An Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced a couple, Harry and Kristen Uyanwanne, to 10 years imprisonment for using their church, Temple International Church, to defraud members of N52 million.
The court also ordered the immediate deregistration and closure of the church.
The couple faced a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of stealing and fraud. They were arraigned in February 2020 and pleaded not guilty, but after a thorough trial, Justice Mojisola Dada found them guilty of the charges.
The court sentenced Harry to three years imprisonment on the first count and seven years on counts two to six, while Kristen was discharged on count seven. The sentences will run concurrently. Justice Dada also directed the couple to restitute N31 million to the complainant within 60 days.
The EFCC presented evidence showing that in March 2016, the convicts dishonestly converted N10 million belonging to the late Mrs. Adeola Odemuyiwa for personal use. They also sold a property at Plot 32, Block 9, Magodo, Lagos, for N42 million under false pretenses, claiming Harry was authorized by the complainant to sell the property.
The court held that these actions violated Section 1(2) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, as well as Sections 278 and 285(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The judgment reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to addressing financial crimes and protecting the public from fraudulent schemes disguised under religious organizations.
Be the first to comment