In a recent development at a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, a couple and a church were convicted and sentenced for fraudulent activities. The couple, Harry Uyanwanne and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa, also known as Kristein Uyanwanne, were found guilty of various offences. The court ordered the closure and deregistration of Temple International Church for using religion to deceive people.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had charged the defendants with multiple counts related to theft, fraud, and false representation. Despite pleading not guilty initially, the defendants were convicted after a thorough trial with witnesses from both the prosecution and defence.
The judge handed down varying sentences to the convicts, with Harry Uyanwanne receiving a longer prison term than Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa. The court also directed them to repay a sum of N31m to the complainant within a specified period.
The fraudulent activities involved the misappropriation of funds and false property sales, leading to the conviction under specific sections of the law. The judge’s decision to close down the church was based on the exploitation of religion for fraudulent purposes.