Crime

Kano: Woman bags seven years in prison for N5.6m fraud

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on February 25th, 2026.

Kano: Woman bags seven years in prison for N5.6m fraud

A Magistrate Court sitting in Kano has sentenced a woman to seven years’ imprisonment for defrauding a resident of N5.6 million in a case that has drawn renewed attention to the rising wave of financial crimes in the state.

The convict, whose identity was disclosed during court proceedings, was found guilty of obtaining money under false pretences after the prosecution proved that she deceitfully collected the sum from the complainant under the guise of facilitating a lucrative business transaction.

According to the prosecution counsel, the incident occurred between 2022 and 2023 when the defendant allegedly convinced the victim to invest in what she described as a profitable supply contract. She reportedly assured the complainant of quick returns and presented fabricated documents to support her claims. Trusting her representations, the victim transferred N5.6 million in instalments.

However, weeks turned into months without any returns on the supposed investment. When the complainant began demanding either profit or a refund, the convict allegedly became evasive and eventually cut off communication. Suspicious of foul play, the victim petitioned security operatives, leading to her arrest and subsequent arraignment.

During the trial, the prosecution presented documentary evidence, bank records, and witness testimonies linking the accused to the fraudulent transaction. The court heard that the funds were diverted for personal use rather than any legitimate business venture as initially promised.

In her defence, the convict pleaded for leniency, claiming she had encountered business setbacks and intended to repay the money. She also appealed to the court to temper justice with mercy, citing family responsibilities.

Delivering judgment, the presiding magistrate held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court ruled that the accused deliberately misled the complainant with the intention to defraud, describing the act as a breach of trust that undermines confidence in commercial dealings.

She was consequently sentenced to seven years in prison without the option of a fine. The court noted that the sentence was meant to serve as both punishment and deterrent to others who might contemplate similar offences.

Legal observers say the ruling underscores the judiciary’s resolve to tackle financial crimes and protect unsuspecting members of the public from fraudulent schemes. Authorities in Kano have also reiterated their commitment to intensifying awareness campaigns to educate residents on the dangers of investment scams and the need to verify business claims before parting with their money.