A Lagos High Court has sentenced Abdulrahman Lawal Raji to 15 years imprisonment for defrauding a buyer of N26 million over a Toyota Hilux that was never delivered.
Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Ikeja court convicted Raji on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, after finding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Raji was arraigned on 9 November 2023 by the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 on an amended two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence.
The prosecution said that between 20 and 21 March 2023, Raji and another suspect, Abdulrahman Lawal, now at large, collected N26 million from Olaide Ibidapo.
They claimed it was payment for a 2022 Toyota Hilux, a representation the court found to be false.
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During the trial, EFCC counsel Ebuka Okongwu called four witnesses and tendered documents admitted as evidence.
Raji pleaded not guilty and the defence called two witnesses.
In his judgment, Justice Ijelu sentenced Raji to 10 years on count one and five years on count two, with no option of a fine.
The terms will run concurrently. The judge also ordered him to restitute the full N26 million to the petitioner.
According to the EFCC, Raji collected the money for the Hilux but failed to deliver the vehicle or refund the payment, leading to his prosecution and conviction.
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