Published 9th Mar, 2023

By Joseph Adeiye

The Federal Capital Territory High Court has sentenced Mercy Yusuf, a Nigerian lady claiming to be a property owner, to 24 years in prison for benefiting from a $298,000 and N40 million property fraud schemes in Abuja.

Yusuf’s sentencing was made public in an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) statement on Thursday.

She had used false documents to dupe her victims.

“Justice E. Okpe of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Nyanya, Abuja on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 convicted and sentenced a property owner, Mercy Yusuf and her company, T.M Properties Limited to 24 years in prison for fraudulently obtaining the sum of $298,000 and N40million from Bacab Properties Limited under the false pretence that she was the beneficial owner of Plot 1721 Jahi District Cadastral Zone B08, Abuja,” EFCC’s official statement read in part.

“In the course of the trial which commenced on February 1, 2022, the prosecution called six witnesses and tendered 14 documents that were admitted in evidence as exhibits. At the close of the prosecution’s case, the defendants opened their defence on November 1, 2022, with the first defendant testifying on behalf of herself and the 2nd defendant.

“The final written addresses were adopted by the prosecution and defence on March 6, 2023 and the matter was adjourned to March 7, 2023 for judgment.

“Delivering judgment on Tuesday, March 7, Justice Okpe held that the prosecution had proved the case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt. The court therefore convicted the defendants on all the counts and sentenced them to 10 years imprisonment on counts one and two, and 2 years imprisonment on counts three and four.”

The High Court ordered Yusuf to make restitution of $298,000 and N41 million to the nominal complainant.

All sentences will run concurrently.

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