Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has convicted and sentenced Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and his company, Tennyvans Nigeria Limited, to a total of 30 years imprisonment.
The judge delivered the verdict on Monday following prosecution of a six-count charge bordering on stealing and failure to declare assets amounting to $62,500 (Sixty-Two Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars) and €36,020 (Thirty six Thousand, Twenty Euro).
Justice Ijelu held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently found the defendant guilty as charged.
One of the counts against him reads, “Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and Tennyvams Nigeria Limited sometimes in 2012 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of $62,500 (Sixty-Two Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars) being the cost of caterpillar parts, property of Rene Theodorous Johannes Brouwers of Brouwers USA Trucks and Parts”.
Another count reads: “Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and Tennyvams Nigeria Limited sometimes in 2012 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of €36, 020 (Thirty six Thousand, Twenty Euro) being the cost and shipping of DAF Truck, Box trailer and two (2) tippers, property of Rene Theodorous Johannes Brouwers of Brouwers USA Trucks and Parts b.v.”
The offences contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, as well as Section 27(3) of the EFCC Act, 2004, relating to non-disclosure of assets and refusal to declare properties.
Idowu was first arraigned on November 27, 2024, where he pleaded not guilty, and trial commenced.
During the trial, counsel to the prosecution, E. S. Okongwu, called three witnesses and tendered 11 exhibits, all of which were admitted by the court.
The counsel to the defendant, Kehinde Olawumi, called one witness.
The court sentenced him to five years imprisonment on counts one to four, to run concurrently.
Additionally, the court also sentenced to five years imprisonment on counts five and six, with an option of a fine of N1 million on each count, to be paid within six months or serve the custodial sentences.
However, the court ordered restitution of $62,500 and €36,020 to the nominal complainant within six months.
The convict was thereafter remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
