By Capital Watch Media
An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has sentenced Olayiwola Oguntade, a former staff member of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, to five years imprisonment for fraud.
Oguntade was convicted for misappropriating N10 million while working with JAMB, following investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The court found him guilty of fraud-related charges brought against him.
During the trial, EFCC prosecutors presented evidence showing that Oguntade had diverted funds meant for JAMB operations.
The prosecution argued that his actions constituted a breach of trust and financial misconduct.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Adeyemi Ajayi ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“The evidence presented clearly establishes the defendant’s involvement in the misappropriation of funds,” the judge stated.
In his defence, Oguntade denied the allegations, claiming that the funds in question were used for official purposes.
However, the court dismissed his claims, stating that there was no documentary evidence to support his argument.
The EFCC welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a victory in the fight against corruption.
“This verdict sends a strong message that financial crimes will not be tolerated,” an EFCC spokesperson said.
JAMB also reacted to the ruling, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability.
“We remain dedicated to upholding integrity in our operations and ensuring that such misconduct does not go unpunished,” a JAMB representative stated.
Oguntade’s conviction follows increased efforts by anti-corruption agencies to address financial crimes in public institutions.
Several other cases involving public officials are currently under investigation.
Following the judgment, the court ordered that Oguntade be remanded in prison to serve his sentence immediately.
The judge also ruled that any funds recovered from him should be returned to JAMB.
The case highlights ongoing measures to combat fraud in government agencies, with authorities vowing to continue prosecuting officials involved in financial mismanagement.
