An accountant with the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Wahab Olabanji, has been sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison after being convicted for defrauding job applicants under the guise of offering them employment in government agencies.
Olabanji, who served as Chief Executive Officer (Accounts), Grade Level 14, was found guilty of collecting money from multiple unsuspecting individuals seeking jobs at the state’s Hospital Management Board and the Teaching Service Commission.
The conviction followed a 17-month trial prosecuted by the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA).
The agency’s Chairman, Justice Eni Esan (retd), confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday that Olabanji was found guilty on all 30 counts of official corruption, obtaining money under false pretence, and unlawful conversion.
Justice Esan explained, “The defendant was sentenced to six months imprisonment on each of the 30 counts, with an option of a N50,000 fine on each count.
“The court further directed him to refund all the funds he fraudulently obtained within three months.”
The judgment was delivered on Friday, August 1, 2025.
Justice Esan emphasized that the ruling was a clear message that corruption in the Oyo State public service would not be tolerated.
“This judgment is a strong warning to others who may be tempted to use their positions for personal gain. OYACA remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in public institutions,” she stated.
Olabanji’s conviction adds to the growing number of public officials held accountable by the state’s anti-corruption agency since its inception.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that affected job seekers have welcomed the judgment, though many have called for additional efforts to ensure quicker refund of their lost funds.
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