Oyo Accountant Sentenced to 15 Years for Employment Scam

A senior accountant serving under the Oyo State Health Management Board has been convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison for fraudulently collecting money from job seekers under the false promise of securing them employment.

According to official statements, Wahab Olabanji, who held the position of Chief Executive Officer (Accounts) at Grade Level 14, was found guilty of exploiting his position during recent recruitment exercises conducted by the state’s Hospital Management Board and Teaching Service Commission.

Justice Eni Esan (retd.), Chairperson of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), revealed that the accused faced a total of 30 counts, including charges of official corruption, obtaining money under false pretenses, and criminal conversion.

Following a 17-month-long trial, the court delivered its judgment on Friday, August 1, 2025, finding Olabanji guilty on all counts. He was handed six months imprisonment on each count, totaling 15 years. However, the court offered an alternative of a ₦50,000 fine per count.

In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered that all funds fraudulently collected from victims be refunded within three months to mitigate the financial damage suffered by those deceived.

Justice Esan reaffirmed the state anti-corruption agency’s unwavering stance against corruption in public service and emphasized that the conviction serves as a warning to others attempting to manipulate the system for personal gain.