The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced a couple, Harry Uyanwanne and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa, also known as Kristein Uyanwanne, to 16 years in prison for defrauding individuals of N52 million.

Their church, the Temple International Church, was also ordered to be deregistered and closed for its role in the fraud.

Justice Mojisola Dada delivered the verdict on Wednesday, convicting the couple of charges including stealing, dishonest conversion, false presentation, and fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had brought a seven-count charge against the duo and their church.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants used the guise of religious activities to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

The couple had pleaded not guilty when arraigned on February 25, 2020, prompting the prosecution to present its case.

The Prosecuting counsel, Mr Babatunde Sonoiki, called five witnesses to testify against the defendants, while the defence presented two witnesses.

Meanwhile, after reviewing the evidence, Justice Dada ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Justice Dada has sentenced the duo of Harry Uyanwanne and Odemuyiwa to various terms of imprisonment on charges of fraud and false representation.

On count one, both were sentenced to three years imprisonment. For counts two to six, Uyanwanne received a seven-year prison term, while Odemuyiwa was sentenced to three years. However, the court acquitted them of count seven.
Meanwhile, Uyanwanne was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, and Odemuyiwa, also known as Kristein Uyanwanne, received six years. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Justice Dada further ordered the deregistration and closure of the third convict, Temple International Church, citing its misuse of the name of God and the church to defraud people.

“I order that the third convict should be deregistered and closed down,” the judge declared.

The court also directed the convicts to restitute the sum of N31million to the nominal complainant within 60 days.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged that in March 2016, the convicts dishonestly converted N10 million belonging to the late Mrs Janet Adeola Odemuyiwa for personal use.
They also sold a property located at Plot 32, Block 9, Magodo Residential Scheme 1, Ikeja Local Government, for N42 million under the false pretense that the first convict was authorised to sell it on behalf of the late owner.
The EFCC argued that these acts violated Section 1(2) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006, as well as Sections 278 and 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria No. 11, 2011.

The Senate on Wednesday summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo; Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo; airline operators and other relevant stakeholders over the incessant flight delays and cancellations by airlines.

Adopting a motion to that effect, sponsored by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari (APC Oyo North) during plenary, the Red Chamber particularly charged its Committee on Aviation to unravel the circumstances behind the incessant flight delays and cancellations to find lasting solutions to the problem.

The PUNCH exclusively reported on Wednesday that about 2,000 air passengers lost 19,274 pieces of luggage between January and June this year, according to data from the Federal.

The report stated that data obtained from the half-year report of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, an agency of the Federal Government that regulates civil aviation, further indicated that 19,250 passengers were delayed for long hours during the review period.

Senator Buhari, while presenting the motion, said the problem which he noted had been on the increase in recent times, is all over the media.

“This development is worrisome as air travel is one of the most reliable, dependable, and quicker means of transportation, often undertaken for business/official purposes and to keep other scheduled appointments, which are usually time-bo,” he said.

Therefore, he cautioned that “unwarranted flight delays and cancellations will be counterproductive to the socio-economic growth and development of this country.”

The lawmaker noted that as part of interventionist measures to check unethical and unwholesome practices of the practitioners in the àviation sector, the NCAA is statutory empowered through the enactment of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, to among other things, provide oversight and guidelines aimed at ensuring that airlines operate within the contemplation of international standards in Nigeria and to ensure that airline customers get value for the services paid for.

Buhari pointed out that “the quest for economic diversification and foreign direct investment, which are parts of the current administration’s policy thrust, will remain an illusion if the country’s aviation industry falls short of the acceptable best practices across the globe.”

“Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations of 2023, makes provisions for consumer protection in the civil aviation industry in Nigeria.”

He added, “However, enforcement has been an issue as most Nigerians are not even aware that they are entitled to compensation for time lost due to unnecessary delay, hence the need for the NCAA to activate this aspect of its regulation so that airline operators will sit up and be alive to their responsibilities.”

Dorcas Wuraola Falode, a renowned solicitor and advocate for Africa’s positive image, has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Immigration Lawyer at the 2024 GAB (Gathering of Africa’s Best) Awards.

The GAB Awards ceremony, held on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Hilton London Kensington, celebrated trailblazers who are transforming lives and rewriting the African story globally, with Dorcas being among the honorees.

Founded in 1999 by Trumpet Media Group, honours excellence among Africans on the continent and in the diaspora. Dorcas’ recognition places her alongside celebrated icons like Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan, recognized for their great impact on Africa’s global image. Her award recognizes her outstanding contributions to promoting a positive image of Africa and Africans through her work in law.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Dorcas relocated to the UK at 15 to pursue her education. She earned her Law degree and qualified as a solicitor in 2000 after completing her training at London Guildhall University. Her professional journey led her to specialize in immigration law, leading to the establishment of DF Solicitors, a London-based firm, in 2008.

Her firm stands out not only for its legal excellence but also for its humanitarian impact. Dorcas is celebrated for offering pro bono services, reduced-fee support, and free annual legal seminars to underprivileged individuals in local communities and churches.

Her firm’s outstanding achievements have been recognized with several awards, including:

Best Nationwide Immigration Specialist Law Firm 2023 by the Greater London Enterprise Awards.

Best Immigration Law Firm 2024 – London and Client Service Excellence Award 2024 from the UK Enterprise Awards.

Best Nationwide Immigration Law Firm 2024, awarded by SME News.

Beyond the courtroom, Dorcas balances her successful career with her dedication to family. Married with four children, she manages her professional and personal life, supported by her equally dedicated husband. Her interests extend to child development and protection.