The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, 22nd September 2025, secured the conviction of a former legislative aide and banker, Mr. Goni Yilkan, for defrauding job seekers of ₦120.5 million. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment without an option of fine by Justice F. E. Messiri of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja.
Yilkan, from Nguru in Yobe State, was arraigned alongside one Mohammed Adamu in October 2023 on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. While Yilkan was convicted, Adamu was discharged and acquitted.
Investigations revealed that between 2020 and 2021, Yilkan deceived a petitioner, Mrs. Hindatu Bello, into believing he could secure employment slots in agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). On this basis, Bello collected money from over 60 job seekers, which she remitted to Yilkan, amounting to ₦120,580,550.
The promised jobs never materialised, leading Bello to petition the EFCC. During the trial, the prosecution, led by Cosmas Ugwu, presented six witnesses and documentary evidence. The defence, led by J.A. Oguche, called two witnesses, including Yilkan himself.
In delivering judgment, Justice Messiri ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, stating that Yilkan deliberately preyed on the desperation of Nigerians seeking employment. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to serve eight years in prison.
📩 Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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