A former legislative aide and banker, Mr. Goni Yilkan, has been sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for defrauding job seekers of over N120 million in a fraudulent employment scheme.
Justice F. E. Messiri of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja, delivered the judgment on Monday after a five-year trial initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate.
Yilkan, a native of Nguru in Yobe State, was first arraigned in October 2023 alongside one Mohammed Adamu, following a petition by Hajiya Hindatu Bello.
Investigations revealed that between 2020 and 2021, Yilkan deceived Bello into believing he could secure positions for applicants in the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Niger Delta Development Commission.
On that basis, Bello collected money from more than 60 job seekers and handed over a total of N120,580,550 to him. The jobs never materialised, prompting her complaint to the EFCC.
During trial, the prosecution led by Cosmas Ugwu called six witnesses and tendered documents, while the defence led by J. A. Oguche produced two witnesses, including Yilkan himself.
Justice Messiri held that the EFCC had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. While Adamu was acquitted, Yilkan was convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison without an option of fine.
The judge also rejected his plea for leniency after noting that he had neither refunded his victims nor released the funds.
The EFCC described the ruling as the conclusion of “a five-year case of deceit and betrayal of trust.”