On Monday, September 22, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) achieved a significant victory in its fight against financial crimes in Nigeria. The anti-graft agency secured the conviction and sentencing of Mr. Goni Yilkan, a former legislative aide and banker, for orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that defrauded job seekers of N120.5 million. The verdict was delivered by Justice F. E. Messiri of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, Abuja, marking another milestone in the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat economic and financial crimes across the country.
Yilkan, a native of Nguru in Yobe State, was found guilty on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence, an offence that violates Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. The charges carried penalties under Section 1(3) of the same Act. Following a thorough trial, Justice Messiri sentenced Yilkan to eight years in prison without the option of a fine, underscoring the court’s commitment to delivering justice for victims of financial fraud. The conviction serves as a stern warning to individuals exploiting the desperation of job seekers for personal gain.
The Genesis of the Case
The case against Yilkan began with a petition submitted to the EFCC by Mrs. Hindatu Bello, who alleged that she and several others had been defrauded by the convict. According to the petitioner, between 2020 and 2021, Yilkan misrepresented himself as having the authority and connections to secure employment opportunities in prominent government agencies, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). These agencies are highly sought-after employers in Nigeria, and the promise of securing jobs in such institutions was a powerful lure for desperate job seekers.
Mrs. Bello, acting as an intermediary, collected a total of N120,580,550 (One Hundred and Twenty Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty Naira) from over 60 job seekers who believed Yilkan’s promises. The funds were allegedly remitted to Yilkan, who assured Bello that he could deliver the promised employment slots. However, the job offers never materialized, leaving the victims financially devastated and without the promised opportunities. The scale of the fraud, coupled with the number of victims, prompted Bello to report the matter to the EFCC, triggering a comprehensive investigation.
The Charges and Arraignment
In October 2023, the EFCC formally arraigned Yilkan alongside Mohammed Adamu, his alleged accomplice, before Justice Messiri. The charges accused the defendants of defrauding Mrs. Bello and her clients through a calculated scheme that exploited their trust. One of the charges read:
“That you, Mohammed Goni Yilkan, Mohammed Adamu, and others at large between 3rd January 2020 and December 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N120,580,550 (One Hundred and Twenty Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty Naira) from Mrs. Hindatu Bello under the false pretence that you had the capacity to secure jobs for her candidates in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
The charges highlighted the deliberate nature of the fraud, emphasizing that Yilkan knowingly misrepresented his ability to secure government jobs. The inclusion of “others at large” suggested that the EFCC believed additional individuals may have been involved in the scheme, though only Yilkan and Adamu were brought to trial at the time.
The Trial Process
The trial was a meticulous process, with both the prosecution and defense presenting their cases before Justice Messiri. The prosecution, led by Cosmas Ugwu, built a robust case against Yilkan, calling six witnesses to testify and submitting documentary evidence to substantiate the allegations. The witnesses likely included victims of the fraud, as well as investigators who had uncovered evidence of Yilkan’s deceptive practices. The documentary evidence would have included financial records, communications, and other materials that demonstrated the transfer of funds and Yilkan’s false representations.
On the other hand, the defense, led by J.A. Oguche, sought to challenge the prosecution’s case by presenting two witnesses, including Yilkan himself. The defense likely argued that Yilkan had not acted with fraudulent intent or that there was insufficient evidence to link him directly to the fraud. However, these arguments failed to sway the court, as the prosecution’s evidence was deemed compelling and conclusive.
The Court’s Ruling
After carefully considering the evidence and testimonies presented by both sides, Justice Messiri delivered a landmark judgment. The court found that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, a legal standard that requires the evidence to leave no room for uncertainty about the defendant’s guilt. Yilkan was convicted on the two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence, a serious offence that undermined public trust and caused significant financial harm to the victims.
In contrast, Mohammed Adamu, Yilkan’s co-defendant, was discharged and acquitted. While the court did not provide detailed reasons for Adamu’s acquittal in the available information, it is possible that the prosecution failed to establish his direct involvement in the fraud or that there was insufficient evidence to link him to the crime. This outcome highlights the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that convictions are based on solid evidence, even in cases involving multiple defendants.
Justice Messiri sentenced Yilkan to eight years in prison, a penalty that reflects the severity of the offence and the significant financial loss suffered by the victims. Notably, the court did not offer Yilkan the option of paying a fine in lieu of imprisonment, a decision that underscores the seriousness of the crime and the need to deter similar offences in the future.
The Broader Context of the Conviction
Yilkan’s conviction is a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against financial crimes, particularly those that exploit vulnerable individuals. The case highlights the pervasive issue of job scams in Nigeria, where high unemployment rates and economic challenges create fertile ground for fraudsters to prey on desperate job seekers. By falsely promising employment in prestigious government agencies, Yilkan took advantage of the aspirations and financial struggles of his victims, many of whom likely borrowed money or depleted their savings to pay for the promised jobs.
The EFCC’s success in securing this conviction demonstrates the agency’s commitment to holding perpetrators of financial crimes accountable, regardless of their status or connections. As a former legislative aide and banker, Yilkan likely leveraged his professional background to gain the trust of his victims, making his actions particularly egregious. The case also underscores the importance of public awareness and vigilance in combating fraud, as well as the need for stronger mechanisms to protect job seekers from such scams.
Implications and Lessons Learned
The conviction of Goni Yilkan carries several important implications for Nigeria’s legal and economic landscape. First, it sends a clear message that the judiciary and anti-graft agencies are actively working to address financial crimes, even in cases involving large sums of money and multiple victims. The eight-year prison sentence without the option of a fine serves as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar fraudulent schemes.
Second, the case highlights the need for greater public education about the risks of job scams. Many Nigerians, particularly young graduates, are desperate for employment opportunities in a highly competitive job market. Fraudsters like Yilkan exploit this desperation by offering false promises of jobs in exchange for money. Public awareness campaigns, supported by government agencies and civil society organizations, could help educate citizens about the warning signs of such scams and encourage them to verify the legitimacy of job offers before making payments.
Third, the case underscores the importance of collaboration between victims, law enforcement, and the judiciary in addressing financial crimes. Mrs. Bello’s decision to petition the EFCC was a critical step in bringing Yilkan to justice. Her courage in reporting the fraud, despite the significant financial losses suffered by her and her clients, demonstrates the importance of whistleblowing in exposing criminal activities. The EFCC’s thorough investigation and the court’s impartial ruling further highlight the effectiveness of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework when all stakeholders work together.
The Human Cost of the Scam
Beyond the legal and financial implications, the case of Goni Yilkan reveals the profound human cost of financial fraud. The 60-plus victims who paid N120.5 million in hopes of securing jobs were not just defrauded of their money; they were robbed of their hopes and dreams for a better future. Many of these individuals likely invested their life savings or borrowed money to pay for the promised jobs, only to be left with nothing. The emotional toll of such betrayal—coupled with the financial devastation—cannot be overstated.
For Mrs. Bello, who acted as an intermediary, the scam likely damaged her reputation and relationships with the job seekers who trusted her to deliver on Yilkan’s promises. Her decision to report the fraud to the EFCC was a courageous act, but it does not erase the harm caused to her and her clients. The case serves as a stark reminder that financial crimes have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the immediate victims but also their families and communities.
The EFCC’s Role in Combating Financial Crimes
The EFCC’s success in this case is a testament to its role as Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agency. Established in 2003, the EFCC has been tasked with investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes, including advance fee fraud, money laundering, and corruption. Over the years, the agency has secured numerous convictions against high-profile individuals and organizations, earning a reputation as a formidable force in the fight against graft.
In the case of Goni Yilkan, the EFCC demonstrated its ability to conduct thorough investigations, gather compelling evidence, and present a strong case in court. The agency’s collaboration with victims, witnesses, and the judiciary was critical to securing the conviction. However, the EFCC’s work is far from over. With financial crimes evolving in complexity and scale, the agency must continue to adapt its strategies and leverage technology to stay ahead of fraudsters.
Looking Ahead: Preventing Future Scams
While Yilkan’s conviction is a step in the right direction, it also highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent similar scams in the future. Government agencies, including the FIRS, CBN, and NDDC, could play a role in educating the public about legitimate recruitment processes and warning against paying for job opportunities. These agencies could also work with the EFCC to identify and shut down fraudulent schemes before they cause widespread harm.
Additionally, the government could explore policies to address the root causes of job scams, such as high unemployment and limited access to opportunities. By creating more jobs and improving access to education and skills training, the government can reduce the desperation that makes individuals vulnerable to fraudsters like Yilkan.
Civil society organizations and the media also have a role to play in raising awareness about job scams and holding perpetrators accountable. By amplifying the stories of victims and highlighting successful prosecutions like Yilkan’s, the media can help deter would-be fraudsters and encourage victims to come forward.
Conclusion
The conviction of Goni Yilkan for defrauding job seekers of N120.5 million is a significant victory for the EFCC and Nigeria’s justice system. It serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their professional background or connections. The case also underscores the devastating impact of financial fraud on individuals and communities, as well as the importance of vigilance, collaboration, and accountability in addressing such crimes.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges and high unemployment, the fight against job scams and other forms of financial fraud remains critical. The EFCC’s success in this case should inspire confidence in the agency’s ability to deliver justice, but it also highlights the need for broader efforts to prevent such crimes in the first place. By working together, government agencies, civil society, and citizens can create a safer and more equitable society where fraudsters like Yilkan are held accountable, and vulnerable individuals are protected from exploitation.