An Iyaganku Magistrates Court in Ibadan on Wednesday sentenced two travel agents to five years in prison for visa fraud.
Police charged Oieronke Gbadamosi, 28, and Muritala Bello, 42, of conspiracy, fraud and theft.
In sentencing, Magistrate Mercy Amole-Ajimoti held that both Oieronke and Bello were guilty of defrauding Yusuf Aliu and 197 other victims of N21. 5 million.
The magistrate did not give those convicted the option of a fine.
He also ordered the convicts to pay 5 million naira each as compensation to the victims.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Phillip Amusan, told the court that those convicted between January 8 and March 24, 2018, in the Oje market, Ibadan, obtained N21.5 million from Aliu and another 197 victims to obtain a visa from Malta and tickets for them. .
He said the inmates worked with T. R Villa Travel Services LTD with RC No: Bn 2552205, which is located in Oje market, Ibadan.
The crime, he said, contravenes the provisions of article 383 and is punishable by virtue of articles 390 (9), 419 and 516 of the Penal Code Cap 38, vol. II, Oyo State Laws
