Court jails fake soldier two years for N500,000 car auction fraud in Ekiti
Ado-Ekiti High Court Sentences Man to Two Years for Fraud
The Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced Bethel Onyedikachi Ukachukwu to two years in prison for defrauding a resident of ₦500,000, promising to secure an auction vehicle from the Nigeria Customs Service.
Justice Lekan Ogunmoye issued the ruling on July 28, 2026, after Ukachukwu was convicted on multiple charges of obtaining money by false pretenses. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented an amended three-count indictment against him during the proceedings.
The EFCC stated that Ukachukwu deceived Mr. Kayode Aina Samuel into relinquishing ₦500,000, claiming he would use the funds to bid for a vehicle at a Customs Service auction.
One specific charge detailed that Ukachukwu, on April 15, 2026, in Ado-Ekiti, acted with fraudulent intent to obtain ₦500,000 from Samuel under the false pretense of purchasing a vehicle. The charge falls under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006.
Another charge asserted that Ukachukwu unlawfully converted the same amount to his personal use, violating the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, by misappropriating funds entrusted to him for that purpose.
Ukachukwu entered a guilty plea to the charges. Following this, prosecution witness Emmanuel Onuminya provided testimony and presented evidence, urging the court to impose a conviction.
Defense attorney T.A. Salami requested leniency, stating that Ukachukwu expressed remorse and had made efforts to refund the victim.
In his sentencing, Justice Ogunmoye ordered Ukachukwu to serve two years in prison, with the option of a ₦150,000 fine.
The EFCC reported that the case began when Ukachukwu falsely identified himself as a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army. He has since been held at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre for failing to deliver the promised vehicle or return the funds.
