A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has sentenced a couple, Harry Uyanwanne and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa (also known as Kristein Uyanwanne), to a combined 16 years in prison for defrauding individuals of ₦52 million. Their organization, Temple International Church, was also ordered to be deregistered and closed for its role in the fraudulent activities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged the couple with seven counts, including stealing, dishonest conversion, false representation, and fraud. They were accused of misappropriating ₦10 million belonging to the late Mrs. Janet Adeola Odemuyiwa and fraudulently selling a property in Magodo, Lagos, for ₦42 million under false pretenses.
During the trial, the EFCC presented five witnesses, while the defense called two. Justice Mojisola Dada found the defendants guilty on multiple counts, sentencing Harry Uyanwanne to a total of 10 years and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa to six years, with the sentences to run concurrently. The court also mandated the couple to restitute ₦31 million to the complainant within 60 days.
Justice Dada emphasized the misuse of religious platforms for fraudulent purposes, ordering the deregistration and closure of Temple International Church to prevent further exploitation.
This case highlights the judiciary’s commitment to addressing financial crimes and serves as a warning against exploiting religious institutions for fraudulent activities.
