Lagos — A Lagos High Court yesterday sentenced a former Director in the Oyo State Civil Service Mrs. Helen Banke Laoye to 20 years imprisonment on a two count charge of fraud levelled against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The statement of offence in her charge stated that she obtained money under false pretence and conspired with one Dr. Olaoluwa Balogun who is said to be at large to fraudulently collect N4 million from one Segun Olorunfunmi and Adeola Adepoju of East Atlantic Business Systems Support Services under the pretence that they would partner with the Oyo State government to support a developmental project.

The project according to the defendant was being funded by the British department for International Development (DFID). The judge found her guilty of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence which the charge sheet said was contrary to section 8(a) 3e and convicted her on both counts. Justice Obadina while delivering judgment said, "It is unfortunate that the defendant abused her office. I hereby sentence her to 10 years for each of the charges to run concurrently from September 21, 2005, when she was first arraigned in court and she should refund N4 million as restitution for her release from custody."

While giving his plea for mercy, her counsel told the court that Helen had spent 27 years with the Oyo State civil service. He said the defendant had led international organizations in the Ministry of Health, adding that she is a mother. He maintained that she was a first offender and had learnt her lesson. The plea however did not succeed. Since the court ordered a concurrent jail term, she will only spend 10 years out of the 20 in jail.