Ekiti Court Jails Fake Soldier for N500,000 Auction Scam

In a significant ruling, the Ekiti State High Court, sitting in Ado-Ekiti, has handed down a two-year prison sentence to Bethel Onyedikachi Ukachukwu for his role in a fraudulent scheme. The defendant, who falsely claimed to be a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army, was found guilty of obtaining N500,000 from a resident under the pretext of securing a vehicle from a Nigeria Customs Service auction. According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ukachukwu's troubles began when he collected the sum from Mr. Kayode Aina with the promise of bidding for an auction car, but failed to deliver on his promise or refund the money. The EFCC, through its Ekiti Zonal Directorate, had arraigned Ukachukwu on an amended three-count charge, which included counts of obtaining by false pretence and dishonest conversion. One of the charges specifically stated that Ukachukwu, with intent to defraud, collected N500,000 from Aina under the false pretext of using the money to bid for an auction car. Another count accused him of converting the sum to his personal use, despite it being entrusted to him for the purpose of purchasing a vehicle on Aina's behalf. After pleading guilty to the charges, the prosecution, led by counsel Saidu Yusuf, presented evidence and urged the court to convict Ukachukwu. The defence, led by counsel T.A. Salami, pleaded for leniency, citing Ukachukwu's remorsefulness and his repayment of the defrauded sum. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, in his judgment delivered on July 28, 2026, sentenced Ukachukwu to two years imprisonment, with an option of a N150,000 fine. Following the sentencing, Ukachukwu was remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre.