In a recent development, a Gombe State High Court has handed down sentences to Ibrahim Abdullahi and Umar Usman for their involvement in an employment fraud scheme. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that Abdullahi and Usman were separately arraigned on charges related to cheating and employment scams.
According to the charge, Abdullahi obtained the Polaris ATM card belonging to Aminu Adamu Idris and Muhammed Saidu Jibril under false pretenses. He claimed that the card was necessary documentation for employment offers he had secured for them in a private liability company in Gombe. However, he instead used the card to obtain a loan of N682,847 without their consent.
Both Abdullahi and Usman pleaded guilty to the charges during their arraignment. The prosecuting attorney, A.B. Kware, requested that the court impose appropriate sentences considering their guilty pleas. On the other hand, the defendants’ attorney, R.A. Anthony, appealed to the judge for leniency, highlighting that they were first-time offenders who regretted their actions.
Judge Kereng found Abdullahi and Usman guilty and sentenced Abdullahi to one year in jail and a fine of N50,000. Usman, on the other hand, received a sentence of two years in prison and a fine of N50,000.
In a similar case, Mohammed Soja was sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in employment fraud. Soja faced charges related to fraud, cheating, and employment scams. However, considering his father’s medical condition, Judge Kereng offered him a second chance and allowed him to pay a fine of N150,000 instead of serving the full prison term.
These sentencing decisions serve as a strong deterrent to individuals involved in fraudulent employment practices. The Gombe State High Court, in collaboration with the EFCC, is dedicated to prosecuting and punishing those who engage in such criminal activities.
