Justice R. A. Osodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has handed down a 12-year prison sentence to businessman Kolawole Erinle for his involvement in a $1.4 million fraud case.

During the trial, Erinle, facing charges of conspiracy, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, and obtaining money under false pretenses, admitted that he had previously served a 23-month prison sentence in the United States.

The case initially began on March 11, 2022, before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, but due to her retirement, it was reassigned to Justice Oshodi.

Erinle and his company, Rinde-Remdex Nigeria Limited, faced these charges.

Following the reassignment, Erinle was re-arraigned on October 28, 2022, before Justice Oshodi. Throughout the trial, he maintained a “not guilty” plea, contesting the allegations against him.

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After the prosecution presented its case, Erinle defended himself on the witness stand, led by his counsel, Lawal Pedro, SAN.

However, on September 26, 2023, Justice Oshodi delivered a verdict, finding both the defendant and his company guilty as charged.

The judge also stated that the prosecution had convincingly proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.

In delivering the sentence, Justice Oshodi took into account Erinle’s previous prison term, which he confirmed as 23 months.

The judge considered this as an aggravating factor and expressed skepticism about Erinle’s genuine remorse, despite his apology.

Consequently, Justice Oshodi sentenced Erinle to five years on one count and 12 years on another, with the sentences to run concurrently starting from February 10, 2023, when Erinle was remanded by the court.