The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has sentenced Kenneth Chukwuemeka Ajoku and Gregory Gyeburn Wongkyezeng to 10 years in prison each for defrauding a businessman of ₦9 million and a flat in Festac Town.
Justice Ismail Ijelu delivered the verdict on Thursday, July 3, 2025, finding both men guilty of stealing and obtaining money and property by false pretence, in violation of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and Lagos State’s criminal laws.
The court ruled that the pair misled their victim, Prince Okpara, through deliberate deception and abuse of trust.On the charge of stealing, both convicts received three years’ imprisonment with an option of ₦500,000 fine each.
However, for obtaining money and property under false pretences, they received a mandatory 10-year sentence without an option of fine.
Justice Ijelu also ordered restitution: Ajoku must repay ₦2.3 million, while Wongkyezeng is to return ₦9 million (less verified costs) to FMFL within six months.
If complied with, their sentence could be reduced to seven years.
The judge emphasized that no remission or parole will apply until the convicts serve at least seven years, sending a strong message on the gravity of financial crimes.
Reporting by Wahab Akinlade