodorous Johannes Brouwers of Brouwers USA Trucks and Parts.

Idowu was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on six counts on November 27, 2024, and he pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial.

During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Ebuka Okongwu, called three witnesses and tendered 11 exhibits, which were admitted by the court, while the defence called a witness.

The prosecution alleged that Idowu and his company, in 2012, diverted $62,500 meant for Caterpillar parts and €36,020 paid for a DAF truck, box trailer and two tippers entrusted to them by Brouwers.

The court held that his offences breached Section 285 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2011, and Section 27(3) of the EFCC Act, 2004, which criminalise stealing and failure to declare assets.

Justice Ijelu convicted the defendant on all counts and imposed five years’ sentence each on counts one to four, to run concurrently.

He further sentenced Idowu to five years each on counts five and six, with an option of a N1 million fine on each of the last two counts, payable within six months.

The court also ordered Idowu to refund $62,500 and €36,020 to the complainant within six months.

The convict was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until the payment of his fine.