A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi has sentenced former legislative aide and banker, Goni Yilkan, to eight years in prison for defrauding jobseekers of ₦120.58 million through a fake employment scheme.
Justice F.E. Messiri convicted Yilkan on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC, Yilkan, alongside one Mohammed Adamu and others at large, collected millions from a petitioner, Mrs Hindatu Bello, between January 2020 and December 2021 under the pretext of securing employment slots in government agencies, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Investigations revealed that Bello, deceived by Yilkan’s promise, raised funds from over 60 jobseekers amounting to ₦120,580,550, which she handed over to him. However, none of the purported employment offers materialised.
During trial, the EFCC presented six witnesses and tendered documentary evidence, while Yilkan testified in his own defence. Justice Messiri held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, sentencing Yilkan to eight years without the option of a fine. His co-defendant, Mohammed Adamu, was discharged and acquitted.
The judgment comes amid EFCC’s intensified clampdown on fraudsters. Earlier this week, its Ilorin Zonal Directorate announced the arrest of 28 suspected internet fraudsters in Kwara State.
