AN Immigration officer, Dabiet Onyemi Gilbert, has been sentenced to one year in prison for defrauding a job seeker of N800,000. Gilbert was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a one-count charge of obtaining by false pretence.
The EFCC had received petition from the victim and investigated the case, leading to the prosecution and conviction of the fraudster. Justice H.H Kereng of the Gombe State High Court sentenced Gilbert. In a related development, Saleh Haruna has also been sentenced to five years in prison for forgery and intent to defraud. Haruna was accused of conspiring with one Mohammed Mustapha Sallah to defraud a victim of N950,000, posing as a land seller.
Justice Muazu Abubakar of the Bauchi State High Court sentenced Haruna. The EFCC has hailed the convictions as a major victory in its fight against fraud and corruption in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the EFCC has also arraigned Mohammed Mustapha Sallah, Haruna’s alleged accomplice, on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, and intent to defraud. His case has been adjourned until July 8, 2024, for hearing.