A Yaba Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced a couple, Warris Matti, 27, and Anifat Matti, 25, along with an accomplice, Adeyemi Olaiya, 32, for stealing N5 million from their employer, Hans and Rene. The sentencing, delivered on Tuesday by Magistrate A.O. Salawu, included 18 months of imprisonment for two of the convicts and 200 hours of community service for the third.
Details of the Case
The couple, Warris and Anifat, along with Olaiya, were charged with conspiracy and theft after defrauding their employer. According to the prosecutor, Inspector Godwin Oriabure, the offence was committed on October 26, 2023, at No. 58 Clover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Warris, employed as a sales representative, and Olaiya, a supervisor, conspired to divert customer payments. They instructed customers to deposit funds directly into an Opay account linked to Hans and Rene but controlled by Warris’s wife, Anifat.
The trio first appeared before the court on March 26, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Sentencing
After reviewing the evidence and facts presented, Magistrate Salawu sentenced Warris Matti and Adeyemi Olaiya to 18 months in prison without an option of a fine. Anifat Matti, who was found complicit in the scheme, was sentenced to 200 hours of community service.
The court ordered that the sentences take immediate effect.
Legal and Employer Response
The prosecution underscored the seriousness of the crime, emphasizing the breach of trust by employees in positions of responsibility. The conviction sends a strong message about the consequences of financial misconduct in workplaces.
Hans and Rene, the employer, has not issued a public statement regarding the outcome but is likely to review its internal processes to prevent future occurrences.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the importance of robust financial controls and vigilant monitoring of employee activities in organizations. It also underscores the legal repercussions for those who exploit their roles for personal gain.
The sentencing reflects the court’s commitment to upholding justice while demonstrating leniency toward one convict, likely considering her lesser role in the crime. The outcome aims to deter similar acts of fraud and reinforce accountability in professional environments.
