Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Monday convicted and sentenced Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and his company, Tennyvans Nigeria Limited, to a total of 30 years imprisonment over offences bordering on stealing and failure to declare assets.
The offences involved $62,500 and €36,020, which the court said were dishonestly converted for personal use.
The charges were brought under Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, as well as Section 27(3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, 2004, which relates to non-disclosure of assets and refusal to declare properties.
One of the charges read: “Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and Tennyvams Nigeria Limited sometimes in 2012 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of $62,500 being the cost of caterpillar parts, property of Rene Theodorous Johannes Brouwers of Brouwers USA Trucks and Parts.”
Another count stated: “Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and Tennyvams Nigeria Limited sometimes in 2012 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of €36,020 being the cost and shipping of a DAF truck, box trailer and two tippers belonging to Rene Theodorous Johannes Brouwers of Brouwers USA Trucks and Parts B.V.”
Idowu was first arraigned on November 27, 2024, where he pleaded not guilty, leading to a full trial.
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel, E. S. Okongwu, called three witnesses and presented 11 exhibits, all of which were admitted by the court.
The defence counsel, Kehinde Olawumi, however called one witness in the course of the trial.
In his judgment, Justice Ijelu held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the conviction of the defendant.
The court sentenced Idowu to five years imprisonment on counts one to four, with the terms to run concurrently.
He was also sentenced to five years imprisonment on counts five and six, with an option of a ₦1 million fine on each count, payable within six months or serve the custodial sentence.
In addition to the prison terms, the court ordered the convict to refund $62,500 and €36,020 to the nominal complainant within six months.
Following the judgment, Idowu was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
