Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, convicted and sentenced Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and his company, Tennyvans Nigeria Limited, to a total of 30 years imprisonment on Monday, March 30, 2026. The court delivered the verdict on a six-count charge bordering on stealing and failure to declare assets. As reported by ALO360, the offenses contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, as well as Section 27(3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, 2004.
Charges Involved Foreign Currency Conversion
The prosecution alleged that Idowu and his company dishonestly converted substantial foreign currency belonging to Rene Theodorous Johannes Brouwers of Brouwers USA Trucks and Parts. Furthermore, the first count stated that “Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and Tennyvams Nigeria Limited sometimes in 2012 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of 62,500 (Sixty-Two Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars) being the cost of caterpillar parts, property of Rene Theodorous Johannes Brouwers of Brouwers USA Trucks and Parts.”
Additionally, another count read that “Olumuyiwa Teniola Idowu and Tennyvams Nigeria Limited sometimes in 2012 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of €36, 020 (Thirty six Thousand, Twenty Euro) being the cost and shipping of DAF Truck, Box trailer and two (2) tippers, property of Rene Theodorous Johannes Brouwers of Brouwers USA Trucks and Parts b.v.”
Trial Proceedings Unfolded Over Months
Idowu first appeared in court on November 27, 2024, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Consequently, the court scheduled a full trial to determine his guilt or innocence. During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel E. S. Okongwu called three witnesses to testify against the defendant. The prosecution also tendered eleven exhibits, and the court admitted all of them into evidence. Furthermore, defense counsel Kehinde Olawumi called one witness to support Idowu’s case.
Judge Finds Case Proven Beyond Doubt
In his judgment, Justice Ijelu held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. He consequently found the defendant guilty as charged on all six counts. The court sentenced Idowu to five years imprisonment on counts one to four, with the terms to run concurrently. Additionally, the judge imposed five years imprisonment on counts five and six, but offered an option of a fine of N1 million on each count. The defendant had to pay the fines within six months or serve the custodial sentences.
Restitution Ordered for Victim
The court also ordered Idowu to make restitution of 62,500 and €36,020 to the nominal complainant within six months. Subsequently, officials remanded the convict at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre to begin serving his sentence.
