A Nigerian national identified as Mike Atelemo has been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment by an Ondo State High Court for defrauding some persons the sum of N42.4m between June 2017 and May 2018.
The convict committed the offence at Ode Irele in Irele local government area.
According to report, Atelemo collected money from his victims by urging them to invest in a “Federal Government Empowerment Scheme” with a promise of huge returns at the end of each month.
Atelemo branded a Highlander SUV and opened an office at No 23, Olabanji Street, Iluyemi shopping complex, Ode Irele.
Atelemo who fled to Delta State was arrested and subsequently charged to court after his victims petition the Department of State Security (DSS).
He was charged to court in February 2019 and slammed with a 14- count charge bothering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretense to impersonation but he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A total of 12 witnesses were called to testify and they narrated how they were paid interest in their initial investment but lost all their monies when they decided to put in big money.
He sentenced Atelemo to seven years imprisonment for conspiracy and seven years for obtaining money under false pretense and three years for impersonation.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
Justice Bola also ordered Atelemo to pay the victims all the sums of money due to them.
