Sokoto Court Jails Two for N7m “Money-Doubling” Scam
The Sokoto State High Court has convicted and sentenced two fraudsters to prison over a “money-doubling” scam that defrauded unsuspecting victims of millions of naira.
Justice Muhammad Saidu Sifawa of the Sokoto State High Court handed down the judgment on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, after the defendants — Labaran Aliyu and Abdulrahman Lawal — pleaded guilty to separate one-count charges of cheating.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Labaran Aliyu fraudulently obtained N7 million from victims in 2025 by falsely claiming he possessed spiritual powers to “double money.” Investigations revealed that Aliyu used the proceeds of the crime to purchase a Mercedes Benz GLK with chassis number WDCGG8HB5AF315979.
The charge, brought under Sections 310 and 311 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, stated that Aliyu acted with intent to defraud within the jurisdiction of the court.
Similarly, Abdulrahman Lawal was found guilty of obtaining N110,000 from victims under the same false pretense of having mystical powers to multiply money.
Upon their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel Aliyu Bokani Usman urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
In her ruling, Justice Sifawa sentenced Aliyu to two years imprisonment with an option of a N100,000 fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the Mercedes Benz GLK to the victim as restitution.
Lawal was equally sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of a N100,000 fine. The court further ordered the forfeiture of a Samsung S10E phone, identified as proceeds of crime, to the Federal Government.
The EFCC disclosed that the convicts were members of the notorious “Sai Mallam” syndicate operating in Sokoto. The group is known for luring unsuspecting members of the public by posing as powerful marabouts capable of making people wealthy.
Victims were reportedly drawn from Nigeria and neighboring countries including Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso.
The anti-graft agency reiterated its commitment to dismantling fraudulent networks and warned the public to be wary of individuals or groups promising miraculous financial returns.
