In early January 2022, the EFCC changed its domain name from
efccnigeria.org (which it has been for many years) to efcc.gov.ng
The effect of this is that any links To pages and articles on their
website that use efccnigeria.org as the domain, do not work. This
is a Kazillion of links to their site out in internet-land that no
longer work.
Either every single link to all of these articles and pages will
have to be changed and updated to the new domain ( efcc.gov.ng )
by every single site or webpage which linked to the old domain
( efccnigeria.org ) OR the EFCC will have to make Every Single
Page on its site accessible via BOTH the old and the new domains.
In short, the two domains will have to be made universally equivalent,
so that in effect, for all practical purposes, one is the same as
the other.
419 Coalition knows this can be done, as we did it on our Own site
when we changed our domain from home.rica.net/alphae/419coal to
419Coalition.org .
To be blunt, so far the "rollout" of this new domain by the EFCC
has been an absolute disaster for the agency, given that it has
kaputed Many Thousands of links to the EFCC site internet-wide.
We've told them this in no uncertain terms and have told them
they need to Fix this problem quickly so that ALL the links -
old domain and new domain - to their site and pages and articles
therein Do work.
We await developments..... but are not hopeful
*****************************************************
12 MAY 2022
From Yahoo News:
How 'Leonardo DiCaprio' Scammed a Houston Widow Out of $800K
by Claiming He Was Trapped in Scientology
by Tony Ortega
The article is excellent, but too long to be posted here,
so readers will have to use the following link to read it in
full:
leonardo-dicaprio-scammed-houston-widow
*******************************************
10 MAY 2022
Court Jails Two Internet Fraudsters in Calabar
A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has
sentenced Ojinnaka Malachy and Michael Kenneth Goodluck to one
year imprisonment each, for internet-related offences.
They were jailed on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, after pleading guilty
to one-count separate charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining
by false pretence, preferred against them by the Uyo Zonal Command
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
One of the charge reads: "That you Michael Kennet Goodluck sometime
in 2022 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court
with intent to obtain property and gain advantage for yourself,
fraudulently presented yourself as Roberto Enrique to the duo of
Hoovey and Maya on Facebook and fraudulently obtained the sum of
One Thousand dollars ($1,000) and thereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) & (ii) of the Cybercrime
(Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015 and punishable under 22
(b) and (iv) of the same Act".
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, S. R. Akinrinlade,
reviewed the facts of the two cases and prayed the court to convict
and sentence them accordingly.
Justice Dugbo Oghoghorie thereafter convicted Malachy and Goodluck
and sentenced them to one year imprisonment each with an option of
fine of N500, 000. 00 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) and two
weeks of community service within the court premises, They were
also ordered to forfeit their phones to the Federal Government
and restitute the various sums they benefitted to their victims.
The convicts' journey to the Correctional Centre opened when they
were arrested by operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC
at different locations within Akwa Ibom and Delta States.
They made confessional statements that corroborated their involvement
in the crimes. While Goodluck portrayed himself as Roberto Enrique
on Facebook and successfully defrauded his victim of $1000, Malachy
impersonated one Caleb Ini on Facebook and benefited $250 from his
victims.
The press release contains a photo of each 419 matter:
court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters-in-calabar
************************************************
10 MAY 2022
Court Sends Internet Fraudster to Jail in Benin
The Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC on Tuesday May 10, 2022 secured
the conviction of one internet fraudster, Osakpolor Joseph Moses
before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin City.
Moses was arraigned on one count charge of fraudulent impersonation.
The charge reads: "that you, Osakpolor Joseph Moses between 2018 and
2022 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court did fraudulently impersonate the identity of one Miller Wayne,
a white man with intent to defraud unsuspecting ladies and thereby
committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of
the Criminal Code Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable
in Edo state) 1976."
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge prompting
the prosecution counsel, I.K. Agwai, to ask the court to convict and
sentence him accordingly.
Justice Ikpombonwon convicted and sentenced Moses to two (2) years
imprisonment with an option of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200, 000)
fine. The court also ordered that items recovered during investigation
which are proceeds of crime be forfeited to the Federal government
of Nigeria.
[The remainder of the press release deals with a non-419 related matter]
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-sends-internet-fraudster-to-jail-in-benin
***********************************
10 MAY 2022
Court Jails One Internet Fraudster in Port Harcourt
Justice S .D. Pam of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt,
Rivers State has convicted and sentenced Tamuno Emi West to two years
imprisonment for false pretences.
He was convicted on Monday May 9, 2022, after pleading guilty to
one-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud, upon being arraigned
by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The lone count read: "That you, Tamuno Emi West, on the 10th November,
2021, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court did possess document via your Telegram Account to
wit: Forex/Binary Limited containing false pretense and thereby
committed an offense contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of Advance Fee
Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under
Section 1 (3) of the same Act".
He pleaded "guilty" to the charge when it was read to him.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, O.C. Isiguzoro prayed the
court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly. Defence counsel,
Paula Abudu aligned himself with Isiguzoro’s prayers.
Justice Pam thereafter convicted and sentenced West to two years
imprisonment with an option of fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira
(N200, 000.00) payable into the Consolidated Revenue Fund Account
of the Federation.
The Judge also ordered the forfeiture of all items recovered from
the convict at the point of arrest. The items are: one iPhone 6 phone,
two small Nokia phones and a Zinox laptop. They are to be sold and
the proceeds paid into EFCC's Recovery account with the Central
Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
West's journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested
by operatives of the EFCC in a sting operation conducted on November
10, 2021 at Tiger Close, Ada George, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Investigations were made into his involvement in internet-related
activities. He was charged to court and convicted.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-one-internet-fraudster-in-port-harcourt
********************************************
9 MAY 2022
Court Jails Internet Fraudster in Benin
Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court sitting in
Benin City on Monday May 9, 2022, convicted and sentenced one
Sunday Peter Etim to two years imprisonment for fraud.
Etim was prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC for
fraudulent impersonation.
One of the counts against Etim reads: "that you Sunday Peter
Etim alias (Steven Batt) sometime in 2021 in Benin City, Edo
State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with
intent to defraud one Sadhna, an Indian falsely represented
yourself to be one Steven Batt and thereby committed an offence
contrary to and punishable under section 484 of the Criminal
Code, Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable
in Edo State) 1976."
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his pleas, the prosecution counsel, K. U. Udus, prayed
the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly. However,
the defence counsel, A. E.
Ambrose pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as
the defendant was a first time offender who has become remorseful
for his action.
Justice Ikpowmwonba convicted and sentenced the defendant to two
years imprisonment with an option of Seven Hundred Thousand Naira
(N700,000) fine.
In addition, the defendant shall forfeit his mobile phone and
laptop computer to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He is also
to undertake in writing to be of good behavior.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-internet-fraudster-in-benin
****************************************
30 APR 2022
EFCC Arrests 18 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lagos
Operatives of the Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, have arrested 18 suspected internet fraudsters in
Lagos.
The suspects are: Tijani Olumide Ahmed, Balogun Olusola, Ukuhor Richie
Ifemeluona, Ologun Damilola,Adetokunbo Yusuf, Olubiyo Timilehin, Oyegoke
Gafar Olaitan, Agarawu Farug Okikiola, Kazeem Oluwadamilare Adebayo
and Salau Rahmon.
Others are: Abdulrahman Adeshina Olasunkanmi, Rasheed Remilekun, Adeyanju
Kehinde Emmanuel,Owolabi Temidayo Habeeb,Ojora Usman Olawale, Mubarak
Balogun, Rafiu Olusegun and Ayobami Habeeb Oyeleye.
They were arrested on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Victoria Crest Estate III,
Gate II, Augusta Amadi Street, Off Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos, following
intelligence reports received by the Commission about their alleged
involvement in computer-related fraud.
tems recovered from the suspects include cars, laptop computers, mobile
phones and charms.
The suspects will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-18-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos
**************************************
29 APR 2022
Internet Fraudster Bags Three Year Jail Term in Port Harcourt
Justice S. I. Mark of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt,
Rivers State has convicted and sentenced an internet fraudster, Collins
Williams Chinonyerem to three years in prison for impersonation, contrary
to Section 22 (3) (a) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prohibition,
etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act
He was convicted after pleading ‘guilty’ upon an arraignment Thursday
April 28, 2022, on one count charge by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command
of the EFCC.
The count charge reads:
"That you, Collins Williams Chinonyerem on or about the 25th day of
February, 2022 at Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court did fraudulently impersonate one Horic, an American National, with
intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prevention,
Prohibition, etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the
same Act".
In view of his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, C. Okorie, prayed the
court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Counsel to the defendant, E. B. Ekong asked the court to temper justice
with mercy stating that he is a first time offender with no previous
criminal record.
Justice Mark convicted and sentenced the defendant to three years in
the Correctional Service with an option of a fine of One Million Naira
(N1,000,000.00) payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Judge also ordered that one Apple Laptop used in committing the
offence be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria, auctioned
by the Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and
the proceeds paid into the EFCC Recovery Account domiciled in the
Central Bank of Nigeria. The convict is also to depose to an affidavit
to be of good behaviour.
Chinonyerem's journey to the Correctional Service started when he was
arrested in a sting operation by officers of EFCC in Port Harcourt,
Rivers State for internet fraud activities.
Investigation shows that the convict created a Romeo account with the
user name Doraliss, presented himself as Noah and used the same to
chat with his unsuspecting victims.
internet-fraudster-bags-three-year-jail-term-in-port-harcourt
**************************************
29 APR 2022
Two Cybercriminals Jailed in Oyo, Osun
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, April 28, 2022, secured the conviction
of the duo of Nicholas Ferdinand Paul and Babatunde Joshua Omotayo
separate charges which bordered on impersonation before Justice
Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State and
Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Osogbo,
Osun State.
The offence is contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (1) of the Cybercrimes
(Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section
22 (2) (b) of the same Act.
Upon their arraignment, they both pleaded guilty to the charges
preferred against them.
Consequently, the prosecution counsel urged the court to convict
and sentenced them as charged after the facts of case were reviewed
and indicting documents tendered in evidence before the court.
Justice Agomoh convicted and sentenced Nicholas to one year imprisonment
while Babatunde bagged three months jail term.
Also, the convicts were ordered to restitute their various victims and
forfeit all items recovered from them the Federal Government of Nigeria
two-cybercriminals-jailed-in-oyo-osun
***************************************
28 APR 2022
Court Jails Internet Fraudster One Year in Abuja
Justice M.N. Mayana of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High
Court Abuja, has convicted and sentenced Daniel Prosper Nwabueze
to one year imprisonment for romance scam.
Nwabueze was arraigned on one-count charge bordering on impersonation
contrary to Section 320(b) of the Penal Code, Laws of the Federation
(Abuja), 1990 and punishable under Section 322 of the same Laws.
He pleaded guilty to the one- count charge.
Based on his plea, prosecution counsel, Joyce Audu, prayed the court
to convict and sentence him accordingly. However, defence counsels
Anoture Akpofure and Rachel Ogbebor pleaded that the court temper justice
with mercy "as the accused is a first-time offender and has shown remorse".
Justice Mayana convicted and sentenced Nwabueze to one year imprisonment,
with an option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only).
Nwabueze, 21 year-old diploma holder's journey to the Correctional
Centre began when he was arrested for impersonating Aaron David, a
British contractor and engineer based in the United States of America.
Through his deceit, he defrauded a foreigner, Lynn Fletcher of the
sum of $2000 (Two Thousand United States Dollars). He was subsequently
prosecuted and convicted.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-internet-fraudster-one-year-in-abuja
*************************************
28 APR 2022
EFCC Arrests 29 Internet Fraud Suspects in Owerri>
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Enugu Zonal
Command on Wednesday April 27, 2022, arrested 29 suspected internet
fraudsters in a sting operation at 247 Suite, Bishop Court, Aladinma
Extension, Owerri, Imo State.
Intelligence report received by the commission revealed that the
suspects were specialized in defrauding unsuspecting foreign nationals
of their hard earned money.
The suspects are: Iwueke Kingsley Clinton Ikechukwu, Nwafor Ikechukwu
Okoha, Edokpayi Clifford Osamudiamen,Collins Arinze Chuwkwudiama,
Chimezie Chukwuma Victor,Odo Chinedu Daniel, Humphery Chibueze Daniel,
Henry Chibueze Bright, Akumadu Calvin Ifeanyi, Obilor Paul Ozioma,
Chikezie Ekene Noble,Chigaemezu Dike Stanley, Kelvin Chibuzo Okafor
and Oparaji Prince Uchechi.
Others are: Ejimonyeokwu Jessy Chinonso,Bosco Ndubuisi Chimuanya,
Amaechi Michael Ikechukwu, Amma Wisdom Uzor, Duru Chibuike Augustine,
Solomon Clinton Chidozie, Duru Francis Chiemela, Ugo Victor Losisochukwu,
Ibe Justice Chijindu, Iwuji Blaise Chimereucheya, Onyedibe Chukwuebuka
Godwin, Dim Kizito Nnaemeka , Pastor Ikechukwu Goodness and Collins
Arinze Chukwudiama.
Intelligence indicate that they are involved in various forms of
computer-related frauds targeting mostly foreign nationals.
Some of the items recovered from the suspects include two cars, several
mobile phones and laptops.
They will be charged to court as soon as the investigations are concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-29-internet-fraud-suspects-in-owerri
********************************************
28 APR 2022
Four Convicted for Cyber-fraud, Forfeits Cars, Cash in Oyo
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC has secured the conviction of the quartet of Daramola Damilola Ayode,
Ilori Olalekan, Taiwo Gafar Olamilekan and Olarewaju Sheriff Adebayo
for their involvement in internet fraud.
Ayode, Olalekan and Adebayo were prosecuted before Justice Bayo Taiwo
of the Oyo State High Court while Taiwo Gafar Olamilekan was docked before
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan.
The latter was sentenced to six months imprisonment while the three others
were sentenced to six months community service each after they pleaded
"guilty" to the charges preferred against them by the EFCC.
Furthermore, the court ordered Ayode to pay the sum of N103, 000.00 (One
Hundred and Three Thousand Naira) in restitution and forfeit three mobile
phones to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Ilori was ordered to restitute the sum of $700USD (Seven Hundred United
States Dollars), and forfeit one iPhone 12 Pro Max mobile phone and one
Toyota Camry 2008 Model saloon car to the Federal Government.
Furthermore, the court ordered Adebayo to forfeit to the Federal Government,
the sum of N6, 200,473.15k (Six Million, Two Hundred Thousand, Four Hundred
and Seventy Three Naira, Fifteen Kobo) domiciled in his GT Bank account,
one Toyota Camry 2004 car, one Toyota Venza 2009 model car and one iPhone
12 Pro Max mobile phone.
Taiwo was ordered to restitute the sum of $4,000USD (Four Thousand United
States Dollars) and N579, 110.14k (Five Hundred and Seventy Nine Thousand,
One Hundred and Ten Naira and Fourteen kobo), and also forfeit his iPhone
12 Pro Max and Nokia mobile phones, one Apple MacBook Pro and one Mercedes
Benz ML350 to the Federal Government.
Thw press release contains a photo of each 419er:
four-convicted-for-cyber-fraud-forfeits-cars-cash-in-oyo
********************************************
27 APR 2022
Court Sends Four Internet Fraudsters to Prison in Benin
Four internet fraudsters, Omokhua Bright, Nosakhare Uyi, Endurance
Omonefe and Osasenaga Desmond were on Wednesday April 27, 2022,
convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by Justice Efe
Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court, Benin City.
The quartet were arraigned separately by the Benin Zonal Command
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on one count charge
of impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
The charge against Uyi reads: "that you Nosakhare Uyi sometime in
February 2022 in Benin City within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court with intent to defraud falsely represented yourself as one Carey
Stephen Bernard (an American soldier) on the WeChat Platform and you
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal
Code law Cap 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in
Edo State) 1976 and punishable under the same section".
The charge against Bright reads: "that you Omokhua Bright sometime
between year 2020 to 21st February 2022 in Benin City within the
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate
the identity of one Micole, an American on your Instagram account
with intent to defraud unsuspecting investors in bitcoin business
and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under
Section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 48, Laws of Bendel State of
Nigeria (as applicable in Edo State) 1976".
Upon arraignment the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. In
view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Austin Ozigbu, K.Y.
Bello and I. K. Agwai prayed the court to convict and sentence
them accordingly.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced the duo of Uyi and
Desmond to three years imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000 and
N300, 000 respectively. Bright bagged five years imprisonment
or a fine of N300, 000, while Omonefe bagged two years imprisonment
or a fine of N150, 000.
The duo of Bright and Uyi are to forfeit their cars, Lexus 350
SVU and Mercedes Benz C300 to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
All the defendants are also to forfeit their phones to the Federal
Government of Nigeria and undertake in writing to be of good behavior.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
court-sends-four-internet-fraudsters-to-prison-in-benin
******************************************
27 APR 2022
Nigerian Fraud Suspect Extradited to U.S. over Alleged $148,000 Scam
A wire fraud suspect, Adedunmola Gbadegesin was on Tuesday April 26, 2022,
extradited to the United States where he is wanted in a case of conspiracy
to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The offences contravene Title
18, US Code, Section 1349 and 1956 (h) and carries a maximum jail term
of 20 years.
His extradition was coordinated by the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, following a request from the office of the Attorney
General of the Federation, pursuant to a February 11, 2022 Order by Justice
D.E Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/765/21,
which granted a request to extradite the suspect to the United States to
answer to criminal charges bordering on romance scam, wire fraud and
money laundering.
Gbadegesin who was arrested on September 2, 2021, is alleged to have
defrauded an America lady living in Kentucky, United States, of over
$148,000.
Upon arriving in the United States, the suspect is billed to appear before
a United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, where two
counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money l
aundering have been filed against him.
The press release includes a photo of the alleged 419er:
nigerian-fraud-suspect-extradited-to-u-s-over-alleged-148-000-scam
*******************************************
27 APR 2022
EFCC Arrests 30 Internet Fraud Suspects In Ado-Ekiti, Four in Ilorin
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 arrested thirty suspected internet fraudsters
in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The suspects, comprising of twenty-eight males and two females were arrested
at different locations in Ado-Ekiti based on credible intelligence obtained
by the Command.
They are Godspower Falodun, Omoniyi Pelumi, Victor Damilola, Akerele Olugbenga,
Oluwatosin Alade, Abayomi Aderinwa, Ologunsoro Ayodeji, Olakunle Bidemi, Emmanuel
Olukayode, Ojo Tobi, Ayeni Kayode, Ezekiel Ayomide, Tunde Lukman, Onikoyi Tobi,
Busayo Obadu, Abiodun Taofeek, Ajayi Opeyemi and Ebenezer Ayodeji.
Others are Akinola Paul, Jacob Wisdom, Akinrinmola Olumide, Lawrence Abimbola,
Tope Abejide, Busuyi Ajewole, Seyi Ajewole, Sunday Pelumi, Sunday Pelumi, Fapohunda
Paul and Aguh Henry, while Omowumi Victoria and Peace Beloved were the only females
amongst the suspects.
Items including six exotic cars worth millions of naira, forty-seven different
brands of phones and sixteen laptops were recovered from the suspects at the point
of arrest.
In a related development, operatives of the Command also arrested four persons
suspected to have been involved in similar offences over the weekend in Ilorin.
The Suspects: Oyewole Moruf Damilare, Abdul-salam Quzeem, Mohammed Bello and Olusanya
Idowu Lukman were arrested in Agric Estate, Sango area of Ilorin following a tip-off
on their alleged unwholesome activities.
Some of the items recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest included expensive
phones, different brands of laptops and a car.
The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing i
nvestigations.
The press release includes photos:
efcc-arrests-30-internet-fraud-suspects-in-ado-ekiti-four-in-ilorin
*************************************************
21 APR 2022
Court Convicts Serial Fraudster, Three Others for N5m Fraud in Maiduguri
The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of the quartet of Allen Abel,
Jerry Shugaba, Ramat Bukar and Buba Hamidu y before Justice Umaru Fadawu of
the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on separate charges bordering on
obtaining by false pretence, personation and cheating to the tune of Five
Million Three Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand Naira (N5.383, 000.00).
The charge against Abel reads: "That you, Allen Abel sometime in April, 2020
in Maiduguri Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court
fraudulently induced one Alhassan Sanusi to deliver to you 100 bags of sugar
at the cost of Sixteen Thousand Naira (N16,000.00) each in the gross value
of One Million Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,600,000.00) only under false
petence of executing a purported contract awarded by the Ministry of Humanitarian
Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development which fact you knew to be
false thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under sections
1(1) (b) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences
Act, 2006 respectively."
For Shugaba, the charge reads: "That you Jerry Shugaba sometime in June,
2019 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court, dishonestly induced Daniel Madu to deliver to you the sum of
N2, 650 000.00 (Two Million Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) under
the guise of executing a contract for the supply of Dignity Kits purportedly
awarded to you by Norwegian Church Aid, a Non–Governmental Organisation with
No: MDG-107-03-202 and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section
320 (a) and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Cap 102 Laws
of Borno State."
One of the two counts brought against Ramat Bukar reads: "That you, Ramat
Bukar sometime in 2019 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court, fraudulently induced one Ishaku Inuwa of Polo
Area Maiduguri, to deliver to you the total sum of N18,000.00 (Eighteen
Thousand Naira) only as payment for registration fees of 2019/2020 SSCE
(Senior School Certificate Examination ) in favour of his Sister Abugail
Waba which you failed to discharge your obligation and refused to refund
the entire sum delivered to you and thereby committed an offence contrary
to and punishable under sections 320 and 322 of the Penal Code Laws of
Borno State Cap.102 Vol. 3 of 1994 respectively."
Hamidu's lone count reads: "That you, Buba Hamidu sometime in February,
2021 or thereabout in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of
this Honourable Court dishonestly induced one Zainab Lawan Gana to cause
the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000.00) only to be delivered
to you in the guise of securing jobs for her siblings at the University
of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital thereby committed an offence contrary to
and punishable under Sections 320 and 322 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno
State respectively."
The defendants pleaded 'guilt'’ when the charges were read to them.
Counsel for the prosecution, Haruna Abdulkadir, prayed the court to
convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justice Umaru in his separate Judgment, sentenced Allen Abel to seven
years imprisonment for the offence of obtaining money by false pretence
without option of fine, and one year imprisonment with an option of fifty
thousand naira fine for personation.
The court ordered the convict to restitute the sum of N1.6m to his victim.
The court also sentenced Shugaba to one year imprisonment with an option
of One Hundred Thousand Naira fine. The defendant was ordered to pay his
victim the sum of Two Million Naira and in default, serve five years prison.
Bukar and Hamidu, bag one year with an option of Five Hundred Thousand Naira
fine each. They were ordered to restitute their victims by the Judge.
The press release includes photos:
ourt-convicted-a-serial-fraudster-abel-three-others-for-n5m-fraud-in-maiduguri
******************************************
18 APR 2022
Fake Brad Pitt, Three Others Bag Jail Term in Benin City
Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin
City on Thursday April 14, 2022, convicted and sentenced four internet
fraudsters to prison for fraud.
The convicts are Chigbolu Stephen Kanayo (aka Brad Pitt) Udoh Godspower
(aka Wang Wei); Orome Collins (aka Wang Wei) and Clifford Otsu (aka Wang
David).
They were arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC for offences
bordering on intent to defraud and impersonation.
The defendants had sometime in October 2021 and February 2022 with
intent to defraud impersonated foreign nationals on their respective
social media platforms in the attempt to defraud them.
The charge against Kanayo reads: "that you Chigbolu Stephen Kanayo on
the 28th February, 2022 in Benin City ,Edo State within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud represent yourself
to be Brad Pitt Williams , a celebrity residing in California, USA, on
Instagram platform and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section
484 and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48,
Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria ( as applicable in Edo state ) 1976".
The charge against Collins reads: "that you, Orome Collins on the 23rd
day of February 2022 in Benin City within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court knowingly had in your possession documents containing false pretense
to wit: fraudulent/scammed pictures found in your Email account: wangwie20@gmail.com
and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484
of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable
in Edo State) 1976"
Upon arraignment , the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective
charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, A.A. Ozigbu, to ask the court
to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, Pascal Ugonne , the defence counsel prayed the court to temper
justice with mercy and to honour the plea bargain agreement between the
parties.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Kanayo and Udoh to two
years imprisonment with an option of Three Hundred Thousand Naira fine.
Otsu bagged three years imprisonment with an option of Four Hundred
Thousand Naira fine, while Collins bagged two years imprisonment with
an option of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira fine
Justice Ikponmwonba ordered that they forfeit their phones to the Federal
Government of Nigeria and to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour.
The ppress release includes photos:
fake-brad-pitt-three-others-bag-jail-term-in-benin-city
**********************************
14 APR 2022
EFCC Dock Two for N22m Fraud in Maiduguri
The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, April 14, 2022 arraigned one Mohammed
Bukar (a.k.a Gausu) before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State
High Court, Maiduguri on a one count charge of obtaining by false
pretence to the tune of N19,000,000.00 (Nineteen Million Naira only).
The defendant fraudulently collected the sum from Ba’ana Modu Buraye
for the execution of purported contract awarded to him by Norwegian
Refugee Council for the supply of water pumps.
The count reads: "That you Mohammed Bukar (Gausu) sometime in August,
2021 in Maiduguri Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court fraudulently induced one Ba’ana Modu Buraye to cause the gross sum
of Nineteen Million Naira (N19, 000,000.00) only to be delivered to you
via MUB Guzamala Enterprises Bank account No. 0003811629 domiciled in
Jaiz Bank Plc. under false pretence that you were to use the said sum
for the execution of a purported contract awarded to you by Norwegian
Refugee Council, a Non-Governmental Organisation for the supply of water
pump which fact you knew to be false and thereby an offence contrary to
and punishable under sections 1(1) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud
and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2016."
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
Counsel for the prosecution, Haruna Albulkadir, asked for a trial date
and the remand of the defendant in prison custody.
Justice Kumaliya ordered the remand of the defendant in prison custody
and adjourned till May 19, 2022.
In a related development, one Adamu Ibrahim was arraigned before Justice
Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court on a one count charge of
obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million
Naira only)
The count reads: "That you, Adamu Ibrahim sometime in March 2020 at
Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court
with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million
Naira) from Abubakar Bashir under the false pretence that the said amount
represent payment for the purchase of a purported plot of land measuring
50ft by 100ft laying and situated at Shuwari II, behind Innobative Secondary
School, Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State which you knew to be
false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) of the
Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2016 and punishable
under section 1(3) of the same Act."
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the one count charge.
Counsel for the prosecution, Haruna Abdulkadir applied for a trial date
and prayed the defendant be remand the defendant in prison custody.
Justice Kumaliya ordered the remand of the defendant in prison custody
and adjourned till May 16, 2022.
[419 Coalition has redacted the remainder of the article as it
deals with a non-419 related crime]
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-dock-two-for-n22m-fraud-in-maiduguri
*************************************
14 APR 2022
EFCC Arrests Seven Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lagos
Operatives of the Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, April 14, 2022, arrested seven suspected
internet fraudsters.
The suspects are: Sulaiman Ademola, Okechukwu Ndubuisi Prince, Sunday
Carson Kingsley, Ikpeh Godwin Igojuju, Shile Temiloluwa Abiodun, Agboh
Daniel and Nice Tom Eweh.
They were arrested at No. 1 Gideon Obhakhan Close, Therra Annex,
Sangotedo, Lagos, following credible intelligence received by the
Commission on the illegal activities of some individuals allegedly
involved in computer fraud.
Upon their arrest, two exotic vehicles, laptop computers and mobile
devices were recovered from them.
The suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The press release contains a group photo:
efcc-arrests-seven-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos
*******************************************
13 APR 2022
Court Sends Two Managing Directors,
Four Others to Prison for Cybercrime
The duo of Ibrahim Babangida Haruna and Christopher Robert,
managing director of Damaste Royal Engineering Services Nigeria
Limited and Locus Classicus Trade & Investment Limited respectively
were on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 convicted and sentenced to five
years imprisonment each by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo
State High Court sitting in Benin City.
The duo were arraigned on separate one count charges of fraud
by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission. The defendants, as managing director and signatory
to the Zenith bank accounts of Demaste Royal Engineering Services
Limited and Locus Classicus Trade and Investment Limited, retained
the aggregate sum of N657,350, 000.00 and N51,820,000.00 respectively;
proceeds of Efe Martins Oserenwindamwens criminal conduct.
The charge against Ibrahim Babangida Haruna reads: "that you Ibrahim
Babangida Haruna being the managing director and signatory to the
Zenith Bank account of Demaste Royal Engineering Services Limited
sometimes between 2nd April to 25th May, 2020 in Edo State within
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain the aggregate
sum of N 657,350,000.00 (Six Hundred and Fifty-seven Million, Three
Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) knowing that same represent proceeds
of Efe Martins Osarenwindamwen's criminal conduct to wit: cybercrime
and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 17(a) of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment ) Act 2004
and punishable under section 17(6) of same Act".
The charge against Christopher Robert reads: "that you Christopher
Robert being the managing director and signatory to Zenith Bank
account of Locus Classicus Trade and Investment limited sometime
between 4th and 5th day of June, 2020 in Edo State within the
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain the aggregate
sum of N51,820,000.00(Fifty One Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty
Thousand Naira) knowing that same represent proceed of Efe Martins
Osarewindamwen's criminal conduct to wit: Cybercrime and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment ) Act 2004 and punishable
under section 17(b) of the same Act."
Haruna and Robert pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against them
by the EFCC prompting the prosecution counsel, Francis, A. Jirbo to
pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Haruna and Robert to five
years imprisonment with an option of Five Hundred Thousand Naira fine.
The defendants are to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour
henceforth.
In the same vein, four internet fraudsters, Iyamu Christian Iyayi,
Destiny Etsu, Omosieve Greater and Ehiguese Odiase were convicted
and sentenced to prison by Justice Ikponmwonba for personation and
obtaining by false pretence.
Etsu and Iyayi bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of N300,000
while the duo of Greater and Odiase bagged two years imprisonment
or a fine of N200,000 and N150,000 respectively.
The quartet are to forfeit their phones to the Federal Government of
Nigeria and to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.
The press release contains small photos of all six 419ers:
n708m-scam-court-sends-two-managing-directors-four-others-to-prison-for-cybercrime
******************************************
12 APR 2022
Undergraduate Convicted for Cybercrime in Ibadan
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, secured the conviction
and sentencing of one Ogunleye Olawale Sylvester to six months
community service before Justice Ladiran Akintola of the State
High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State for internet fraud.
The convict who is a second year student of Olabisi Onabanjo
University, Ago Iwoye, was amongst those suspects arrested by
officers of the Nigerian Army and handed over the EFCC for
prosecution.
The convict pleaded guilty to one count charge.
The count reads: "That you Ogunleye Olawale Sylvester on or about
11th November 2021, at Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court, with intent to defraud, impersonate David Miguel a white man
from United States of America."
Upon his plea, the prosecution counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi reviewed
the facts of the case and tendered indicting documents as evidence.
He thereafter urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant
as charged.
Consequently, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Ogunleye to six
months community service and ordered that he restitute the sum of $550USD
(Five Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars), and forfeit one Tecno
Spark 3 mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
undergraduate-convicted-for-cybercrime-in-ibadan
******************************************
11 APR 2022
EFCC Presents First Witness Against Suspect In Alleged €211,000 Fraud
The trial of one Ifekwu Dominic continued before Justice S.O. Solebo
of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on April 11, 2022,
with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, presenting
its first witness against him.
Dominic is being prosecuted by the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC
on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by
false pretence, obtaining by false pretence, and possession of documents
containing false pretence.
One of the counts reads: "Ifekwu Chukwuma Dominic, aka John Alfred, and
Okechukwu, aka Connie Miller (at large), between 2014 and 2017, within
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained
the aggregate sum of 211,000 Euros from Imelda Dorflinger under the false
representation that you Ifekwe Chukwuma Dominic had inherited gold from
your father and needed the said money to pay taxes in order to enable you
to have access to the gold, a representation you knew to be false."
Another count reads: "Ifekwu Chukwuma Dominic (aka John Alfred), on or
about 22nd June 2016 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and
with intent to defraud, had in your possession document titled "Cashier Cheque",
where you falsely represented to Imelda Dorflinger that you have been issued
a cheque valued at $590,000.00 and which document you knew contained false
information."
He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges prompting the commencement of his
trial.
At today's proceedings, the witness, Mma Adamu Alhaji, an operative of the
EFCC, who was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, I.O. Daramola, told
the Court that the EFCC received a petition against the defendant sometime
in September 2021 in which the defendant was accused to have defrauded his
victim, Imelda Dorflinger, a German national, by posing as one John Alfred,
with whom she developed an online friendship.
One Connie Miller, who was actually one Okechukwu currently at large, had
linked Dorflinger to Alfred, who is actually Dominic.
He said: "When they became friends, the defendant started coming up with
request for money."
"In July 2015, they had an agreement to meet in Lome, Togo, and they
eventually met there."
"Upon their meeting, the defendant presented some documents to her, including
gold export certificate, financial deposits in Bank of Africa, Ghana, and some
other documents."
According to the witness, the defendant deceived his victim into believing
that he was "a Crown Prince", in Ghana, who had a Gold inheritance that he
needed money to secure, which he inherited from his father worth 250 kilogrammes.
He added that the defendant had told his victim that the gold was in the bank,
and that he needed money to pay tax and other things to receive it.
He said: "Based on the presentation of the documents, she believed the defendant
and started sending him money through Moneygram."
"In December 2015, they still met again in Togo, and the defendant still promised
her that after he finishes clearing the gold, he would pay her back."
"She kept on sending money until sometime in 2017."
"But as there was no regarding the clearing of the gold, then, she met a
Nigerian and made an enquiry."
The witness explained that following her conversation with the Nigerian,
it dawned on her that she had been defrauded by the defendant, and that
Dominic was no Ghanaian Crown Prince, but a Nigerian.
He said: "From there, she discovered that she had been defrauded, and stopped
all communications with him."
However, after a long while, the witness said the defendant again tried
to reconnect with his victim and sent her an email again to greet her.
He said: "She responded, and the defendant again started bringing up the
issue of gold, that the gold is still there, and that he needed more money
to clear it."
"From there, she played along and made plans to get him arrested. She
agreed to meet him again, with a promise to bring more cash for him."
"Subsequently, the defendant was arrested and handed over to the EFCC
for further investigation."
He told the Court that upon interrogation, the defendant admitted the
allegations against him in his statement volunteered to the EFCC.
"The defendant admitted that the allegations are nothing but the truth,"
he said.
Thereafter, the prosecution sought to tender the said petition to the EFCC
and the statements of the defendant made to the EFCC.
The defence counsel, Bartholomew Agnegbodo, raised no objections to the
admissibility of the petition, but objected to the admissibility of the
statements, arguing that "there were certain promises made prompting
the statements being made".
Justice Solebo, thereafter, admitted the petition in evidence as Exhibit
A, and adjourned till April 12, 2022 for trial-within-trial to prove the
voluntariness or otherwise of the statements being sought to be tendered.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-presents-first-witness-against-suspect-in-alleged-211-000-fraud
******************************************
11 APR 2022
Abuja Court Convicts Fraudster
Justice Y. Halilu of the FCT High Court, Maitama, on Monday, April
11, 2022 convicted and sentenced one Izoduwa Osemwegie, to two months
in prison for internet related fraud. The 20-year-old student pleaded
guilty to one count criminal charge preferred against him by the Abuja
Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The one count charge reads, "that you Izoduwa Osemwegie sometime in
2021 at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal
Capital Territory cheat by personation when you created an Instagram
account with the account name Steven McLean posing as a legitimate
trader from Canada, and under the assumed character obtained the sum
of €150 (One Hundred and Fifty Euros) from Huseyin, a Briton and €400
(Four Hundred Euros) from Jonathan, a Turkish citizen under the pretext
that you are a legitimate Bitcoin trader, a fact you knew to be false
and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 321 of the Penal
Code Law (Cap. 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria) and punishable under
Section 324 of the same Law". He pleaded guilty to the charge preferred
against him.
In view of his guilty plea, Prosecution Counsel Nguper Martha Tertsua
prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Justice Halilu sentenced Osemwegie to 2 months in prison with an option
of N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. All proceeds of the
crime are also to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
buja-court-convicts-fraudster
***************************************
9 APR 2022
EFCC Arrests 5 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Makurdi
The operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, April 9,
2022, arrested five (5) suspected internet fraudsters in
Makurdi, Benue State.
The suspects who are alleged to be involved in internet-related
fraud are; Enekwache Bright, Amih Dominic, Achir David, David
Atese and Anongo Angela.
They were arrested in Makurdi based on some verified intelligence
on their alleged criminal activities.
Items recovered from them include mobile phones and several
incriminating documents.
The suspects will be charged to Court as soon as the investigation
is concluded.
The press release includes photos:
efcc-arrests-5-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-makurdi
********************************************
8 APR 2022
EFCC Charges Youths Against Cyber Crimes
The Uyo Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE Bawa Hamidu has charged youths
across the country to fully get involved in the fight against corruption
by shunning cybercrimes and all other criminal activities.
Bawa gave the charge on Thursday April 7, 2022 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
while holding a sensitization session with an Anti-Corruption youth group
at the University of Uyo, Uniuyo, Community Hall.
Addressing the youths, Bawa, who spoke through the Head, Public Affairs
Directorate of the Command, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Theresa
Nwosu, urged them to desist from all forms of cybercrimes and cultivate
the habit of reporting perpetrators of such crimes and any other perceived
criminal activity, observed around them, to the EFCC.
"Nigerian youths have great potentials but are failing to see the dark
shadow that being an ex-convict casts on their future. Cybercrimes are
destructive because they are capable of building barriers against the
future of youths. Within a week alone, a court in Calabar convicted over
30 youths for cyber-related offences. This is not good enough. It is
high time our youths stayed away from internet fraud", she said.
The Zonal Commander identified greed and get-rich-quick syndrome as the
major causes of youth involvement in cybercrimes. He warned members of
the group to desist from such tendencies. He also tasked them on the
need to always report suspected cases of internet fraud around them.
"I believe that you’re a member of this Anti-Corruption group because
you truly abhor crime and corruption, and you desire to put a stop to
the trend. If that’s truly the case, then you must understand that when
you see something criminal or corrupt, you are duty bound to say something
so that we can all do something by fighting this hydra-headed monster
to a logical standstill", she said.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-charges-youths-against-cyber-crimes
*************************************
8 APR 2022
Court Jails Six Internet Fraudsters in Calabar
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court sitting Calabar, Cross
River state has convicted and sentenced six internet fraudsters, for their
involvement in various internet-related offences.
The convicts are: Ezenwadike Kingsley, Ugwuoke Keneth, Gabriel Ewa Jonah,
Emmanuel Chukwunonso, Ettano Blessing and Obidiche Michael Ifeanyi.
They were jailed on Thursday, April 7, 2022 based on their "guilty" pleas
to one-count separate charge preferred against them by the Uyo Zonal Command
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
One of the charge reads: "That you, Ettano Blessing, sometime in 2022 in
Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to
obtain property and gain advantage for yourself, fraudulently presented
yourself as Dylan Espana and V Musa Wenkosi, an American Bitcoin manager,
to your victims on Facebook and Instagram and obtained the sum of Seven
Hundred Dollars ($700) from one Luzuko Mguda and Five Hundred Thousand Naira
(N500,000.00) from your victims and thereby committed an offence contrary
to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention,
etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (b) (iv) of the same Act".
Based on their pleas, prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, prayed the
court to convict them accordingly.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ojukwu convicted and sentenced the defendants
as follows:
Jonah and Kingsley were sentenced to six months imprisonment each, with
an option of fine of N700, 000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira only) each
while Kenneth was given six months imprisonment with an option of fine of
N800, 000.00(Eight Hundred Thousand Naira only).
Chukwunonso bagged six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N600,000.00
( Six Hundred Thousand Naira only) while Blessing and Ifeanyi were sentenced to
one year imprisonment each, with options to pay fines of N500,000.00 ( Five
Hundred Thousand only) and N800,000.00( Eight Hundred Thousand Naira only)
respectively.
The court ordered the convicts to sign undertakings of good behaviour and
forfeit gadgets used in committing the crimes to the Federal government.
In a related development, the same Thursday, the EFCC arraigned Enyinnaya
Donald Chidiebere before Justice Ojukwu on one -count charge bordering on
impersonation.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
In view of his plea, Abolarin immediately prayed the court to fix a date
for trial and remand the defendant at the Calabar Correctional Centre.
However, defence counsel, Udo Ukeme Johnson prayed for a short adjournment
to enable him make a formal bail application.
Justice Ojukwu adjourned the matter till May 11, 2022 for hearing of bail
application and remanded the defendant in the Calabar Correctional Centre.
Troubles came for the convicts and Chidiebere, when they were arrested by
operatives of the Uyo Command of the EFCC on March 31, 2022 in a sting
operation within Calabar, Cross River State. They were arrested in connection
with their internet-related criminal activities.
court-jails-six-internet-fraudsters-in-calabar
*********************************************
8 APR 2022
Man Bags Jail Term for Internet Fraud in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Thursday, April 7, 2022, secured the conviction and sentencing
of one Ernest James before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special
Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for an offence bordering on
retention of proceeds of criminal act, to wit internet fraud.
He was arraigned on a one-count amended charge in which he was accused
of engaging in dating scam to enrich himself.
He pleaded "guilty" to the charge.
Following his guilty plea, the prosecuting counsel, Ahmed Yerima, gave
a review of the facts of the case.
He told the Court that the defendant was arrested on September 15, 2021
in the Ajah area of Lagos State, following creditable intelligence received
by the Commission.
"He was, upon arrest, taken to the ICT forensic laboratory of the Commission,
where his devices were analysed and documents containing fraudulent conversation
were printed out," he said.
Yerima told the Court that the defendant also volunteered his statement,
admitting to the allegation against him, and confessing to defrauding an
American based in California of N2 million.
The prosecution tendered in evidence his statement, and the fraudulent
documents printed out from his device.
Yerima thus urged the Court to convict the defendant as charged and to order
the forfeiture of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, N501, 720 in his FCMB account and
N200,000 his Heritage Bank account to the Federal Government.
The defence counsel, A.O. Afuye, pleaded with the court to temper justice
with mercy.
Thereafter, Justice Taiwo pronounced him guilty as charged and sentenced
him to six months in prison, with an option of fine of N200,000.
The Court also granted the forfeiture prayer of the prosecution.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
man-bags-jail-term-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos
**********************************************
7 APR 2022
Two Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Term, Forfeit Car to FG
The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Wednesday April 7, 2022, secured the conviction of two internet
fraudsters, Ajiboye Ernest Alade and Mike Ederihbhalo on one count charge
of fraud.
Alade was arraigned before Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High
Court, Benin City while Mike Ederihbhalo was arraigned before Justice
Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin City.
Alade was accused of being in possession of fraudulent/scammed pictures
containing false pretense, an offence contrary to Section 6 of the Advance
Fee Fraud and Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3)
of the same Act.
On his part, Ederihbhalo impersonated the identity of Heike Hartmann, an
American citizen with intent to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The charge against Alade reads: that you Ajiboye Ernest Alade on the 22nd
day of February, 2021 at Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court did knowingly had in your possession documents containing false pretense
to wit: fraudulent/ scammed pictures found in your email account kokeyepes78690 @gmail.com.
contrary to section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act,
2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.
Upon arraignment, Alade pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against him
by the EFCC prompting the prosecution counsel, A.A.Ozigbu, to pray the court
to convict and sentence him accordingly. However, B.E. Ambrose prayed the
court to temper justice with mercy as the defendant has become remorseful.
Justice Shuaibu convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment
with an option of Two Hundred Thousand Naira as fine.
The judge also ruled that his laptop and phones being proceeds of crime be
forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
On his part, Ederihbnalo upon his arraignment pleaded guilty to the charge,
prompting EFCC counsel, K.Y Bello, to pray the court to convict and sentence
him accordingly.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Ederihbhalo to three years
imprisonment or a fine of N200,000. Ederihbnalo is also to forfeit his Lexus
RX350 SUV and phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
two-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-term-forfeit-car-to-fg
***********************************************
7 APR 2022
Kwara Courts Send Auto Repairer, Two Others to Prison for Cybercrime
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Thursday, April 7, 2022 secured the conviction of three persons
charged before Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court and Justice
Mahmood Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin for
offences bordering on cybercrime.
The Convicts are Umar Abdulrazaq Olanrewaju alias "Sugar Baby" from Tanke
in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State; Hassan Abdullahi
Olaitan, auto repairer from Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara
State and one Tope Ayodele.
While Umar and Abdullahi were prosecuted before Justice Sani of the
Federal High Court, Tope had his day in court before Justice Mahmud
Abdulgafar of the State High Court, Ilorin.
The defendants, who were arraigned on separate charges pleaded guilty to
their respective charge.
Following their guilty pleas, Sesan Ola and Andrew Akoja who prosecuted
the cases on behalf of the Commission reviewed the facts of the cases and
tendered the extra-judicial statements of the defendants, phones recovered
from them at the point of arrest and several fraudulent messages printed
from their device, which were admitted in evidence
In their separate judgments on the cases, Justice Sani and Abdulgafar who
agreed with the submission of the prosecuting counsel that the Commission
had proved the case against the defendants, pronounced them guilty.
Justice Sani sentenced Umar to six months imprisonment with option of
fine of N100, 000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only). The judge ordered
that the convict should forfeit one iPhone 7 plus, which was recovered
from him at the point of arrest.
The judge also sentenced Hassan to six months imprisonment with option
of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only). He also ordered
the convict to forfeit one iPhone 7 which he used to perpetrate the crime
and the sum of $200 (Two Hundred US Dollars) he benefited from his unlawful
activities to the Federal Government.
In the same vein, Justice Abdulgafar handed Tope a three months suspended
sentence. The Judge ordered that one itel phone which the convict used to
perpetrate the crime be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The press release contains a small photo of each 419er:
kwara-courts-send-auto-repairer-two-others-to-prison-for-cybercrime
********************************************
7 APR 2022
Court Jails One For Internet Fraud in Kaduna
Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna,
has convicted and sentenced Prosper Joseph to one year imprisonment
for obtaining money by false pretences.
Joseph was jailed on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 after pleading guilty
to one- count amended charge, upon being arraigned by the Kaduna Zonal
Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The one -count amended charge read: "That you Prosper Joseph sometime
in February 2021, in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court did commit an offence to wit; cheating by impersonation wherein
you represented yourself to be one Chase Rice, a musician from United
States of America to one Leenchen and fraudulently induced her to buy
"iTunes cards" for you worth €15(fifteen euros) and you thereby committed
an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code, Law,
2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law".
The defendant pleaded guilty to the one -count amended charge when it
was read to him.
Justice Khobo, thereafter convicted and sentenced the defendant to
one year imprisonment without an option of fine.
The convict also forfeits the sum of €15(Fifteen Euros) and one Itel
A6 phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Prosper's journey to the Correctional Centre started, when he was
arrested by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC on
internet- related offences. Fraudulent documents were found on his
mobile through which he impersonated three foreigners: Chase Rice,
Theory James and Constant Nuel.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-one-for-internet-fraud-n-kaduna
**************************************
7 APR 2022
Court Jails 15 Internet Fraudsters In Calabar
Justice Rosemary Dugbo Oghoghorie and Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal
High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State have convicted and
sentenced fifteen( 15) Internet fraudsters to one year imprisonment
each, for their involvement in various internet- related offences.
While Justice Oghoghorie jailed six of the fraudsters: Okon Samuel
Edet, Clinton Joseph Iheamibe, Emmanuel Joseph Effiom, Oguamalam
Francis, Emejuo Daniel Daniel and Anieto Paul Ekene, Justice Ojukwu
jailed the nine others: Njoku Jeffrey Kelechi, Godson Maduabuchi,
Ubong Innocent Francis, Unyung Precious Ime, Edem Wisdom Wilson,
Odo Peter, Iniobong John, Igbokwe Clinton Nkemjika and Daniel
Peter Bessong.
They were arraigned by the Uyo Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday April 6, 2022 on one count
separate charge bordering on criminal impersonation with intent to
defraud.
One of the charge read: "That you, Okon Samuel Edet, sometime in 2022
in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent
to obtain property and gain advantage for yourself, fraudulently presented
yourself as Bryan James, an American, to your victims on Facebook and
Hangout and obtained the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500) from one
Jessica Sanchez and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section
22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc)
Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (b) (iv) of the same Act".
The defendants pleaded ‘guilty’ to the charge when it was read to them.
Based on their pleas, prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, prayed
the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
With no objection from the defence, Justice Oghoghorie convicted six
of the defendants and sentenced them as follows:
Francis, Effiom and Ekene were sentenced to one year imprisonment each,
with an option of a fine of N200,000.00 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira only)
each, while Daniel and Edet bagged one year imprisonment each with an option
of fine of N350,000.00 ( Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) each.
Iheamibe was also sentenced to one year imprisonment but with an option of
fine of N250,000.00( Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only).
In a related development, Justice Ojukwu convicted and sentenced nine
other fraudsters to one year imprisonment each but with various options
of fine. John was given an option of fine of N500,000.00( Five Hundred
Thousand Naira only, Nkemjika an option of fine of N600,000( Six Hundred
Thousand Naira only), Kelechi, Maduabuchi, Francis, Ime, Wilson, Peter
and Bessong each got option of fine of N800,000( Eight Hundred Thousand
Naira only).
The court further ordered the convicts to forfeit the phones they used
in committing the crimes to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The convicts' got into trouble and began their journey to the Correctional
Centre when they were arrested by operatives of the Uyo Command of the EFCC
on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at different locations within Akwa Ibom and
Cross River States, based on some verified intelligence on their nefarious
activities within the region.
The press release contains small photos of all 15 419ers:
court-jails-15-internet-fraudsters-in-calabar
************************************
7 APR 2022
Court Jails Six for Cyber-fraud in Enugu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Enugu Command
on Wednesday April 6, 2022, secured the conviction of six internet
fraudsters before Justice I.M Buba of the Federal High Court sitting
in Enugu on various charges bordering on impersonation and
obtaining money under false pretences from unsuspecting foreign
nationals.
The convicts are: Ogenyi Frederick Ebuka, Igwe Kelechi, Noble Nwodo,
Ebi Chibuike Victor, Kalu Eze Kalu and Eze Obinna Allan.
The charge against Kalu Eze Kalu reads, "That you KALU EZE KALU
sometime in March 2022 in Enugu within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court impersonated by presenting yourself as KIM JUYOUNG,
a citizen of South Korea, to unsuspecting persons on your KakaoTalk
Account, with intent to obtain money by false pretence and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Sections 22(3) (a)(b) and punishable
under Section s 22(4) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention
Etc) Act 2015".
All six defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them.
Justice Buba sentenced them to one year imprisonment each, with an
option of fine of N1, 000,000 (One Million Naira). They are to also
forfeit their phones which will be sold by the EFCC and the proceeds
paid into the Federal Government’s Consolidated Account.
Igwe Kelechi is also to restitute the sum of $50 to his victim
through the EFCC.
The press release contains small photos of all six 419ers:
court-jails-six-fir-cyber-fraud-in-enugu
**************************************
7 APR 2022
EFCC’s Ibadan Command Secures Eight Convictions of Cybercriminals
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 secured the conviction and sentencing
of eight (8) internet fraudsters.
The convicts are Adebisi Jamiu Ademola, Koleosho Eniola Michael, Timilehin
Tobiloba Fajutu, Gbolahan Olonrewaju, Michael Timileyin Aiyeobasa, Olalekan
Akinkunmi Faith, Ojubanire Akindimeji Quadri, and Samuel Adegoke Timileyin.
They all pleaded "guilty" to the one count charge each made against them
by the anti-graft agency before Justices Uche Agomoh of the Federal High
Court, Ibadan in Oyo State; Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High,
Osogbo, Osun State; Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta,
Ogun State, and Bayo Taiwo of the State High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Upon their pleas, Justice Agomoh convicted and sentenced Ojubanire to one
year imprisonment. Justice Nathaniel convicted and sentenced Adebisi to
thirty (30) days community service while Justice Abdulmalik convicted and
sentenced Fajutu to one year imprisonment, Samuel to nine months jail term
and Koleosho to six months imprisonment.
Furthermore, Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced Gbolahan and Aiyeobasa
to eight (8) months community service each and Olalekan to six months community
service.
The convicts were ordered to restitute their victims and forfeit all items
recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release contains small photos of 7 of the 8 419ers:
efcc-s-ibadan-command-secures-eight-convictions-of-cybercriminals
**********************************
7 APR 2022
Internet Fraudster Jailed One Year in Kaduna
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Wednesday April 6, 2022 secured the conviction and sentencing of
one Morris Moses before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court
11, for cheating by impersonation.
Morris who was arrested in a sting operation in Kaduna, was discovered to
have assumed the identity of Tucka James on his Facebook account and used
same to establish a romantic relationship and defraud an American citizen.
The charge reads: "That you Morris Moses (aka Tucka James) on or about the
9th of March, 2022 at Narayi Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court, impersonated one Tucka James on Facebook when you made an admission to
one Dinna Gaay that you were in love with her and you thereby committed an
offence contrary to Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017
and punishable under the same Law".
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
Justice Khobo, thereafter convicted and sentenced the defendant to one year
imprisonment without option of fine. He is also to forfeit one Infinix Hot 8
phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release containa a photo of the 419er:
internet-fraudster-jailed-one-year-in-kaduna
*********************************************
6 APR 2022
EFCC Docks Ex-Legislative Aide for N6.5m Fraud,
Three Others Convicted of Cybercrime in Kwara
[419 Coalition has redacted the non-419 related
portions of the article]
In another development, The Commission also secured the conviction of
three persons charged before the Federal High Court and Kwara State High
Court in Ilorin for offences bordering on cybercrime.
The convicts: Abdulrahman Abdulmateen, a barber from Omun-Aran in Irepodun
Local Government Area of Kwara State and Oyeniyi Bukola Peter from Ila Local
Government Area of Osun State and one Abdulazeez Mubarak from Mushin Area
of Lagos State.
While Abdulrahman and Oyeniyi were prosecuted before Justice Muhammed Sani
of the Federal High Court, Abdulazeez was tried before Justice Adenike Akinpelu
of the State High Court both in Ilorin.
The defendants, who were prosecuted on separate charges pleaded guilty to
their respective charge.
Following their pleas, Innocent Mbachie and Sesan Ola who represented the
Commission in the three cases urged the court to consider the plea of guilt,
the extra-judicial statements of the defendants, and other exhibits tendered
and hold that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
They prayed the court to convict them as charged.
Justice Sani sentenced Abdulrahman to six months imprisonment with option
of fine N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only). The judge ordered that
one apple iPhone x recovered from the convict at the point of arrest be
forfeited to the Federal Government. The court also ordered the restitution
of the sum of $50 (Fifty US Dollars) which is proceed of the unlawful
activities by the convict.
In the same vein, Justice Sani sentenced Oyeniyi to six months imprisonment
with option of fine N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only). The court
ordered that one iPhone x plus, Dell laptop and Lexus 300 car procured with
the proceeds of unlawful activities by the convict be forfeited to the Federal
Government.
For Abdulazeez, Justice Akinpelu pronounced a prison term of six months
with option of fine N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only).
The convict would also forfeit one iphone 12 promax, which he used to perpetrate
the crime and one 2008 Toyota Corolla Car which he bought with the proceeds of
crime to the Federal Government.
The press release includes photos:
efcc-docks-ex-legislative-aide-for-n6-5m-fraud-three-others-convicted-of-cybercrime-in-kwara"
***************************************************************
6 APR 2022
Court Sends Three Internet Fraudsters to Jail,
Orders Forfeiture of Their Cars to FG
Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Wednesday April 6, 2022, secured the conviction of three
internet fraudsters, Ebuehi Gift, Joseph Etim Peters and Evans Osayuware
Ovie on one count charge of intent to fraudulent impersonate and intent
to defraud before Justice Efe Ikpomwonba of Edo State High Court,
Benin City, Edo State.
The trio fraudulently represented themselves as foreign nationals in
order to defraud unsuspecting victims.
The charge against Joseph Etim Peter (aka Mogarn Ben) reads: "That
you, Joseph Etim Peter between January to December 2022 in Benin City,
Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did
fraudulently impersonate the identity of one Bernard J, an American
Soldier with intent to defraud unsuspecting ladies in China and thereby
committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 484 of
the Criminal Code Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable
in Edo State) 1976".
The charge against Ebuehi Gift reads: "That you, Ebuehi Gift (M) sometime
in January to September 2021 in Benin City within the jurisdiction of
this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate the identity of one
Racheal Morgan, an American lady with intent to defraud unsuspecting
investors in Bitcoin business and thereby committed an offence contrary
to and punishable under section 484 of the criminal code cap 48 Laws of
Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo state)".
Upon arraignment, all the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of their plea, prosecuting counsel, Austin Ozigbu prayed the
court to convict and sentence them accordingly but the defence counsel,
Otasowie Chris asked the court to temper justice with mercy as the
defendants have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Ikpomwonba convicted and sentenced Gift to five years imprisonment
or a fine of N500, 000. While Ovie and Peter bagged three years imprisonment
or a fine of N300, 000 and N200, 000 respectively.
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of a Toyota Camry and a Mercedes
Benz GLK vehicles recovered from Gift and Ovie to the Federal Government
of Nigeria. They are also to forfeit their phones to the Federal Government
of Nigeria and undertake in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.
The press release contains a small photo of each 419er:
court-sends-three-internet-fraudsters-to-jail-orders-forfeiture-of-their-cars-to-fg
****************************************************
5 APR 2022
Court Jails Two for Impersonation In Kaduna
Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in
Kaduna has convicted and sentenced George Ahmadu( alias Don Johnson)
and Joshua. B. Amos( alias Eric Church) to one year imprisonment
each for impersonation.
They were jailed on Monday, April 4, 2022, based on their "guilty"
pleas to one- count amended charge bordering on impersonation, upon
their arraignment by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charge reads: "That you George Ahmadu (a.k.a Don Johnson) 'M'
sometime in February, 2022 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, Impersonated one Don Johnson on Hangout when you
made an admission to one Leenchen that you were in love with her
and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 142 of the
Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under the same Law".
Upon their guilty pleas, prosecution counsels: M.E Eimonye and defence
counsel, E.E Ogah prayed the court to convict them accordingly.
Justice Khobo convicted and sentenced Ahmadu and Amos to one year
imprisonment each, without an option of fine.
He also ordered them to forfeit one Techno KB7 and IPhone XR phones
to the Federal Government.
The convicts' journey to the Correctional Centre started when they
were arrested by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC
in connection with suspected involvement in internet fraud
Investigations showed that Ahmadu and Amos assumed the identities
of United States of American actor and musician: Don Johnson and
Eric Church to defraud local and international victims.
The press release contains photos of each 419er:
court-jails-two-for-impersonation-in-kaduna
*************************************************
5 APR 2022
Court Jails 10 Internet Fraudsters in Calabar
Justice Rosemary Dugbo Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court sitting
in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced ten ( 10) internet
fraudsters to one year imprisonment each.
The convicts were arraigned by the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on one-count separate charge
bordering on impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
The all-male convicts, whose ages range between 19 and 33, are:
Jordan Chisom Ozuma; Onyekere Emmanuel Chigoziem; Simon Moses Isong;
Itodo Benjamin Ofoma; Kelechi Victor Chinaka; Osunkwo Temple Amaechi;
Nnoli Francis Chukwuemeka; Kenneth Chimaobi Chibuike, Stanley Chukwuemeka
and Ifeanyi Charles Ejimadu.
One of the charge read: "That you, Kelechi Victor Chinaka, sometime
in February, 2022 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court did take possession of the sum of $300 (Three Hundred US Dollars
only) which you reasonably ought to have known forms proceed of an
unlawful act to wit: cybercrime and thereby committed an offence contrary
to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011
(as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act".
They all pleaded 'guilty' to the charge when read to them.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin prayed
the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
Justice convicted and sentenced the defendants as follows:
Ofoma, Chukwuemeka Isong were sentenced to one year imprisonment with
an option of fine of N200,000.00 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira only) each
while Ozuma, Chigoziem and Ejimadu bagged one year imprisonment each
with an option of fine of N500,000.00( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) each.
Chibuike and Nnoli both bagged one year imprisonment each with an
option of fine of N350,000. 00 ( Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand
Naira only) and N250,000.00 ( Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira
only) respectively, while Amechi was sentenced to one year imprisonment
with an option of fine of N400,000.00 ( Four Hundred Thousand Naira
only) and Chinaka one year imprisonment with an option of fine of
N300,000.00( Three Hundred Thousand Naira only)
The court further ordered the convicts to forfeit all gadgets used
in committing the crimes to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The convicts' journey to the Correctional Centre began when they
were arrested by operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC,
at different locations within Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
Further investigations were conducted on their involvement in
internet fraud and were later prosecuted and convicted.
The press release contains a group photo of all 10 419ers:
court-jails-10-internet-fraudsters-in-calabar
*********************************************
5 APR 2022
Court Jails Two Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt
Justices S. I. Mark and P. M. Ayuba of the Federal High Court
sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have convicted and
sentenced two internet fraudsters: Okoro Uchechukwu and Emeka
Paul Ezenwadi to two years imprisonment each for internet-
related fraud.
They were jailed on Monday, April 4, 2022 after pleading
"guilty" to one-count separate charge bordering on impersonation,
upon being arraigned by the Port Harcourt's Zonal Command of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The one- count charge read:
"That you Okoro Uchechukwu, sometimes in August, 2021, within
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated
one Emma Nina Pereira, a female student of the United States of
America Army School via your Google account with email address:
yudithnia87@gmail.com with intent to gain advantage for yourself
and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b)
(i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015
and punishable under Section 22 (2) of the same Act".
In view of their pleas of "guilty", prosecution counsels: I. Agu
and C. O. Oni prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants
accordingly.
Defense counsels: F. A. Bigha and B. J. Geoffrey prayed the court
to temper justice with mercy in sentencing the defendants, stressing
that, "they are first -time offenders, with no previous criminal
records".
Justice Ayuba convicted and sentenced Ezenwadi to two years imprisonment,
with an option of fine of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100, 000.00) payable
into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federation.
Also, Justice Mark convicted and sentenced Uchechukwu to two years
imprisonment, with an option of fine of Three Hundred Thousand Naira
(N300, 000.00), payable into the same Federal Government's account.
The judges ordered that the proceeds of crime; a black Dell Laptop,
one iPhone x, and three Apple wrist watches, should be forfeited to
the Federal Government of Nigeria. The items are to be sold via public
auction by the EFCC's Secretary, and the proceeds paid into the EFCC
Recovery Account domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria. The convicts
should also depose to affidavits of good behaviour before the court.
Ezenwadi and Uchechukwu’s journey to the Correctional Centre started
when they were arrested in a sting operation by operatives of the EFCC
at Aba Owerri Road, Aba, Abia state , for internet- related offences.
Further investigations showed that they were involved in fraudulent
cyber dealings.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters-in-port-harcourt-2
*********************************************
5 APR 2022
Court Sends Three Internet Fraudsters to Prison in Benin
Three Internet fraudsters, Daniel Ogbemudia Isaiah, Aisosa Enobahkre
and Omokaro Augustine Israel were on Tuesday April 5, 2022, convicted
and sentenced to prison by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High
Court sitting in Benin City.
The trio were arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission on one count charge of personation
and obtaining by false pretence. For instance, one of the defendants
Isaiah presented himself as Henrick Kronberg, a crypto currency
investment expert on Instagram in order to defraud unsuspecting
victims.
The charge against Enobahkre reads: "that you Aisosa Enobahkre
(alias Jerry Burger) sometime in 2021 within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud different persons
falsely represented yourself as one Jerry Burger a bitcoin mining
expert on Instagram and thereby committed an offence contrary
to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code, Cap
48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo State)
1976.
Upon arraignment the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge. In
view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, K. U Udus prayed the
court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced the duo of Enobahkre
and Isaiah to two years imprisonment or a fine of N300, 000 while I
srael bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.
The trio are to forfeit their phones to the Federal Government
of Nigeria and undertake in writing to be of good behaviour.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
court-sends-three-internet-fraudsters-to-prison-in-benin
***************************************************
4 APR 2022
Six Land in Jail for Cybercrime in Ilorin
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Monday, April 4, 2022 secured the conviction of six persons
charged for various offences bordering on cyber fraud before Justice
Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court and Justice Adenike Akinpelu
of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin.
The Convicts are: Akibu Waris Oluwadamilola from Akinyele Local Government
Area of Oyo State; Animasahaun Gbolahan Ahmed from Agege Local Government
Area of Lagos State; Hammed Ibrahim Opeyemi who resides in Atari Area of
Offa, Kwara State; Ibitowa Toheeb Abolayo from Ejigbo Local Government
Area of Osun State; Salaudeen Muritala and Olagoke Hammed from Modakeke
in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State.
The EFCC prosecuted five of the defendants before Justice Sani, while
only Olagoke was tried before Justice Akinpelu of the Kwara State High
Court in Ilorin.
The defendants, who were arraigned on separate charges before the courts
pleaded guilty to their respective charge.
Following their pleas, counsel to the EFCC in the matter - Aliyu Adebayo,
Sesan Ola, Andrew Akoja and Rasheedat Alao who reviewed the facts of the
cases and tendered extra-judicial statements of the defendants, phones,
laptops, cars and fraudulent messages printed from their device, which
were admitted in evidence.
The counsel urged the court to consider the proof of evidence, plea of
guilt entered by the defendants and hold that the prosecution had
established prima-facie case against the defendants. They prayed the
court to convict them as charged.
In their separate judgements on the cases, Justice Sani and Akinpelu
agreed that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The Justices found each of the defendants guilty of their respective
charges.
Justice Sani sentence Akibu to one-year imprisonment each on count one
and two, which would run concurrently with option of fine of N200,000
(Two Hundred Thousand Naira) on each count. The Judge ordered that one
Toyota Camry Car, iphone 6 plus, hp laptop and monies which are proceeds
of the illegal activities in his bank accounts be forfeited to the
Federal Government.
The Judge sentenced Animashaun to three-year imprisonment on count one
with option of fine of N59,900 (Fifty Nine Thousand, Five Hundred Naira
Only) and three-year imprisonment on count two with option of fine of
N584,700 (Five Hundred and Eighty Four Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira
Only). The Court ordered that one iphone 12 which was used to perpetrate
the crime be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Hammed bagged one-year imprisonment on count one, two and three which
would run concurrently with option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred
Thousand Naira) on each count. The convict was ordered to raise the
sum of $130 (One Hundred and Thirty Dollars) as restitution, while his
iPhone X would be forfeited to the Federal Government.
In the same vein, Justice Sani sentenced Ibitowa to one-year imprisonment
with option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira). The judge
ordered the forfeiture of one iPhone x used by the convict to perpetrate
the crime to the Federal Government.
The judge sentenced Salaudeen to one-year imprisonment each on count one
and two with option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) on
each count. The court ordered the forfeiture of one Toyota Camry Car and
iPhone 11 Promax to the Federal Government.
For Olagoke, Justice Akinpelu pronounced a prison term of six-years each
on count one and two with option of fine of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty
Thousand Naira) on each count. The judge also ordered that one Honda Accord
Car, iPhone 11 Promax and the sum of N1,913,432.75 domiciled in the convict's
Keystone bank account be forfeited to the Federal Government
The press release contains a small photo of each 419er:
six-land-in-jail-for-cybercrime-in-ilorin
************************************
4 APR 2022
Court Sends Two Internet Fraudsters to Jail in Benin
Justice S.M Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City
on Monday, April 4, 2022, convicted and sentenced two internet fraudsters
to three years imprisonment for fraud.
The fraudsters Kazeem Akeem (aka Rose Tinda) and Akinbisodun Opeyemi were
arraigned on one count charge by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC for
fraudulent impersonation.
The charge against Akeem reads: "That you Kazeem Akeem (aka Rose Tinda)
on or about the 26th day of April 2021 at Housing Estate, Owo Local
Government Area of Ondo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court, fraudulently impersonated one Rose Tinda, a white woman by using
email tindalerose@gmail.com with intent to gain advantage for yourself
and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (i) and
(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and
punishable under section 22(2) (b)(iv) of the same Act".
Upon arraignment the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of their plea, the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed prayed
the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly. However,
the defence counsel, Eric Ewierhoma pleaded with the court to temper
justice with mercy as the defendants have become remorseful for his action.
Justice Shuaibu convicted and sentenced the defendants to three years
imprisonment each with an option of N300,000 fine.
In addition, the defendants shall forfeit their mobile phones to the
Federal Government of Nigeria and undertake in writing to be of good
behavior henceforth.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
court-sends-two-internet-fraudsters-to-jail-in-benin
***************************************
1 APR 2022
Court Jails 14 for Fraud in Calabar
A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, presided
over by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu has convicted one Obed Chukwuemeka Great,
a Student of the University of Calabar, and 13 others for offences
bordering on criminal impersonation with intent to defraud.
The 13 others aged between 18 and 27 are: Nwagbara Randy Chima, Omororo
Charity, Enya Aboli Samuel, Otaka Emmanuel, Owolabi Kolawole and Ekima
Kingsley Ujiokoyo.
Others are: David Frank Osas, Gabriel Uko Ogbu, Ihemekwelam Uriel Chkwuemeka,
Ejiofor Victor, Thank-God Udeme, John Omokhagbon Audi and Gabriel Okongor.
The defendants were arraigned on different dates, and they pleaded 'guilty'
to the separate one count charge preferred against them by the Uyo Zonal
Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
One of the charge reads: "That you, Ejiofor Victor sometimes in 2022 in
Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to
obtain property and gain advantage for yourself, fraudulently presented
yourself as Peter Weller and James Garland, an American Bitcoin manager,
to your victims on Facebook and Instagram and obtained the sum of Two
Thousand Dollars ($2,000) and thereby committed an offence contrary to
Section 22 (2) (b)(i) and (ii) of the Cyber Crime (Prohibition, Prevention
Etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (b) (iv) of the same Act".
In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Segun Akinrinlade, prayed
the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
But Justice Ojukwu convicted and sentenced the defendants as follows:
Nwagbara and Omororo were sentenced to 1year imprisonment with the
option of a fine of N800,000.00 each while Samuel was sentenced to 6
months imprisonment with the same option of fine.
Ejiofor was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment with the option of a fine
of N800,000.00, while Udeme, Audi and Okongor were sentenced to 1 year
imprisonment each with the option of a fine of N800,000.00 each.
While Obed Chukwuemeka Great, Otaka Emmanuel, Owolabi Kolawole, Ekima
Ujiokoyo, David Osas, Gabriel Ogbu and Ihemekwelam Uriel Chkwuemeka were
sentenced to 1year imprisonment each with the option of a fine of
N800, 000.00 except Ogbu who bagged 6 months imprisonment with same
option of fine.
All 14 convicts were ordered to forfeit the gadgets they used in committing
the crimes to the Federal Government.
The convicts were arrested at different locations within Cross River and
Akwa Ibom States on February 22, 2022 and March 1, 2022 by operatives of
the Commission, during sting operations.
The press release contains photos of 10 of the 419ers:
court-jails-14-for-fraud-in-calabar
*****************************************
1 APR 2022
Ex-Convict, Oyeyemi Loses Rights Suit against EFCC
Justice Sikiru Oyinloye of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on
Thursday, March 31, 2022 dismissed a fundamental right suit brought
by a convicted fraudster, Oyeyemi Caleb, against Ilorin Zonal Command
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Oyeyemi, 21, from Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara
State was sometime last year prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal Command
of the EFCC before Justice Adenike Akinpelu of the State High Court
in Ilorin over offences bordering on internet fraud. Specifically,
he posed as a white lady, an online prostitute to scam one Wilson
(a white man) to the tune of $100 US Dollars in order to offer him
sex.
The court, on June 21, 2021 found him guilty and sentenced him to
one-year imprisonment each on the two counts preferred against him,
to run concurrently with option of fine of N200,000 on each count.
Upon conviction, Oyeyemi, through his counsel, A. T Smith, returned
to court with a fundamental rights charge against the EFCC. He claimed
that, moment after his sentencing by the court; he was forcefully bundled
away by operatives of the Commission in a gestapo manner and driven to
the Ilorin Zonal Command Office of the agency, where he alleged that
he was unlawfully detained for three hours.
He also claimed that the operatives forcefully put placard on his chest
with the inscription: "Alleged Case of Internet Fraud", which mug-shot
was taken and uploaded on the Commission's website.
The applicant asked for order of court awarding N10million damages
against the EFCC and cause the Commission to tender public apology
for infringing on his fundamental rights.
The EFCC, in response through her counsel, Aliyu Adebayo, argued
that the mug-shot in question was taken on March 16, 2020, and not
on June 21, 2021 when the applicant was convicted. He also submitted
that putting the picture of the applicant in Commission's website
after he was convicted did not constitute any abuse to the applicant's
fundamental rights, saying that the Commission acted within the law.
He urged the court to dismiss the application on the ground that
the applicant was never arrested nor detained by the Commission
as alleged by the applicant.
In dismissing the suit, Justice Oyinloye while agreeing with submission
of the respondent's counsel, held that, from the exhibit "C" presented
by the applicant's counsel, it was clear that the mug-shot which constituted
the crux of the application was dated March 16, 2020, which was the day of
the applicant's arrest and not on the date he was convicted.
The judge observed the use of unprintable and foul language by counsel
to the applicant, A. T Smith, against the respondent's counsel, in his
affidavit and written address and frowned at it.
On a whole, the judge considered the application as unmeritorious and
"gold-digging" in nature, and accordingly dismissed it.
The press release contains a photo:
ex-convict-oyeyemi-loses-rights-suit-against-efcc
************************************
1 APR 2022
Internet Fraudster Bags Five Years Jail in Benin
Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin
City on Thursday, March 31, 2022, convicted and sentenced Samson
Obademi to five years imprisonment for fraud.
Obademi was arraigned on one count charge of impersonation by the
Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The charge against him reads, "that you Samson Obademi (M) sometime
between January and 23rd April 2021 at Owo, Ondo State within the
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate
the identity of Steven Sammy, an American with intent to obtain money
and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (ii)
of Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, etc) Act 2015 and punishable
under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the same Act".
Upon arraignment the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his pleas, the prosecution counsel, K. U. Udus prayed
the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly. However,
the defence counsel, O.J Semudara urged the court to temper justice
with mercy as the defendant has become remorseful for his action.
Justice Shuaibu convicted and sentenced the defendant to five years
imprisonment with an option of Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300, 000)
fine.
In addition, the defendant shall forfeit his mobile phone to the
Federal Government of Nigeria and undertake in writing to be of
good behavior henceforth.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
internet-fraudster-bags-five-years-jail-in-benin
****************************************
31 MAR 2022
Court Sends Two Internet Fraudsters to Prison in Benin
Two Internet fraudsters, Kelvin Ehimen Okonedo and Godwill Jacob
were on Thursday March 31, 2022, convicted and sentenced to prison
by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin
City.
The duo were arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission on one count charge of impersonation
and obtaining by false pretence.
One of the defendants, Kelvin Okonedo fraudulently impersonated
Kelvin Richard, an American soldier by sending his pictures to
unsuspecting Korean ladies through the internet with the intent
to defrauding them. On his part, Jacob claimed to be Chen Changchun,
a Korean, to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge. In
view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Austin Ozigbu, prayed
the court to convict and sentence the defendants in accordingly.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Okonedo to four years
imprisonment or a fine of N300,000. Okonedo is to forfeit the sum
of Nine Hundred and Twenty Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty
Seven Naira (N927, 927) being balance in his bank account to the
Federal Government of Nigeria.
Jacob bagged five years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000. Both
defendants are to forfeit their phones and undertake in writing
to be of good behaviour henceforth.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
court-sends-two-internet-fraudsters-to-prison-in-benin
********************************************
31 MAR 2022
Fraudster Bags Two Years for Internet Fraud in Port Harcourt
Justice S. D. PAM of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt,
Rivers State have convicted and sentenced one Joseph Ajilo to two years
jail term in prison on one count charge of impersonation.
The charge reads, "That you Joseph Ajilo Igben on or about the 10th
of November, 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court fraudulently impersonated one Amber Mounday
with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an
offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prevention,
Prohibition, etc) Act 2015 and punishable under the same Act". He pleaded
"guilty" to the charge preferred against him by the EFCC.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, C. O. Oni, prayed the court
to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Justice Pam convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years in prison,
with an option of fine of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250,000.00)
payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
He also ordered that the convict should forfeit the proceeds of crime
and one Tecno Camon 12 phone used in committing the offence to the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
The Judge also said that the convict shall restitute the victim Four
Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars ($4,500).
Ajilo's journey to the Correctional Service started when he was arrested
sometimes in November 2021 by officers of the Commission, at Ada George
area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State for internet fraud activities.
Investigation shows that the convict had been involved in internet fraud
with several scam documents on his phone. It was also revealed that
the convict owns and operates a fake email address with the name
ambermounday96@gmail.com and uses his Hangouts user name Amber Mounday
in chatting with his victims, Bruce Williams and Tom .W. Miller.
Further investigation proved that Igben deceived his victims into believing
that he could help them turn around their funds through Bitcoin trading.
The victims believed and invested a total of Four Thousand Five Hundred
Dollars ($4,500) but were left high and dry by the defendant.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
fraudster-bags-two-years-for-internet-fraud-in-port-harcourt
*****************************************
31 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests 24 Internet Fraud Suspects in Asaba
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
Benin Zonal Command, on Thursday March 31, 2022, arrested
24 persons for alleged internet fraud.
They were arrested at their hideout in Asaba, Delta State
following actionable intelligence.
The suspects are Obikolu Lawrence Chukwuemeka, Ezennabuike
Daniel, Emmanuel Favour, Efemenam Ifeanyi, Andrew Martin
Udeorah, Anozie Ugochukwu, Oziegbe Famous, Onalugbum Ekene,
Nonso Nwakor, Gabriel Igelije and Paul Enakeno. Others are
Chigbo Kanayo Stephen, Chinedu Emejon, Nwabueze Arinze,
Harrison Chukwuji and Chinonso Jude Emejom.
Items recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest
include two Toyota Camry, Mercedes Benz car, Laptops and
mobile phones.
The suspects have made useful statements and will be arraigned
in court as soon as the investigation is concluded.
The press release includes photos:
efcc-arrests-24-internet-fraud-suspects-in-asaba
*************************************
31 MAR 2022
Three Internet Fraudsters Convicted in Ibadan
An Oyo Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, on March 30,
2022, convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters for
their involvement in fraudulent cyber activities after they
pleaded "guilty" to the separate charges preferred against
them by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The convicts are Ojelakin Yinka Oluwaseun, Adebayo Fawaz
Gbolahan and Ehis Hopkins Esezobor were prosecuted on charges
of fraudulent impersonation contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i)
and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) of the Cybercrime
(Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Justice Agomoh sentenced Ojelakin to two years imprisonment,
Esezobor to eight months and Adebayo to five months jail term.
The court further ordered that the convicts restitute their
victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal
Government of Nigeria.
The press release contains photos of all three 419ers:
three-internet-fraudsters-convicted-in-ibadan'Tom Cruise' Convicted In Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, secured the
conviction and sentencing of an internet fraudster, Etegene
Japheth,to six months imprisonment before Justice Oluwatoyin
Taiwo of the Special Offence court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Japheth was arraigned on a one count amended charge bordering
on possession of documents containing false pretence.
The charge reads: "Etegene Japheth (aka Mr. Tim Graw and Tom
Cruise), on or about the 16th day of February 2022 in Lagos,
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your
possession several documents containing false pretences, one
of which is a record of your conversation with several unsuspecting
victims via your email address tomcruise3705@gmail.com, wherein
you represented yourself as Mr. Tim Graw and Tom Cruise in order
to obtain gift cards and money from them, a representation you
knew was false."
He pleaded "guilty" to the charge when it was read to him.
In view of his plea, the prosecuting counsel, Blessing John,
reviewed the facts of the case and tendered in evidence the
statement of the defendant as well as the bundle of fraudulent
documents printed out from the iPhone 12 recovered from him.
The prosecution counsel also prayed that he be convicted and
sentenced accordingly.
Justice Taiwo admitted them in evidence as exhibits A and B,
and pronounced him guilty as charged.
He was, thereafter, sentenced to six months imprisonment, with
an option of N200,000 fine.
The convict was ordered to also forfeit all items recovered
from him to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release includes a photo of the 419er:
tom-cruise-convicted-in-lagos
**********************************
30 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests 80 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan,
40 in Enugu
Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested eighty (80) suspects for alleged
internet- related activities in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Forty (40) other suspects were arrested by operatives of the Enugu
Zonal Command of the Commission for the same suspected offences.
They were all arrested based on verified intelligence linking them
with fraudulent internet activities.
Incriminating documents were found in 35 of the 80 suspects arrested
in Ibadan and they are:
Victor Abumere, Kehinde Samuel, Adedeji Ibrahim Olamilekan, Akinbowale
Emmanuel, Taiwo Azeez, Adenuga Sunday, Sidiku Olubodun, Ekhuemelo Jerry,
Agboola Khalid Babatunde, Alex Kelvin, Akande Jonah, Tobiloba Adekanye,
Fatai Olalekan T., Giwa Babatunde David and Emmanuel Victor Mayowa.
Others are: Taofeek Toheeb Olamilekan, Olamilekan Fafilolu Quadri, Olayinka
Taiwo Olaniyi, Emmanuel Abiodun Olalekan, Awoleke Opeyemi Uthman, Ikenna Anyanwu
Victor, Mosuro Daniel Oluwaseun, Amoo Abdulmalik Ademola, Oluwaseun Adeniran,
Kehinde Kehinde Olatunji, Bakare Kayode Augustine, Okoli Propser, Kolawole
Blessing, Okeolu Moshood, and Hammed Khalid Ayomide.
The rest are: Hassan Waris Ademola, Taiwo Ademola, Adewale Ayomiposi,
Abdullahi Maleek Olaniyi, Masika Adekunle Andrew.
The suspects were arrested in various locations in Ibadan, Oyo State and
items recovered from them include: thirteen (13) exotic cars, three (3)
motor bikes and mobile phones and laptops of different brands.
The 40 suspects arrested on March 29 and 30, 2022 in Enugu are: Chimezie
Onyegwa, Chukwuebuka Jamespaul, Adams Nengi, Chibua Emmanuel. Mmoh Henry,
Kingsly Obinna, Francis Alex, Nelson Chidiebere, Paschal Eze, Eke Emmanuel,
Ezeme Johnpaul , Aroh Kenneth, Ugwu Darlington , Chukwuemeka Collins and
Ejielo Ifeanyi
Others are: Justin Obidiwe, Chibuike Henry, Chukwuemeka Okafor, Osodiuru
Prince, Nwachukwu Steven, kelekchukwu Ugwu, Ugwuoke Victor, Udeh Victor,
Ekata Endurance, Ukpabi Evidence, Eze Obinna, Amobi Eya, Victor Joshua,
Gabriel Noel and Chisom Ede Nnamuchi.
The rest include Onwe Nnamdi,Okonkwo Somtochukwu, Nnaji Ifeanyi, Ezeagu
Ifeanyi, Maduabuchi Nwangbo, Onyenamaya Tochukwu,Wisdom Solomon, Agu Chibuzor,
Nwokoro Sochima and Ifeanyichukwu Miracle.
They were arrested in Nsukka, and the Premier Layout Axis of Enugu, Enugu
State following verified intelligence linking them with suspected internet-
related offences.
Items recovered from them are, three cars, mobile phones and laptops of
various brands and other incriminating documents.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-80-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-ibadan-40-in-enugu
******************************************
30 MAR 2022
Another Four Cybercriminals Jailed by Oyo Court
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 secured the conviction
and sentencing of four cyber fraudsters before Justice Uche Agomoh
of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Kareem Faisol Iretiayo, Olusola Johnson Alawode, Alli Isaac Adeniyi
and Adekunle Salau Kehinde were convicted after pleading guilty to
separate counts which bordered on fraudulent impersonation, contrary
to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and punishable under Section 22(3) of the
Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act,
Justice Agomoh sentenced Alli to eight months imprisonment; Adekunle,
ten months imprisonment; Kareem, six months and Alawode five months
imprisonment.
Also, the court ordered that Alli forfeit one 2010 model Mercedes-Benz
ML 350, one Gold Chain, one iPhone 12 Pro Max, one Nokia 3.4 mobile
phone, 0.15757655 worth of Bitcoin and the sum of N33, 497. 59 (Thirty
Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety Seven Naira Fifty Nine Kobo)
to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Adekunle was ordered to restitute the sum of $3,000USD (Three Thousand
United States Dollars) and forfeit one iPhone 11 Pro and the sum of
N33, 083. 19 (Thirty Three Thousand, Eighty Three Naira, Nineteen kobo)
to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Furthermore, Kareem was ordered to restitute $2,300USD (Two Thousand,
Three Hundred United States Dollars), and forfeit one itel phone to
the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Alawode was ordered to pay the sum of N150, 000. 00 (One Hundred and
Fifty Thousand Naira) in restitution and forfeit one Lexus E350, one
HP Laptop, one iPhone X and Techno Spark mobile phones to the Federal
government of Nigeria.
The press release contains photos of the 419ers:
another-four-cybercriminals-jailed-by-oyo-court
******************************************
30 MAR 2022
Dog Seller Bags Two Years Imprisonment for Cyber-Fraud in Ilorin
Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin on Wednesday,
March 30, 2022 convicted and sentenced one Omoteji Tomiwa Stephen,
who deals in dogs, to two years imprisonment, having found him guilty
of a two-count charge bordering on impersonation to obtain leveled
against him by Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Omoteji, 23, from Egbe in Yaba West Local Government Area of Kogi
State allegedly posed as one Michael Gregory vide a gmail account
linked to his hangouts account with intent to obtain a sum of $2000
(Two Thousand US Dollars) from one Sierra B. Price, an offence contrary
to Section 22(2) (b) (11) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention
etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (iv) of the same Act.
Count one of the charge reads: "That you, Omoteji Tomiwa Stephen (Alias:
Micheal Gregory) sometime in September, 2021 at Kwara State, within the
judicial division of the Federal High Court, did fraudulently impersonate
one Micheal Gregory vide your chats using Gmail; fsgfdrtr.56r5tgf@gmail.com
linked to your Hangouts number 765-396-8539 with the intent to obtain and
did obtain the sum of $2000 (Two Thousand US Dollars) from one Sierra B.
Price and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 22(2) (b) (11)
of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable
under Section 22 (2) (iv) of the same Act."
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
Upon his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Andrew Akoja, reviewed the facts of
the case and tendered the fraudulent messages printed from the defendant's
device, one iPhone 12 Pro Max, HP laptop and one Toyota Corolla 2008 car,
which were admitted in evidence.
Akoja prayed the court to hold that the prosecution had successfully
linked the defendant to the charge and convict him as charged.
In his judgment, Justice Sani sentenced Omoteji to one year imprisonment
on each of the two counts, which would run concurrently with an option of
fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) on each count. The j
udge also ordered the forfeiture of the convict's iPhone 12 Pro Max, HP
Laptop and a 2008 Toyota Corolla car to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Additionally, Justice Sani ordered the convict to restitute the sum of
$100 (One Hundred US Dollars), which he benefited from the crime.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
dog-seller-bags-two-years-imprisonment-for-cyber-fraud-in-ilorin
*********************************************
29 MAR 2022
Yahoo Boy's Mother Jailed Five Years in Benin
Debest Osarumwense, mother of Endurance Osarumwense, an internet
fraudster was on Tuesday March 29, 2022, sentenced to five years
imprisonment by Justice M. S. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court
sitting in Benin City.
Debest was arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission
on a one count charge for aiding her son to receive the sum of
N91,296,150.00, proceeds of his criminal activities.
The charge against her reads: "that you, Debest Osarumwense (f)
sometime between 2nd January 2020 and December 2021 in Edo State
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did take possession
of the total sum of N91,296,150.00(Ninety One Million, Two Hundred
and Ninety-six Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Naira) knowing that
same represent proceeds of Endurance Osarumwense (your son) criminal
conduct to wit: cybercrime and thereby committed an offence contrary
to and punishable under Section 17(b) of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission Establishment) Act 2004".
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty.
In view of her plea, the prosecution counsel, I. K.Agwai prayed the
court to convict and sentence her accordingly.
Justice Shuaibu convicted and sentenced the defendant to five years
imprisonment with option of N1 million fine. She is also to forfeit
the balance in her bank account to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release contains a photo of the convict:
yahoo-boy-s-mother-jailed-five-years-in-benin
********************************
29 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests Suspect on FBI Wanted-List in Enugu
The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has arrested Emmanuel Dike Chidiebere, a suspect
on the watch list of the American Federal Bureau of Investigation,
FBI, for conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.
Acting on verified intelligence, operatives of the Commission on
Wednesday, March 23, 2022, tracked the suspect to Orlu Local
Government Area of Imo State where he was arrested.
Chidiebere is alleged to have defrauded some victims in America,
Cote D’Ivoire and Poland of some undisclosed amount of money and
went underground.
Three of his accomplices are still at large.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-arrests-suspect-on-fbi-wanted-list-in-enugu
************************************
29 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests Six Internet Fraud Suspects in Enugu
Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command on the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday March 29, 2022,
arrested six suspected internet fraudsters.
The suspects, Anthony Chimezie, Ezenwaji Chinecherem, Nebo
Chisom, Ndubuisi Chukwuebuka, Danyl Kosisochukwu and Ewo
Williams were all arrested at Mankind Street, Ugwuaji, Enugu
based on verified intelligence.
Preliminary investigations linked them with suspected
impersonation, possession of fraudulent documents and
defrauding unsuspecting foreign nationals.
Items recovered from the suspects include 12 mobile
phones, 3 laptops and other incriminating documents.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as
investigations are concluded.
The press release includes photos:
efcc-arrests-six-internet-fraud-suspects-in-enugu
*************************************
29 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests 11 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Kano
The Kano Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, has arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters.
The suspects, Adams Adams Aliyu, Vincent Ellah Sunday, Audu Gabriel,
Isah M. Isah, Usman Abdulmumin, Gift Itopa Edward, Joseph C. Ugeh,
Sunny O. West, Babajide Usman, Mustapha Muhammed and Babadoke Peter
were arrested in a sting operation in Kano, following credible
intelligence on their involvement in cyber-related crimes.
Five (5) exotic cars, mobile phones and laptops were recovered
from the suspects.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-arrests-11-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kano
***********************************
29 MAR 2022
Internet Fraudster Bags Jail Term in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, secured the
conviction and sentencing of an internet fraudster, Abioye
Gabriel, to six months imprisonment before Justice Oluwatoyin
A. Taiwo of the Special Offence court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Gabriel was arraigned today on a one-count charge bordering
on possession of documents containing false pretence.
The charge reads reads: "That you, Abioye Gabriel Oluwafemi,
on or about 15th February 2022, at Lagos, within the Ikeja
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with the intent to
defraud, had in your possession a bundle of documents containing
fraudulent chats and committed an offence contrary to Section
320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State."
He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Blessing John,
reviewed the facts of the case and prayed that he be convicted
and sentenced accordingly.
Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced him to six months imprisonment,
with an option of fine in the sum of N200,000.00(Two Hundred Thousand
Naira).
The convict was ordered to also forfeit all items recovered from
him to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
internet-fraudster-bags-jail-term-in-lagos-3
**********************************
29 MAR 2022
Oyo Court Jails Two for Internet Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal
Command on Monday 28, 2022, secured the conviction and sentencing
of the duo of Ojo Gbenga Stephen and Emekhe Michael Ese before
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State
on one count charge each for impersonation.
The charge against Ojo reads: "That you, Ojo Gbenga Stephen sometime
in May, 2021 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did
fraudulently impersonate one Susan James from the United States of
America with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed
an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (i) and punishable under
Section 22 (2) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.)
Act, 2015."
The charge against Ese reads: "That you, Emekhe Michael Ese sometimes
in 2021 at Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with
intent to defraud, knowingly impersonated one Robert Anderson, when you
falsely represented yourself to be a white woman, Giseli Dammer in order
to gain advantage for yourself contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (ii) of
the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.)Act, 2015 and punishable
under Section 22(2)(b) of the same Act, 2015."
Prosecution counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi after the defendants’ pleas
prayed the court to convict and sentence them as he reviewed the facts
of the cases.
Justice Agomoh thereafter convicted and sentenced Ojo to nine months
imprisonment and Ese to five months imprisonment.
She further ordered that Ojo restitute the sum of N850, 000.00 (Eight
Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) to his victim while Ese was to
pay $700USD (Seven Hundred United States Dollars) in restitution and
forfeit one white coloured iPhone X and a grey coloured Samsung A32
to the Federal government of Nigeria.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
oyo-court-jails-two-for-internet-fraud
************************************
28 MAR 2022
Become Change Agents, Bawa urges Nigerian Youths
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, has called on members of the National Youth
Service Corps, NYSC, to serve as change agents by shunning all acts of
corruption and economic and financial crimes.
He gave the charge on Monday, March 28, 2022 in Lagos State, while
addressing Corps members at the NYSC Orientation camp at Iyana-Ipaja,
Lagos.
According to him "As young Nigerians, the EFCC expects you to align
yourselves with the anti-corruption war by being change agents and
whistle blowers wherever you find yourselves by reporting acts that
fail the simple test of integrity."
Bawa, who spoke through DCE Ayo Oyewole Head, Public Affairs Directorate
of the EFCC in the Lagos Zonal Command, urged the corps members to make
positive impact in their primary places of assignment, adding that "It
is no use lamenting that things are not right with our country. We are
inviting you to lend a hand in helping us to build a society where there
is respect for law and order and where impunity is a thing of the past."
Also speaking in Kwara State, Bawa has enjoined corps members to join
the Commission in its efforts to rid the country of corruption by becoming
anti-graft foot soldiers in any place they find themselves, especially in
their place of primary assignment. He said that they can blow the whistle
by reporting acts that fail the simple test of integrity, instead of
lamenting that things are not right with the country.
His admonition was contained in a message entitled, "EFCC And The Role
of Youths in Curbing Cybercrime", delivered on his behalf on Monday, March
28, 2022 by Head, Public Affairs Department of the Ilorin Zonal Command
of the Commission, Ayodele Babatunde, for 2022 Batch A Stream II corps
members at the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, Orientation Camp,
Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State.
While urging the youth to imbibe the virtue of integrity and hard work,
the EFCC boss reminded them that there is no shortcut to wealth and fame.
"The fact that the rate of unemployment is high should not be an excuse
to resort to crimes. Acts of criminality might deliver wealth in the
short term, but ultimately there will be misery and gnashing of teeth",
he said.
In Delta State, Bawa charged corps members to be good examples in
conduct and character if they are to actualize their dreams as future
leaders.
The EFCC boss stated this at the National Youth Service Corps
orientation camp, Isse Uku, Delta State.
The EFCC boss who was represented by Williams Oseghale, Head of Public
Affairs, Benin Zonal Command urged the corps members to shun acts of
corruption and economic crimes. "There is no short cut to wealth and
fame. The fact that the rate of unemployment is high should not be an
excuse to resort to crime. Acts of criminality might deliver wealth
in the short term but ultimately there will be misery and gnashing
of teeth."
In a similar message delivered by Chika Uneke, an officer of the
Commission at the NYSC Camp, Okada, Edo State. He warned the corps
members to shun internet fraud as it was capable of truncating their
desirable future.
At the Magaji Dan Yamusa NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Keffi,
Nasarrawa State Bawa, who was represented by SE Ngoundu Nguetar
of the Public Affairs Unit, Abuja Zonal Command bemoaned the effects
of corruption, economic and financial crimes on our nation. He reminded
the Corps members that their input as stakeholders is critical to
finding a lasting solution to the problem of corruption.
He charged the Corps members to be role models and shun all forms
of corruption, especially cybercrime also known as 'yahoo-yahoo'.
Similar messages were presented at orientation camps across the
country.
The press release includes a photo:
become-change-agents-bawa-urges-nigerian-youths
**************************************
28 MAR 2022
75 Alleged Yahoo Boys Arrested in Owerri
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
have arrested 75 suspected internet fraudsters in separate sting
operations in Owerri, Imo State. The Abuja Zonal Command arrested
46 suspects on Monday, March 28, 2022, for alleged involved in
computer-related fraud at different locations in Owerri, the Imo
State capital.
The suspects who are mainly students and job seekers between the
ages of 18 to 31 years were apprehended after superior intelligence
was received on the nefarious activities of the young men. Upon
their arrest 6 cars, various phones and laptops of different makes
were recovered from them.
In a related development, Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal
Command of the Commission on Friday, 25th March, 2022 arrested
twenty-nine (29) suspected internet fraudsters, at several hideouts
in Nekede Road and Owerri Axis of Imo State but incriminating items
were found on seventeen of the suspects.
They were all arrested based on verified intelligence reports linking
them with alleged fraudulent activities ranging from love scam on
numerous dating sites, impersonation, and possession of fraudulent
documents, picker and bitcoin scam.
The suspects are Samuel Patrick, Brima Edegba, Kingsley Williams,
Audu Emeka, David Godson, Alex James, Prince Akachukwu Nkemjika,
Chidi Eze, Kizito Emenyonu, Wisdom Handsome Chibuenyim, Chibuike
Mbonu, Christian Sorochi, Victory Oparanozie, Uche Alex, Kingsley
Eke, Collins Williams and Charles Iwu.
Items recovered from them at the point of arrest, include foreign
currencies, Toyota Avalon, 2 Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla 2004 Model,
Lexus ES 350, Mercedes ML 350, Lexus RS 350, and Toyota Venza.
Others are fifty-eight phones (58) of different brands, eight
laptops, one driver's licence and six ATM Cards.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations
are concluded.
The press release includes photos:
75-alleged-yahoo-boys-arrested-in-owerri
***************************************
28 MAR 2022
Internet Fraud Kingpin Bags 2 Years in Port Harcourt
Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt,
Rivers State has convicted and sentenced one Japheth Tallick Friday to two
years imprisonment for impersonation contrary to section 22 (2) (b) (i) of
the Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prohibition, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable
under section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act.
He was convicted upon an arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Command on March 22, 2022 on one count
Charge.
The lone count reads:
"That you Japheth Tallick Friday on or about the 23rd September, 2021, at
Port Harcourt did fraudulently impersonates Chris Dent with intent to gain
advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section
22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prohibition, etc) Act 2015
and punishable under section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act".
He pleaded "guilty" to the charge preferred against him.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, N. A. Dodo prayed the court to
convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Justice Mohammed convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years
imprisonment with an option of fine of One Million Naira (N1, 000,000.00)
payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria.
The judge also ordered that a Toyota Corolla 2009 Model (RGM 05RG), 55
inch Hisense TV, HP Laptop, one Blue iPhone 12, one gold coloured iPhone,
one blue hard drive and one gold chain which are proceeds of crime be
forfeited to the Federal Government through the Secretary of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, or any other person (s) authorized
by him in line with Section 31 of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission Establishment Act, 2004 and proceeds paid into the EFCC Recovery
Account domiciled in Central Bank of Nigeria. Additionally, the defendant
shall undertake to be of good behaviour henceforth.
Friday's journey to the Correctional Centre started when the Commission
received intelligence report on the activities of some internet fraudsters
around Eagle Island, Port Harcourt, Rivers.
The convict was arrested in a sting operation on the 10th of November,
2021 at Elder Wobo Apara Street, Eagle Island, Port Harcourt.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
internet-fraud-kingpin-bags-2-years-in-port-harcourt
**************************************
25 MAR 2022
EFCC Docks Indian for N70m Dud Cheque …
Secures Conviction of Two Nigerians for Cybercrime in Ibadan
[419 Coaition has redacted the dud-cheque portion of the press
release, as it is not relevant to 419 Advance Fee Fraud. The
419 relevant section follows]
...the EFCC on March 23, 2022, secured the conviction and sentencing
of one Osinuga Oluwa Adeyemi and Musa Lanre Dauda before Justices Uche
Agomoh of the Federal High Court and Sherifat Adeyemi of the State
Hihg Court, both sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on separate one count
charge each which bordered on cybercrime.
The convicts pleaded "guilty" to the charges preferred against them.
Consequently, Adeyemi was convicted and sentenced to five months
imprisonment while Dauda bagged six months community service.
Also, the convicts were ordered to restitute their victims as well
as forfeit all items recovered from them by the EFCC.
efcc-docks-indian-for-n70m-dud-cheque-secures-conviction-of-two-nigerians-for-cybercrime-in-ibadan
****************************************************
25 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests 29 Internet Fraud Suspects in Port Harcourt
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
Port Harcourt Zonal Office on Friday, March 25, 2022 arrested twenty-nine
(29) suspected internet fraudsters, at several hideouts in Nekede Road
and Owerri Axis of Imo State but incriminating items were found on
seventeen of them.
They were arrested based on verified intelligence reports linking
them with alleged fraudulent activities ranging from love scam on
numerous dating sites, impersonation, and possession of fraudulent
documents, picker and bitcoin scam.
The suspects are Samuel Patrick, Brima Edegba, Kingsley Williams,
Audu Emeka, David Godson, Alex James, Prince Akachukwu Nkemjika,
Chidi Eze, Kizito Emenyonu, Wisdom Handsome Chibuenyim, Chibuike
Mbonu, Christian Sorochi, Victory Oparanozie, Uche Alex, Kingsley
Eke, Collins Williams and Charles Iwu.
Items recovered from them include cash in foreign currencies, eight
exotic cars ( a Toyota Avalon, 2 Toyota Camry cars, a Corolla 2004
Model, Lexus ES 350, Mercedes ML 350, Lexus RS 350, Toyota Venza),
fifty-eight phones (58) of different brands, eight laptops, one
driver's licence and six ATM Cards.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations
are concluded.
The press release includes photos:
EFCC Arrests 29 Internet Fraud Suspects in Port Harcourt
*******************************************
24 MAR 2022
Fugitive Fraudster Bags 14 Years In Enugu
Justice I.M Buba of the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu
has convicted and sentenced Chinedu Ayogu Christopher to 14
years imprisonment on internet- related offences.
Christopher was arraigned on January 25, 2021, on two- count
charges bordering on obtaining by false pretences and cybercrimes
One of the counts reads:, "that you Chinedu Ayogu Christopher
(Alias Austin Leo), sometime in August 2020 at Enugu within the
jurisdiction of this court was in possession of a document
containing a false pretence knowing that what the document
contained was false and thereby committed an offence contrary
to Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences
Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act".
The defendant jumped bail after his arraignment and after three
adjournments, in accordance with Section 352(4) of the Administration
of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Justice Buba adjourned the matter to
September 30, 2021 for adoption of a final written address by the
prosecution. The Judge on February 10 ,2022 found the defendant
guilty, convicted him in absentia and ordered that a bench warrant
earlier issued against him, be executed and the convict brought
before the court for sentencing.
Christopher was re-arrested on March 11, 2022 and presented before
the court on Wednesday, March 23,2022. Justice Buba sentenced him
to seven years imprisonment each on the two counts. The sentences
are to run concurrently.
The convict's journey to the Correctional Centre began in 2020
when he was arrested by operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of
the EFCC on alleged cybercrimes. He was charged to court and
eventually convicted.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
fugitive-fraudster-bags-14-years-in-enugu
*****************************************
24 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests 11 Alleged Internet Fraudsters in Benin
Eleven suspected internet fraudsters were on Thursday morning
arrested by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at their hideout in Benin
City.
The suspects are Aguebor Osabuohie, Omonefe Endurance, Orome
Collins, Eghaghe Etiosa, Amogie Julius, Otsu Destiny, Ehiguese
Odiase, Clifford Otsu, Osagie Ohoro, John Ogbodo and Udoh Godspower.
Items recovered from them include three vehicles: Lexus RX330,
Toyota Hilux and a Toyota Venza; Laptops and mobile phones.
The suspects have made useful statements and will be arraigned
in court soon.
The press release includes photos:
efcc-arrests-11-alleged-internet-fraudsters-in-benin
**********************************
24 MAR 2022
Two Internet Fraudsters Convicted In Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing
of an internet fraudster, Eruvwetaghware Hossana, before Justice
Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja,
Lagos.
Hosanna was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on possession
of fraudulent documents, an offence contrary to Section 320 of the
Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015, to which he pleaded guilty.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Godsent Akhanolu,
while reviewing the facts of the case, told the court that Hosanna
was arrested on March 8, 2022, at Ogombo, Sangotedo area of Lagos,
following credible intelligence received by the Commission about
his involvement in computer-related fraud.
He further told the court that the convict confessed to being
involved in fraudulent activities through which he defrauded
several unsuspecting victims of their money.
Akhanolu tendered the extra-judicial statements of the convict,
the several fraudulent documents printed out of his device as well
as other items recovered from him.
He, therefore, prayed the court to sentence him accordingly.
Justice Dada pronounced him guilty as charged and sentenced him
one year imprisonment, with an option of fine in the sum of N500,000.00
( Five Hundred Thousand) in lieu of his jail term.
In a related development, Justice O.O.A. Fadipe of the Special Offences
Court sitting in Ikeja Lagos has sentenced one Adedayo Adewale to six
months imprisonment over a one-count charge of possession of documents
containing false pretence.
The offence is contrary to Section 6, 8(b) and 1 (3) of the Advance
Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. .
He pleaded guilty to the offence.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Ahmed Yerima, reviewed
the facts of the case and urged the court to sentence him accordingly.
Justice Fadipe convicted and sentenced him to six months imprisonment,
with an option of fine in the sum of N250,000.00(Two Hundred and Fifty
Thousand Naira).
The press release contains a photo of the two 419ers:
two-internet-fraudsters-convicted-in-lagos
************************************
23 MAR 2022
Court Convicts Three Cyber Fraudsters in Oyo
An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, on Wednesday, March 23,
2022 convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters on one count
amended charge which bordered on obtaining money by false pretence
and impersonation.
The convicts who were prosecuted by the Ibadan Zonal Command of
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, are Abiodun
Olamide, Oparemi Ayomide James and Olaitan Waheed.
They pleaded "guilty" to the charges preferred against them
by the agency.
Subsequently, the prosecution counsel, Shamsuddeen Bashir, urged
the court to convict and sentence them as charged.
Justice Sherifat Adeyemi convicted and sentenced Abiodun and
Oparemi to five months community service each, while Olaitan
bagged four months community service.
She further ordered that the convicts restitute their respective
victims and forfeit all items recovered from them by the EFCC to
the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release contains photos of all three 419ers:
court-convicts-three-cyber-fraudsters-in-oyo
**************************************
23 MAR 2022
Court Jails Another Two Internet Fraudsters In Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of
an internet fraudster, Michael Jackson, a.k.a. Ella-Ellywood,
before Justice Tijani G. Ringim of the Federal High Court
sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Justice Ringim sentenced the convict to three months imprisonment
on March 21, 2022 who was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering
on impersonation contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)
Of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act 2015.
He pleaded guilty to the offence.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, A. R. Alabi, reviewed
the facts before of the case. Alabi told the court that Michael Jackson,
was arrested on January 25, 2022, following credible intelligence received
by the commission on the illegal activities of some individuals allegedly
involved in computer fraud.
"Jackson poses as Ella, a transgender woman, and defrauded unsuspecting
victims of millions of Naira. The convict who is also a DJ had in his
possession fetish items which he claimed was for success", he said.
He also tendered the following ; One iPhone 11 Pro; one Mack Book;
one Hp Laptop; One 4Runner Toyota Jeep; one Honda Accord, the defendant's
extra-judicial statements and several fraudulent documents printed out
of the defendant’s device. These exhibits were admitted by the court.
Alabi further prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
Justice Ringim pronounced him guilty as charged and convicted him
accordingly. The Judge also ordered the forfeiture of the items
recovered from the convict to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
court-jails-another-two-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos
*****************************************
23 MAR 2022
Five Internet Fraudsters Convicted in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing
of five internet fraudsters, who were arraigned on separate
one-count charge bordering on possession of fraudulent documents,
to two years imprisonment each before Justice Yellin S. Bogoro
of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The convicts are: Surajudeen Mujeeb, Aderibigbe Aliyu and
Nurudeen Ayomide Kazeem.
They were arrested following intelligence report about the activities
of a syndicate of internet fraudsters involved in computer-related
fraud in different parts of Lagos State.
Upon their arraignment sometime, they pleaded guilty to the offence.
In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, K.E Uduak, reviewed
the facts before the court, while praying that they be convicted as
charged.
Justice Bogoro found them guilty and sentenced them accordingly.
The Judge also granted the convicts an option of fine in the sum
of Two Million Naira (N2, 000, 000. 00) each, and also ordered that
all items recovered from them be forfeited to the Federal Government
of Nigeria.
In a related development, Justice Tijani G. Ringim convicted and
sentenced two internet fraudsters Hassan Mubarak and Joshua Eroguaye.
While Hassan Mubarak was sentenced to one year imprisonment with an
option of fine in the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000. 00),
Joshua Eroguaye got a prison sentence of two months with community service.
The convicts were charged on separate one-count charge bordering on
possession of fraudulent document. They pleaded guilty to the offence.
The prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari Bala (Mrs.), therefore, reviewed
the facts of the case and urged the court to find them guilty of the
offence and sentence accordingly.
five-internet-fraudsters-convicted-in-lagos-2
*******************************************
22 MAR 2022
Court Jails Three Internet Fraudsters In Ibadan
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan,
Oyo State has convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters
to various jail terms.
The convicts are Toheed Busayo Tiamiyu,(a.k.a Avolos Scott), Soliu
Adewole Ijiola (a.k.a Gracelyn Parley) and Aberuagba Gafar Oladimeji.
(a.k.a John Williams). While Tiamiyu was sentenced to fourteen months
imprisonment, Ijiola bagged five months jail term and Oladimeji was
sentenced to eight months imprisonment.
They were all arraigned on one-count charge bordering on fraudulent
impersonation. Specifically, the trio used false identities to defraud
unsuspecting foreign nationals.
The lone charge against Tiamiyu read: "That you Toheed Busayo Tiamiyu
(a.k.a Avolos Scott, Smith Sadra, Kammerlinder Sandra) on or about the
14th of February, 2019,at Ibadan within the Ibadan Judicial Division
of this Honourable Court fraudulently impersonated one Avolos Scott
with intent to gain monetary advantage for yourself and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i)of the Cybercrimes
(Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section
22(2)(b) of the same Act".
The defendants pleaded guilty to the charge prompting prosecution
counsel, Abdulrasheed Lanre Suleman, to pray the court to convict
and sentence them accordingly.
Justice Agomoh sentenced Tiamiyu to fourteen months imprisonment,
Ijiola five months jail term and Oladimeji eight months imprisonment.
Tiamiyu was ordered to restitute a total sum of $810USD (Eight Hundred
and Ten United States Dollars) to his victim: Jessica Rowley through
the EFCC and to also forfeit his blue Infinix Hot 8 Lite phone to the
Federal Government of Nigeria.
Justice Agomoh also ordered Ijiola to restitute a total sum of $1,000USD
(One Thousand United States Dollars) to his victim through the EFCC and
to also forfeit one black- coloured Lexus ES350 car, as well as one
black-coloured iPhone 11 phone to the Federal government of Nigeria.
Also, Oladimeji would restitute a total sum of $500USD (Five Hundred
United States Dollars) to his victim: Marily Layton through the EFCC
and to also forfeit his iPhone 12 phone to the Government.
The convicts' journey to the Correctional Centre started when operatives
of the EFCC arrested them for using identities of foreigners to defraud
both their local and foreign victims.
The press relase contains a grouped photo of the three 419ers:
court-jails-three-internet-fraudsters-in-ibadan
*************************************
22 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests 33 Internet Fraud Suspects
Operatives of the Lagos and Enugu Zonal Commands of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022,
arrested 33 internet fraud suspects in separate sting operation.
Seventeen of the suspects were arrested in Lagos while 16 others
were nabbed at Enugu.
The 17 suspects arrested in Lagos are Adefila Ayobami Ezekiel,
Anamene Somtochukwu, Nzeako Kosisochukwu Anthony, Afolabi Ayomide
Henry, Olatona Ayodeji Ebenezer, Obioho Ikenna Raphael, Famolayo
Femi Hammed, Mintah-Joshua Oluwafemi, Martins Victor Onuoha,
Babatunde Haruna Oluwaseyi, Taiwo Bolaji Kehinde, Ibeakolam
Goodluck, Onaolapo Iyanu Samuel, Jamiu Damilola Lawal, Adeyanju
Fawaz, AdejideSamuel and Obioho Obinna.
They were arrested in an Estate around the Ikota axis of Lagos
following credible intelligence received by the Commission on
the illegal activities of some individuals allegedly involved
in computer fraud.
Upon their arrest, 6 exotic vehicles, laptops and mobile devices
were recovered from them.
The 16 suspected fraudsters arrested in Enugu were apprehended
at Premier Layout axis of Enugu.
The suspects are Ovu Chimezie, Junior Gentle Pepple, Nwoye Paul,
Ezeoke Chimelue, Innocent Kenechukwu, Tochukwu Igbonekwu, Chigozie
Oguanya,Nwachukwu Daniel and Charles Duru Chibuzor. Others are
Anderson D. Ugochukwu , Chinedu Nwasu, Obiora Martin Ugonna, Nwabueze
Chidindu, Nwabueze Samuel Nnaemeka, Okechukwu Collins.D and Nwabueze
Benjamin Ikenna.
Preliminary investigation links them with suspected impersonation,
possession of fraudulent documents and defrauding unsuspecting
foreign nationals.
Items recovered from the suspects include one Lexus ES350 with
registration number EPE113 HB , a Mercedes Benz E350 with registration
number RSH 201 BP , another Mercedes Benz with registration number
UWN 338 MP and one Toyota Camry with registration number JRV 944 KL;
and several phones and laptops.
The suspects will be charged to Court as soon as investigations
are concluded.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-arrests-33-internet-fraud-suspects
***************************************
21 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests Seven Undergraduates For Suspected Internet Fraud in Uyo
Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested seven undergraduates of the
University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for suspected internet fraud
in a sting operation.
They were arrested on March 19, 2021 at their hideout along Ring
Road, off Nwaniba Road, near Uniuyo permanent site.
The all- male suspects are: Emmanuel Chigoziem; Ubong Innocent;
Michael Ikechukwu Emekwuru; Samuel Edet Okon; Wisdom Edem;
Precious Ime Oyung and Moses Simon.
Items recovered from the suspects are: a Toyota Camry car;
three HP laptops and phones of different brands.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations
are concluded.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-arrests-seven-undergraduates-for-suspected-internet-fraud-in-uyo
***************************************
21 MAR 2022
Mechanic, Painter, Four Others Jailed For Cybercrime in Ilorin
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Monday March 21, 2022 secured the conviction
of six persons for offences bordering on cheating by personation
and other internet related fraud.
The convicts are: Ikudiase Olalekan Adesoji, a Mechanic who hails
from Aramoko, Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State;
Omilana Afeez Olamilekan, a painter from Iragbiji in Boripe Local
Government Area of Osun State; Samsondeen Oluwadamilola Okeniwun
from Abeokuta in Ogun State; Bashit Akorede Ganiyu from Oshogbo
in Osun State; Sikiru Mustapha who claimed to be a sex entertainer
living in the United States of America and Oladele Fawaz Olakanmi,
a Tailor who hails from Oshogbo, Osun State.
They were convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by Justice
Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin, having found them
guilty of the charges levelled against them by the EFCC.
The defendants were arraigned before the court on separate charges,
to which they pleaded guilty.
Following the guilty entered by the defendants, Sesan Ola and
Andrew Akoja who prosecuted the cases on behalf of the EFCC
reviewed the facts of the cases.
They tendered the extra-judicial statements of the defendants,
phones and laptops recovered from them, one Toyota Camry Car,
and fraudulent messages printed from their devices, which were
admitted in evidence.
The prosecuting counsel prayed to uphold the cases of the prosecution
and pronounced them guilty as charged.
Justice Sani in his judgement found merit in the cases and pronounced
the defendants guilty as charged.
The Judge sentenced Ikudiasi to one year imprisonment with option of
N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only). He ordered that a 2008
Toyota Camry Car which he purchased with the proceed of crime and
one iPhone 11 Pro Max be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Omilana bagged six months imprisonment with option of N100,000
(One Hundred Thousand Naira Only). In addition, the convict is
to forfeit one Android Phone and the sum of N200,000 (Two Hundred
Thousand Naira Only) to the Federal Government. Beside this,
Omilana was ordered to restitute the sum of N484,000 to his
victims.
The Court also sentenced Samsondeen to one-year imprisonment with
option of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only). IPhone XR and
the sum of $585 (Five Hundred and Eighty Five Dollars) be forfeited
to the Federal Government.
Bashit on the other hand bagged six months imprisonment with option
of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only). The Court ordered
that the iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone X,. HP Laptop and $1,050 (One
Thousand, Fifty Dollars) recovered from him be forfeited to the
Federal Government.
Justice Sani sentenced Sikiru to six months imprisonment with
option of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only) fine. The
convict would also forfeit one iPhone 11 which he used to
perpetrate the crime and $205 (Two Hundred and Five United
States Dollars) to the Federal Government.
Justice Sani also sentenced Oladele to six months imprisonment with
option of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only). The HP Laptop,
iPhone 11 Pro Max which were used to perpetrate the crime and $480
(Four Hundred and Eighty Dollars) be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The press release contains a group photo of the five 419ers:
mechanic-painter-four-others-jailed-for-cybercrime-in-ilorin
*********************************************
21 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests 17 Suspected Yahoo-Yahoo Boys in Makurdi
The operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, March 19,
2022 arrested 17 internet fraud suspects known as Yahoo-Yahoo Boys,
in Makurdi, Benue State.
The suspects include: Samuel C., Uvande A., Joseph G., Ageva A.,
Emmanuel O., Ochiwu M., Dominic O, Ikpema S, Otse A. and Aondowase
T. Others are, Audu-war L., Terver J., Dav J., Moses V., Abdullahi
A., Agehson O., and Andoaver T.
They were arrested at different locations within Makurdi following
actionable intelligence on their alleged criminal activities.
Items recovered from them include mobile phones, laptops, and
several incriminating documents.
The suspects will be arraigned in Court as soon as investigations
are concluded.
The press release includes photos:
efcc-arrests-17-suspected-yahoo-yahoo-boys-in-makurdi-2
*************************************
18 MAR 2022
Court Sends Five to Jail for Internet Fraud in Ilorin
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Friday, March 18, 2022, secured the conviction
of five persons for offences bordering on internet related fraud
before Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court sitting
in Ilorin.
The convicts are: Ololade Olabisi from Alimosho Local Government
Area of Lagos State, Issa Adebayo Shahajudeen, a native of Offa
in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Segun Ajila Samson
from Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Babatunde Olarewaju
Saheed from Ilorin and Abdulmatin Olawale Akibu from Akinyele Local
Government Area of Oyo State.
Prior to their conviction, the defendants had pleaded guilty to
the separate charge preferred against them by the anti-graft agency.
Upon their pleas, Innocent Mbachie, Aliyu Adebayo and Andrew Akoja
reviewed the facts of the cases and tendered phones, laptops, and
fraudulent messages printed from defendants' device and were admitted
in evidence.
The prosecuting counsel urged the court to consider the facts and
circumstances of the cases, the guilty pleas by the defendants,
their extra judicial statements and convict them as charged.
In his judgment, Justice Sani said the prosecution has established
a prima-facie case against the defendants and convicted them.
The judge sentenced the defendants to various jail terms, ranging
from six months to one year imprisonment with option of fine. The
judge also ordered that all items used as instrumentality of the
crime by the convicts including phones and laptops and monies raised
as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The press release contains a group photo of all five 419ers:
court-sends-five-to-jail-for-internet-fraud-in-ilorin
************************************
18 MAR 2022
EFCC Charges Students to Steer Clear of Cyber Crimes
The Kano Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE Farouq
Dogondaji has charged students across the country to steer clear
of cybercrimes and related offences.
He gave the charge on Thursday, March 17, 2022, when students of
Prime College, Kano came on an Excursion to the Kano Zonal Command
of the EFCC. According to him, peer pressure and bad influences
are responsible for indulgence of youths in cybercrimes and
students should always choose their friends wisely and carefully.
"When you get admitted into the university, you are bound to meet
people with different backgrounds, when you do, try to be careful
with peer advice because one of the reasons why youth engage in cybercrime,
is peer advice. When you meet some people who will be telling you that
you don’t need to depend on your parents, and tell you to start doing
like big boys, they will eventually lure you into the activities of
these cyber criminals." he said.
Dogondaji further urged them to embrace hard work and avoid temptation
and never resort to crime in order to make money "because in the end,
you will be caught and your future will be affected by the outcome of
the crime".
In urging them to educate their parents about what they learnt at
the EFCC, the EFCC commander implored the students to tell their
loved ones to keep their personal banking details to themselves,
so as not to fall victims of illegal withdrawals which is on the
rise nowadays.
The students were later taken around the EFCC Sections and facilities.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-charges-students-to-steer-clear-of-cyber-crimes
**************************************
18 MAR 2022
Court Convicts Eight Cybercriminals in Uyo
The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Wednesday March 16, 2022, secured the conviction and sentencing
of eight internet fraudsters before Justice Rosemary Dugbo Oghoghorie
of the Federal High Court, Calabar.
Sunday Ifeanyi Iheanacho, Solomon Wisdom Chiagozie, Maurice Ingbe Ebiale,
Ikechukwu Nzebuchi Miracle, Ahmed Sunny, Awoyugno Femi Kolade, Ikegbu
Isidore Chiebuka and Uwaiwu Duke were convicted and sentenced to one year
imprisonment each after pleading guilty to charges bordering on criminal
impersonation and obtaining by false pretense, contrary to the provisions
of Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc)
Act 2015.
As a result of their guilty pleas, the prosecuting counsel Joshua .O.
Abolarin prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants in line
with Section 270 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). But
the defence counsel, Koko Essien, Innocent .O. Eze, E.B Eton, J.J Undiandeye
and Victor James pleaded for leniency and urged the court to impose fines
on the defendants, instead of imprisonment.
After listening to the arguments and pleas by counsel, Justice Oghoghorie
convicted and sentenced all eight defendants to one year imprisonment each,
with various options of fine. The court also ordered that they restitute
their victims.
While Ifeanyi, Wisdom, Miracle, Ebiale and Duke were given the option of
N200,000 fine each; Ahmed, Kolade and Chiebuka were offered the option of
N250,000 fine. The defendant were ordered to restitute their victims of
sums ranging from $500, N200, 000, $4,000, N200, 000 and $1,000.
The convicts were arrested on Tuesday March 1, 2022 during a sting operation
at Parliamentary Extension, Calabar in Cross Rivers State.
The press release contains a not really viewable group photo of all eight 419ers:
court-convicts-eight-cybercriminals-in-uyo
************************************
17 MAR 2022
EFCC Secures Four Cybercrime Convictions in Oyo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal
Command, on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, secured the conviction and
sentencing of four internet fraudsters before Justice Uche Agomoh
of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State on separate
one count charge each.
The convicts are: Owolabi Quadri Damilola, Okeowo Sunday Olakunle,
Fidimaye Habeeb Olanrewaju and Oluwalomola Emmanuel Oluwafemi.
They were arraigned for fraudulent representation, an offence which
is contrary to Section 22 (2) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b)
(iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015.
Upon their arraignment, they pleaded "guilty" to the charges preferred
against them.
In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Mabas Mabur prayed
the court to convict and sentence the defendants as charged.
Justice Agomoh thereafter, convicted and sentenced Owolabi Quadri
Damilola to nine months imprisonment; Okeowo Sunday Olakunle to eight
months imprisonment; Fidimaye Habeeb Olanrewaju to six months jail
term, and Oluwalomola Emmanuel to five months imprisonment.
The court also ordered that the convicts pay the sum of N1, 001, 457.78
(One Million, One thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Naira, Seventy
Eighty Kobo) and $1500 USD (One Thousand United States Dollars) in restitution.
Also, one red Hyundai Velostar car, five phones and one black Series
6 Smart wristwatch were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government
of Nigeria.
The press release contains of small photo of each 419er:
efcc-secures-four-cybercrime-convictions-in-oyo
***********************************
17 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests Church Founder Wanted By FBI for Wire Fraud in Enugu
Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested Kelechi Vitalis Anozie, a suspect
on the watch list of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.
He was arrested on March 10, 2022, following credible intelligence
linking him to alleged conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.
Anozie and four other suspects: Valentine Iro, Ekene Ekechukwu (alias
Ogedi Power), Bright Azubuike (alias Bright Bauer Azubuike) and Ifeanyi
Junior, are alleged to have defrauded one F.F who lives in Illinois,
United States, the sum of $135,800 US Dollars and another $47,000.
Anozie is the Founder of Praying City Church located in Owerri, Imo State.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-church-founder-wanted-by-fbi-for-wire-fraud-in-enugu
**********************************
17 MAR 2022
Fake America Contractor Bags Six Months Imprisonment for Cybercrime in Kwara
Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin
on Thursday, March 17, 2022 sentenced 24-year-old Taiwo Oluwapelumi
Emmanuel from Ibadan, Oyo State to six months imprisonment for
offences one-count charge bordering on impersonation.
He allegedly posed as a citizen of the United States of America to
defraud unsuspecting victims.
The defendant was among the suspected internet fraudsters arrested
in Ogbomosho area of Oyo State on October 26, 2021 during a sting
operations by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The defendant in his various chats claimed to be a contractor and
businessman based in the United States of America, a decoy he employed
to swindle his victims.
The charge against him reads, "That you, TAIWO OLUWAPELUMI EMMANUEL,
sometime between February and March, 2021 at Ogbomosho, within the
Judicial Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, did fraudulently
impersonate one David Williams George; an American, with the intent
to gain advantage for yourself from one Mindy whom you chatted vide your
created gmail; davidwilly1205@gmail.com and you thereby committed an
offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (I) of the Cybercrime Prohibition
prevention Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv)
of the same Act."
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
Based on the guilty plea entered by the defendant, counsel to the
EFCC, Andrew Akoja, reviewed the facts of the case and tendered one
iphone X, one Lenovo Laptop and the extra-judicial statement of the
defendant as well as fraudulent messages printed from his device,
which were admitted in evidence.
Akoja, thereafter urged the court to convict the defendant as charged.
In his judgment, Justice Sani said the court was satisfied with the
evidence adduced by the prosecution and pronounced Taiwo guilty of
the charge.
The judge sentenced the defendants to six months imprisonment with
option of fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira only) and
ordered that the iphone X and Lenovo Laptop, which he used to perpetrate
the crime be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
fake-america-contractor-bags-six-months-imprisonment-for-cybercrime-in-kwara
**************************************
17 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests 11 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Enugu
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
Enugu Zonal Command on Tuesday March 15, 2022, arrested 11 suspected
internet fraudsters in the Emene axis of Enugu State.
The suspects: Asikagu Chunedum; Danis Chukwueuka; Ebeye Nnamdi;
Iruke Amarachukwu; Nwani Chinemerem; Okwor Ifeanyichi; Onanga Emmanuel;
Onyia Peter Ifeanyi; Ude Emmanuel, Adabe Emmanuel and Ebube Nnaji Godwin
were arrested based on verified intelligence by the EFCC.
Preliminary investigations linked them with suspected impersonation,
possession of fraudulent documents and defrauding unsuspecting foreign
nationals.
Items recovered from the suspects include: phones and laptops of
different brands; a Toyota Camry car and a Toyota Venza car.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations
are concluded.
The press release includes photos:
efcc-arrests-11-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-enugu
*****************************************
16 MAR 2022
Court Jails Two Internet Fraudsters 10 Years
Two Internet fraudsters: Enabonkpe Robert and Omorovbiye Best
Osemwegie, were on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, jailed by Justice
C.A Obiozor and Justice F.A Olubanjo of the Federal High Court
sitting in Benin- City, Edo State and Asaba, Delta State respectively.
They were sentenced to five years imprisonment each for internet-
related crimes.
Robert (alias Engineer Eric Cheng) was arraigned on one -count
charge by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC for fraudulent
impersonation.
The lone- count charge read: "That you Enabonkpe Robert (alias
Engineer Eric Cheng) or about the 16th day of May, 2021 at No.
22 Police Station Road, Agenebode, Edo State, within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Engineer Eric
Cheng, a white man, by sending the following Gmail addresses
Robertbliss27@gmail.com rulemaxwell10@gmail.com and unitednationsyrial72@gmail.com
and fraudulently represented yourself as a white man from California in
United State of America, the representation you knew to be false and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the
Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under
Section 22(2) (b)(iv) of the same Act".
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed, prayed
the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Justice Obiozor convicted and sentenced the defendant to five years
imprisonment with an option of fine of N 500,000 ( Five Hundred Thousand
Naira only).
In addition, the judge ordered the defendant to forfeit his mobile
phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria and undertake in writing
to be of good behavior henceforth.
In a similar development, Justice Olubanjo of the Federal High Court
sitting in Asaba, Delta State convicted and sentenced Osemwegie to five
years imprisonment for fraud.
The one- count charge read : "that you Omorovbiye Best Osemwegie sometime
in November 2020 at Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court with intent to defraud, sent electronic message which
materially misrepresented your identity to Wang Jun, a Chinese woman upon
which she relied and suffered financial loss in a sum of $3,000,00 and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (ii)of the Cybercrime
(Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)
(b)(iv) of the same Act".
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, I.K Agwai prayed the court
to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Justice Olubanjo convicted and sentenced the defendant to five years
imprisonment with an option of fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand
Naira only).
The judge also ordered the convict to forfeit the balance of money in
his bank account, one Mercedes Benz C300 2015 model and a mobile phone
to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He is also to undertake in writing
to be of good behavior henceforth.
The convicts' journey to the Correctional Centre started when they were
arrested by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC for impersonating
foreigners to commit internet- related crimes. Robert impersonated an American
while Osemwegie impersonated a Chinese.
The press release contains a photo of both 419ers:
court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters-10-years
**************************************
16 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests 13 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Enugu
Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested thirteen ( 13) suspected
internet fraudsters at the Nsukka and Emene axes of Enugu State.
They were arrested on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 in a sting operation.
Twelve of the suspects believed to be involved in internet- related
offences are: Chinaza Onyekwelu; David Sharon; Igwenagu Chimezie;
nachi Collins, Noble Nwodo and Okoye Ebuka. Others are: Onaga Divine;
Richie Samson; Ugwu Chideru; Victor Sopuluchi, Nwajie Chidubem Eric
and Nnamani Chukwuebuka.
They were arrested based on some verified intelligence by the EFCC.
Items recovered from them include: five laptops; phones and a silver-
coloured Lexus car with registration number: FST 823 GD.
The suspects will soon be charged to court.
The press release includes photos:
efcc-arrests-13-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-enugu
*************************************
16 MAR 2022
Man Jailed Six Months for Attempted Cyber Fraud in Kwara
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Wednesday March 16, 2022 secured the conviction of one Adeshina
Michael Oluwafemi from Ekiti State, for posing as a white man in an attempt
to defraud his unsuspecting victims.
Adeshina was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment by Justice
Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, after the judge
found him guilty of one count charge levelled against him by the Commission.
The charge reads: "That you, Adeshina Michael Oluwafemi (aka Viki Ron)
Sometime in May 2020 or thereabout at Ilorin, Kwara State, within the
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court attempted to commit an offence
of cheating by personation by pretending and representing yourself to
be a white man called Viki Ron who was in relationship with a white Woman,
Carol Richard as it is contained in your gmail account: ronv553@gmail.comand
thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 95 of
the Penal Code Laws of Northern Nigeria."
The defendant pleaded guilty when the charge was read to him.
Following his guilty plea, counsel to the EFCC, Aliyu Adebayo, called a
witness who is an operative of the EFCC to review the facts of the case.
The witness narrated how the defendant was arrested based on credible
intelligence. The witness tendered the defendant’s Huawei Phone, fraudulent
messages printed from his device as well as his extra-judicial statements
and were admitted in evidence.
Adebayo, thereafter urged the court to consider the plea of the defendant,
the extra-judicial statements and all the exhibits tendered convict the
defendant as charged.
In his judgment, Justice Akinpelu said the court was satisfied with the
case of the prosecution and pronounced Adeshina guilty as charged.
The judge sentenced the defendant to six months imprisonment with option
of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only). The court also ordered
the forfeiture of the convict's Huawei Phone which was used to perpetrate
the crime to the Federal Government.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
man-jailed-six-months-for-attempted-cyber-fraud-in-kwara
*************************************
15 MAR 2022
Three Yahoo Boys Convicted in Oyo
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State,
on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 convicted and sentenced the trio of
Oyeleke Mubarak Oladipupo, Taiwo Opeyemi Oluwaseyi and Babatunde
Peter Kolade for their fraudulent cyber activities.
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC arraigned the convicts on separate charges,
and they pleaded "guilty" to the charges when read to them.
Justice Agomoh thereafter, convicted and sentenced Oladipupo to
seven months imprisonment, Taiwo to four imprisonment and Babatunde
to three jail term.
Furthermore, the court ordered that Oladipupo restitute the sum
of $700USD (Seven Hundred United States Dollars) and forfeit one
Samsung S9 to the Federal government of Nigeria.
Also, Taiwo was ordered to restitute the sum of $300USD (Three
Hundred United States Dollars), and forfeits three mobile phones
to the Federal government of Nigeria.
The court further ordered that the sums of $600USD, N2.2million,
N1.4million and N37, 737. 31 found in Babatunde Peter Kolade's
banks accounts be paid to his victims as restitution. He also
forfeits one iPhone 12 Pro Max to the Federal government of Nigeria.
The press release contains photos of all three 419ers:
three-yahoo-boys-convicted-in-oyo
***************************************
15 MAR 2022
Two Cybercriminals Jailed in Oyo
Courts in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, March 14, 2022 convicted and
sentenced the duo of Ademuyiwa Basit Olamilekan and Opeyemi John Abiola
on a separate one count charge each which bordered on cybercrime.
Olamilekan was arraigned before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High
Court, while Abiola was docked before Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State
High Court.
The charge against Olamilekan reads: "That you, Ademuyiwa Basit Olamilekan
(aka Janet Brown) between May and August, 2021, at Ibadan Judicial Division
of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, fraudulently impersonated
an American lady via your email address: sinkbetty2@gmail.com, a document
containing false pretence, to wit: sending the photograph of a white
American female: wherein you represented yourself as a white female who
goes by the name of "Jenet Brown,”" one Mike Good an American man with
whom you claimed to be in love and ready to marry him, thereby committed
an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and punishable under Section
22 (2) (b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015."
The charge against Abiola reads: "That you, Opeyemi John Abiola on or
about 8th November, 2021, at Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court with intent to defraud, impersonated Elizabeth Wilson
a white woman from United States of America, an offence contrary to
Section 484 of the Criminal Code of Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000."
Upon their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Murtala Usman and Sanusi
Galadanchi reviewed the facts of the cases and prayed the courts to
convict and sentence them as charged.
Justice Agomoh, thereafter convicted and sentenced Ademuyiwa to five
months imprisonment and ordered that he restitute $600USD (Six Hundred
United State Dollars), and forfeit one iPhone X mobile phone to the
Federal Government.
Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced Abiola to six months community
service. Also, the court ordered him to pay $790USD (Seven Hundred
and Ninety United States Dollars) in restitution, forfeit the sum of
N260,000.00 (Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira) domiciled in his
United Bank for Africa bank account and one Toyota Camry 2014 model
car to the Federal government of Nigeria.
The press release contains a photo of both 419ers:
two-cybercriminals-jailed-in-oyo
********************************************
15 MAR 2022
Farmer, One Other Jailed for Cyber Fraud in Ilorin
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 secured the conviction
of two persons over offences bordering on cheating by personation,
love scam and other internet related fraud.
The convicts are Abdulkareem Jamiu who claimed to be a farmer and
one Zakariyha Ibrahim from Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The duo of Jamiu and Ibrahim who were prosecuted before Justices Adenike
Akinpelu and Sikiru Oyinloye respectively on separate charges, pleaded
guilty to their respective charge.
Following their guilty pleas, Innocent Mbachie and Aliyu Adebayo who p
rosecuted the cases on behalf of the Commission called a witness each
to review the facts of the cases. The witnesses who are operatives
of EFCC told the presiding Justices how credible intelligence led
to the arrest of defendants.
The witnesses tendered the extra-judicial statements of the defendants,
mobile phones and several fraudulent messages printed from their devices
and were admitted in evidence.
The counsels told the courts to consider the plea of guilt entered by
the defendants, the extra-judicial statements and all the exhibits tendered
to convict them as charged.
The two Justices agreed that the EFCC had successfully established
the cases against the defendants and pronounced each of them guilty.
Justice Akinpelu sentenced Jamiu to six months imprisonment with option
of fine of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only). The judge
also ordered that one iphone XR which he used to perpetrate the crime
and the sum of N7,333,192.8 (Seven Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-Seven
Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety-Two Naira, Eight Kobo) which he benefited
from his unlawful activities be forfeited to the Federal Government.
On the other hand, Justice Oyinloye sentenced Ibrahim to six months
imprisonment with option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand
Naira Only). The court ordered that convict’s infinix phone recovered
from him at the point of arrest and the sum of fifty Canadian dollars
which he brought as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government
The press release contains a photo of both 419ers:
farmer-one-other-jailed-for-cyber-fraud-in-ilorin
*******************************************
14 MAR 2022
Man Bags Two Years Imprisonment in Lafia for Facebook Scam
The Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 14 2022, secured the conviction
and sentencing of one Tarbee Destiny Tyodoo before Justice N. I.
Afolabi of the Federal High Court, Lafia, Nasarawa State on one
count charge for his involvement in Internet fraud.
The charge reads: "That you Tarbee Destiny Tyodoo sometime in January,
2022 in Makurdi, Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court
directly made false statement on your Facebook dating scam account knowing
same to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section
22 (3) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention etc) Act, 2015 and
unishable under the same Section of the Act".
The defendant pleaded "guilty" to the charge.
Upon his plea, the prosecution counsel, G. G. Chia-Yakua prayed
the Court to convict and sentence him as charged.
Justice Afolabi convicted and sentenced Destiny to two years
imprisonment with an option of fine of N500, 000.00.
He is to forfeit one Laptop, to be sold by auction by the Registrar
of the Court with the supervision of the EFCC and the proceeds, paid
into the Treasury Single Account of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
man-bags-two-years-imprisonment-in-lafia-for-facebook-scam
********************************************
14 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests Suspected International “Catcher” On FBI List, Osondu Igwilo,
Three Others for $100m Fraud
It was the end of road, on Thursday, March 11, 2022 for one Osondu Victor
Igwilo, who had been on the watch list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
FBI, since 2018, when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, Lagos Command, swooped on him.
Fifty-two year-old Igwilo, who is the alleged leader of a criminal network
of "catchers" was arrested alongside Okafor Nnamdi Chris, Nwodu Uchenna Emmaunel
and John Anazo Achukwu at a studio in the Sangotedo area of Lagos for an alleged
fraud, money laundering and identity theft to the tune of about $100m.
Before their arrest, Igwilo and his accomplices had allegedly been involved
in an advance-fee scheme that involved false promises of investment funding
by individuals who impersonated some United States of America, USA, bank
officials in person and via the internet.
Investigation revealed that those who fell victims of the suspects' criminal
activities were asked to make certain payments before they could receive their
funding.
It was also revealed that proceeds of the scheme were allegedly laundered through
U.S. bank accounts and diverted back to the alleged perpetrators in Nigeria.
Consequently, Igwilo was placed on the FBI watch list, following a criminal
complaint filed against him in the United States District Court, Houston,
Texas in December 2016.
Following their arrest, five houses located in choice areas of Lagos were
recovered from Igwilo.
The suspects will soon be charged to court.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-arrests-suspected-international-catcher-on-fbi-list-osondu-igwilo-three-others-for-100m-fraud
**********************************************
11 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests 33 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lagos
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested thirty three (33) suspected
internet fraudsters for alleged internet fraud.
The suspects are John Oshogbo Ekpo, Samuel Afolabi Micheal, Erezi
Sydney, Oghenemaro Ayoola, Nathaniel Joseph, Seye Victor Abolaji,
Abdulrasheed Mayowa, Ojo Abiola, Damilola Afolabi, Innocent Alidu,
Coker Taiwo, Ajiboye Odunayo, Olamilekan Agbaje, Wasiu Oluwasegun,
Olonade Ridwan and Lucky John.
Others are Olonade Wasiu, Babatunde Asibojo, Adekunle Nurudeen,
Balogun Seun, Igwe Ossi, Oruen Daniel, Abiodun Hammed, Tizhe Lucky,
Oghenekome Louis, Sodiha Sanya, Damilare Owotutu, Oladipupo Muyideen,
Akintunde Olufemi, Afolabi Oluwasanmi, Ibrahim Salisu, John Eze
and Asubiodo Jelili.
They were arrested on March 9, 2022 at Rotimi Williams Farm Estate,
Ogba, Lagos, following credible intelligence received by the Commission
on the illegal activities of some individuals allegedly involved in
computer fraud.
Upon their arrest, fourteen (14) exotic vehicles, laptops and mobile
devices were recovered from them.
The suspects will be charged to court once investigations have been
concluded.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-33-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos
**************************************
10 MAR 2022
Cybercrime: Man Bags One Year Jail Term in Lagos
The Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on March 10, 2022, secured the conviction
and sentencing of one Ajibola Azeez Ololade before Justice
O.O. Abike-Fadipe of a Special Offences Court sitting in
Ikeja, Lagos for offence bordering on possession of documents
containing false pretence contrary to and punishable under
Section 320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
He was accused of using fraudulent documents to perpetrate
internet fraud.
He was arraigned on a one-count charge, which reads: "Ajibola
Azeez Ololade on 11th day of November 2021 in Lagos within the
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly had in your
possession a document containing false pretences to wit "WHATSAPP
CONVERSATION" wherein you engaged in a chat with one SOJ for an
act of cybercrime which information you knew to be false."
He pleaded "guilty" to the charge.
The prosecuting counsel, Kufre Uduak, thereafter gave a review
of the facts against the defendant and prayed the Court to convict
him as charged and to sentence him accordingly.
Justice Abike-Fadipe, thereafter, pronounced him guilty as charged
and gave him an opportunity to address the Court.
Pleading with the Court to temper justice with mercy, the defendant
said: "I appear today because of a mistake I made three years ago.
I deeply regret my involvement, and I beseech this Court of Law to
temper justice with mercy. If given a second chance, I will turn
a new leave and never engage in such again."
Following his plea, Justice Abike-Fadipe sentenced him to one year
in prison, but gave him an option of N500,000 fine with 40hours
community service which must be supervised by officers of the
Correctional Facility. His iPhone 12 Pro Max and An Apple computer
were also ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.
cybercrime-man-bags-one-year-jail-term-in-lagos
*****************************************
10 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests Nine Internet Fraud Suspects in Enugu
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
Enugu Command, on Thursday March 10, 2022 arrested nine suspected
internet fraudsters at the Premier Layout,Ogui Nike axis of Enugu
State.
The suspects: Napoleon Providence, Udenta Arinze, Chidiebere Jonas,
Ezeh Obinna, Imonikphawae Lucky, Arinze Ugochukwu, Anieze Sylvester,
Okonkwo Ifeanyi Evans and Ogugua Sopuruchukwu were all arrested based
on verified intelligence which links them fraudulent impersonation
and other forms of cybercrimes targeting unsuspecting foreign nationals.
Items recovered from the suspects include several phones, 5 laptops,
a Mercedes Benz car, Lexus RX330 and a Toyota Camry 2009.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations
are concluded.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-arrests-nine-internet-fraud-suspects-in-enugu
************************************
8 MAR 2022
Another Four Internet Fraudsters Jailed in Oyo
Justice Uche Agomoh of a Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan,
Oyo State, today March 8, 2022, convicted and sentenced the trio
of Tirimisiyu Idowu Taoreed, Adebisi Dolapo Adetayo and Shittu
Ganiu Olamilekan to different jail terms cybercrime.
The convicts pleaded "guilty" to the one count charge each for
the offence of fraudulent impersonation preferred against them
by the EFCC.
The charge against Timisiriyu Idowu Taoreed reads: "That you,
Timisiriyu Idowu Taoreed 'M', sometime in 2021 within the
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently impersonated
one BJ Vilalobos via your Google Gmail account with an address
bornjeje8@gmail.com with intent to gain monetary advantage for
yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section
22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention,
etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (iv) of
the same Act."
The charge against Adetayo Dolapo Adetayo reads: "That you,
Adebisi Dolapo Adetayo sometime in 2020, within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court fraudulently impersonated one Beatrice
Tina via your Google Gmail with address beatricetina333@gmail.com
with intent to gain monetary advantage for yourself and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the
Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable
under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act."
The charge against Shittu Ganiu Olamilekan reads: "That you, Shittu
Ganiu Olamilekan 'M', on or about the 11th day of February, 2021 within
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently impersonated
one Bill McDonald via your Gmail account you created with an address
janetdokan@gmail.com with intent to gain monetary advantage for yourself
and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of
the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable
under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act."
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, Oyelakin Oyediran tendered
as evidence, documents printed from the convicts’ emails, iPhones and
laptops, as well as their confessional statements which were admitted
as exhibits by the court. He prayed the court to convict and sentence
he defendants as charged.
Consequently, they were convicted and sentenced.
Timisiriyu Idowu Taoreed was sentenced to five months imprisonment,
Adetayo Dolapo Adetayo to six months imprisonment while Shittu Ganiu
Olamilekan bagged eleven months jail term.
The convicts were ordered to pay the sum of $3, 702USD (Three Thousand,
Seven Hundred and Two United States Dollars), N127, 080.33 (One Hundred
and Twenty-Seven Thousand, Eighty Naira, Thirty Three Kobo) in restitution
and forfeit four mobile phones, one MacBook and one silver HP Laptop to
the Federal Government of Nigeria.
another-four-internet-fraudsters-jailed-in-oyo
**********************************************
8 MAR 2022
Fake America Real Estate Manager, One Other Jailed for Love Scam in Ilorin
Justice Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court sitting in
Ilorin on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 convicted and sentenced two persons
to six months imprisonment each for offences bordering on internet
related fraud.
The convicts were prosecuted on one count separate charge by the
Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC.
They are Kamaldeen Yusuf, a self-styled Real Estate Manager based i
n United States of America and one Sulyman Ridwan Omotosho from I
lorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The duo of Kamaldeen and Sulyman were among the thirty suspected
internet fraudsters arrested in Malete, Moro Local Government Area
of Kwara State on September 19, 2021 by the operatives of the EFCC
during a sting operation, following intelligence reports received
by the Commission.
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective
charge.
Following their guilty pleas, Innocent Mbachie and Rasheedat Alao
who prosecuted the two cases on behalf of the Commission called two
witnesses to review the facts of the cases. The witnesses, who are
operatives of the EFCC tendered in evidence several incriminating
documents printed from defendants devices, their extra judicial
statements and mobile phones used to perpetrate the crime.
The counsel urged the court to consider the evidence placed before
it, the plea of guilt and all the exhibits tendered and uphold the
case of the prosecution.
Delivering Judgment on the two cases, Justice Akinpelu said that
the court had carefully considered the case of the prosecution and
found merit in the two cases.
The judge, thereafter sentenced Kamaldeen and Sulyman to six months
imprisonment each with option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand
Naira Only) each. She also ordered the forfeiture of the mobile phones
ecovered from the convicts to the Federal Government.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
fake-america-real-estate-manager-one-other-jailed-for-love-scam-in-ilorin
*****************************************
8 MAR 2022
Five Fraudsters Land in Jail for Cyber Fraud in Ilorin
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Commission,
EFCC, on Monday, March 7, 2022 secured the conviction of five persons
for offences bordering on cybercrime and other internet-related fraud.
They are Laoshe Abdul Olajide, Akinbohun Oluwatobiloba Stephen from
Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Hammed Quadri Babatunde
from Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State, Lawal Opeyemi Faruq
from Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State and one David
Ayodeji Ezekiel.
Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court in Ilorin convicted
and sentenced the defendants to various jail terms after the court
found them guilty of the charges brought against them by the EFCC.
The defendants, who were arraigned on separate charges pleaded guilty
to their respective charges.
Following their guilty pleas, Aliyu Adebayo, Andrew Akoja and Rasheedat
Alao who prosecuted the cases on behalf of the Commission urged the court
to pronounce the defendants guilty as charged and sentence them.
Justice Sani sentenced Laoshe to three months imprisonment on count 1
and 2 with option of fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira Only) and
ordered that the Apple iPhone x6 which was used as instrumentality
of crime be forfeited to the Federal Government.
In the same vein, Akinbohun was sentenced to one year imprisonment
with option of fine of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira
Only). He was ordered to forfeit an Apple IPhone 6, Techno Spark 5,
$100 (One Hundred Dollars) and N20,000 (Twenty Thousand Naira Only)
recovered from him to the Federal Government.
Justice Sani also sentenced Hammed to six months imprisonment with
option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only). He
ordered that the convict's iPhone X, iphone 11, blue laptop, which
were used as instrumentality of the crime and the sum of $110 (One
Hundred and Ten Dollars), which was a proceed of his unlawful activities
be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Similarly, Lawal was sentenced to one year imprisonment with option
of fine of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only). The
court ordered the forfeiture of one iPhone 13 which he used to perpetrate
the crime, a Lexus 250 car with chassis number JTHBK262085054547, $200
(Two Hundred Dollars and N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only)
to the Federal Government.
The judge also imposed a prison term of one year on David with option
of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) and ordered the
forfeiture of one Toyota Corolla 2004 Car, Samsung S10, iPhone X, one
red laptop and the sum of N231,498.99 domiciled in his GT bank account
to the Federal Government.
five-fraudsters-land-in-jail-for-cyber-fraud-in-ilorin
****************************************
5 MAR 2022
Bawa Charges Youths to be Diligent, Shun Crime
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa on Saturday, 5 March 2022,
enjoined Nigerian youths to be diligent and hardworking as
the acceptable means to becoming successful.
The EFCC boss gave the charge at an event organized by ENACOVID19
for repentant commercial sex workers, orphans and victims of domestic
violence as well as other vulnerable persons.
Bawa who spoke through the Head of Creative Communications Unit of
the Public Affairs Department of the Commission, Nwanyinma Okeanu,
encouraged the participants to shun crime and be diligent in their
pursuit. According to him, obedience, hard work, creativity, belief
in God and belief in one’s self are the keys to becoming successful
in Nigeria.
"There is no cutting corners in becoming successful, you must be
ready to work hard and decide within yourself that you want to be
successful and follow your dreams diligently," he said.
He commended the organizers for helping vulnerable Nigerians to do
something meaningful which will in turn help them stay out of crime.
The Convener and Executive Director, Ben Onwudinjo said ENACOVID19
is an advocacy, teaching, empowerment and scholarship organization
targeted at the vulnerable in the society. He pointed out that what
his organization is doing is helping as many Nigerians as possible
to make something meaningful out of life, through vocational training
in bakery, tailoring, photography etc. "Our plan is to also teach,
prepare and give scholarships to participants to write the 2022
May/June NECO and NABTEC exams", he added.
The press release contains a photo:
bawa-charges-youths-to-be-diligent-shun-crime
*********************************************
4 MAR 2022
EFCC Operatives Arrest 22 Suspected Cybercriminals in Abuja
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
Abuja Zonal Command on Thursday, March 3, 2022, arrested 22 suspected
internet fraudsters in a sting operation. They were fished out from
their hideouts in the Kubwa and Kurudu suburbs of Abuja, following
credible intelligence on their alleged criminal activities.
The suspects comprising one female and twenty one males, are within
the age range, 17 and 28 years.
The intelligence links them to various forms of cybercrimes including
love scam, business email compromise, job scam, visa scam and lottery
scam.
Upon their arrest, 10 cars were seized from the suspects comprising 2
Lexus SUV’s, 2 Lexus Sedan, 3 Mercedes Benz C Class, 1 Toyota Corolla,
1 Toyota Camry and 1 Honda Accord.
Also recovered are over 10 laptops and 50 mobile phones.
They will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-operatives-arrest-22-suspected-cybercriminals-in-abuja
**************************************
4 MAR 2022
Jebba Farmer, Designer, Four Others Jailed For Cyber Fraud in Ilorin
Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court in Ilorin on Friday,
March 4, 2022, convicted and sentenced six persons charged for internet
-related fraud by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, to various jail terms The convicts include:
Abdulrahaman Ridwan, who claimed to be a farmer at Jebba, Moro Local
Government Area of Kwara State; Yinus Lateef Shola, a fashion designer
from Omupo in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State and Jimoh Ahmed
Adeola from Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. Others are
Yinus Muiz Iyanda, Ridwan Oladimeji from Ilorin West Local Government
Area of Kwara State and one Gideon Thomas.
The defendants, who were arraigned on separate charges, pleaded guilty
to their respective counts.
Following their pleas, Aliyu A. Adebayo, Sesan Ola and Rasheedat Alao
who prosecuted the cases on behalf of the Commission drew the attention
of the court to the admittance of guilt by the defendants and their
confessional statements and urged the court to convict and sentence
the defendants.
In his judgment, Justice Sani said the court was satisfied with the
evidence adduced by the prosecution and pronounced the defendants guilty
of their respective charges.
The judge sentenced Abdulrahaman Ridman to six months imprisonment with
option of fine of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only)
and ordered that a Toyota Camry 2013 with registration number FST280GK
which he purchased with proceeds of crime as well as his iPhone 7+ which
was used to perpetrate the crime be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The court also imposed a term of one year imprisonment with option of
fine of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) on Yinus
Lateef Shola and ordered that the $230 (Two Hundred and Thirty United
States Dollars), which he raised as restitution, one Apple Iphone 11
and HP laptop which were used as instrumentality of the crime be
forfeited to the Federal Government.
Similarly, Justice Sani sentenced Jimoh Ahmed to one year imprisonment
with option of fine of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira)
and ordered the forfeiture of his grey Mercedes Benz which was purchased
with the proceeds of crime, Apple Iphone XR, and Apple Iphone 12 pro
to the Federal Government.
In the same vein, Yinus Muiz Iyanda bagged six months imprisonment
with option of fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) and
would forfeit the iPhone 6 which was recovered from him at the point
of arrest to the Federal Government.
For Rilwan, the Judge sentenced him to a prison term of one year with
option of N250,0000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only). The
court equally ordered the forfeiture of the convict’s iPhone which
he used to perpetrate the crime.
Justice Sani sentenced Gideon to six months imprisonment with option
of fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only), and ordered that
the sum of $500 (Five Hundred Dollars) which he raised as restitution
and his phone that was used as instrumentality of the crime be forfeited
to the Federal Government. Additionally, the convict would return $1,145
(One Thousand, One Hundred and Forty Five Dollars), part of what he
benefited for his victims.
jebba-farmer-designer-four-others-jailed-for-cyber-fraud-in-ilorin
****************************************
3 MAR 2022
Ogun Boy Jailed in Kwara for Love Scam
A 21 years old Adeogun Timileyin Feranmi who hails from
Abule-Egba, Abeokuta in Odeda Local Government Area of
Ogun State has been convicted and sentenced to six months
imprisonment for offences bordering on internet related
scam and personation.
The conviction followed the arraignment of the defendant
by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on one count charge before Justice
Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court sitting in
Ilorin.
Feranmi was among the thirty internet fraud suspects arrested
during a sting operation by operatives of the EFCC on September
19, 2021 at Malete, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State
following intelligence reports over their alleged involvements
in internet fraud related offences.
The charge reads:
"That you, Adeogun Timileyin Feranmi on or about the 20th day
of October 2019 in Ilorin, Kwara State within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court did cheat by personation when you pretended
to be one Hannah Sanabria via your gmail address hannahsanabriah@gmail.com
and in that guise communicated with one Reus Saints whom you induced
to part with property to with: $1500 vide bitcoin and thereby committed
an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Law and punishable
under Section 324 of the same Law"
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
Following his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Rasheedat Alao, called a
witness, whom she led in evidence to review the facts of the case.
The witness, who is an operative of the Commission narrated the
circumstances that led to the arrest of the defendant and tendered
as exhibits one HP laptop and several fraudulent documents printed
out from the defendant's device, all which were admitted in evidence.
Alao, thereafter prayed the court to take judicial notice of the guilty
plea entered by the defendant, his extra judicial statements as well
as exhibit tendered and convict him as charged.
Justice Akinpelu in her judgment on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 upheld
the submission of the prosecution that the EFCC had proved its case
beyond reasonable doubt. The judge sentenced Feranmi to six months
imprisonment with option of fine of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty
Thousand Naira Only). The court also ordered the forfeiture of the
HP laptop recovered from the defendant to the Federal Government.
The press release includes a photo of the 419er:
ogun-boy-jailed-in-kwara-for-love-scam
****************************************
2 MAR 2022
Shun Internet Fraud, Bawa Charges Corps Members
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa has again called on youth to
embrace hard work and shun economic and financial crimes.
He stated this today, March 2, 2022 while delivering a
lecture on the Role of Youth in Curbing Corruption at the
National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp, Issele Uku,
Delta State.
The EFCC boss who was represented by Williams Oseghale, Head,
Public Affairs, Benin Zonal Command urged the corps members to
shun acts of corruption and economic crimes.
"There is no shortcut to wealth and fame. The fact that the rate
of unemployment is high should not be an excuse to resort to crime.
Acts of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term but
ultimately, there will be misery and gnashing of teeth."
He admonished the corps members to be role models in their area of
primary assignment. "We are inviting you to lend a hand in helping
us build a society where there is respect for the rule of law and
where impunity is a thing of the past."
At the NYSC Orientation Camp, Gombe, the EFCC boss who was represented
by Chris Oluka, Head, Public Affairs, Gombe Zonal Command, challenged
the youth to take ownership of the fight against corruption. "You stand
at a threshold to either chart a path for good or bad by your actions
and we at EFCC encourage you to stand with us in securing a corrupt free
Nigeria, through your attitude and partnership with us."
He urged the corps members to understand their place as critical
stakeholders in the fight against corruption by being the 'eyes and
ears' of EFCC in their primary places of assignment. "The message
to you all this morning is that you should become whistleblowers
in any place you find yourselves by reporting acts that fail the
simple test of integrity. This you can do anonymously by downloading
our specially developed App called the 'Eagle Eye' via the App
store and Google play and using it to report all economic and
financial crimes,” he stated.
At the NYSC Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja, Superintendent of EFCC, Martha Ojochokutami Eche who delivered
the chairman's lecture called on the corps members to take up the
gauntlet in the fight against graft. "One critical group of stakeholders
are the youths. Apart from the fact that they are considered as the
leaders of tomorrow, most economic crimes, especially cyber-crimes,
are committed by young people. It therefore follows that young people
must not be mere spectators in the anti-graft campaign. Rather they
should actually be the foot soldiers chasing corruption and economic
crimes out of our land."
Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE Dele Oyewale, who represented
the Executive Chairman at the Nonwa Orientation Camp, Port Harcourt,
Rivers State called on corps members across the country to develop
hatred for corrupt practices and tackle them as dangerous and fierce
enemies against the nation. "Our experiences as a nation have shown
that our greatest enemy and threat to sustainable development is
corruption. We are all victims of the deleterious effects of this
monster. To this end, I charge all of you to treat corruption as
a mortal enemy and tackle it as such. You must develop aversion
towards corrupt practices and you must confront every compromise
of integrity with hard tackles", he said.
As a practical way of confronting corrupt practices, he tasked corps
members to be change agents, accountability vanguards and civil mobilisers
against corrupt practices. "In your place of primary assignments, you
should demonstrate your determination against corrupt tendencies by
changing the people around you, campaign against economic and financial
crimes and mobilise the people against every breach of integrity. It
is by being change agents that you will be able to draw the world to
the right direction", he said.
Additionally, the EFCC's boss stressed that the Eagle Eye Apps has
made citizens reporting corruption cases convenient. "As young Nigerians,
you can offer whistle blowing services to the EFCC through the Eagle
Eye App. It is a digital means of conveying information to us without
necessarily disclosing your identity. Only ensure that information supplied
to the EFCC is true and credible" he said.
From NYSC Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, Kwara
State, Ayodele Babatunde, Head, Public Affairs, who stood in for the
EFCC Chairman charged the corps members to see themselves as anti-
corruption crusaders for the greater good of our country. According
to him, "the Commission believes that the NYSC is a veritable platform
to rally the Nigerian youth against corruption". He noted that the
fight against corruption should not be left to the EFCC alone, stressing
that it was essential to sensitise the youths against corruption,
cybercrime, illicit financial flows and illegal oil bunkering, all
of which contribute to economic sabotage.
He assured the corps members that the EFCC is resolute in its efforts
to curb corruption, money laundering and other forms of economic and
financial crimes. "The Commission would ensure that those who had
plundered the resources of the nation or amassed wealth through
illegitimate means are brought to justice through the instrumentality
of the law".
"I enjoin you to stand up and say no to corruption. Let us take the
future of this country in our hands and let us not lose hope in our
efforts to bring the country back from the brink", he said.
Adewoye Gbenga, of the Public Affairs Department, Ilorin Zonal Command
who was at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Asaya, Kabba, Kogi State, on behalf
of the Chairman challenged corps members to support the EFCC in raising
the campaign for a corruption free country through uprightness, volunteerism
and patriotism. "Once we are able to get rid of corruption and criminality,
then you can walk the street freely and successfully set the country on
the path of sustainable development."
He observed that corruption was responsible for the problems faced by
many Nigerians and urged youths to team up with the EFCC in the fight
against the menace. "Say no to corruption. Report any act of economic
and financial crime within your neighborhood to the EFCC and be assured
that you will get quick response from us", he added.
That was also the thrust of the message delivered by Bethel Ude, Head,
Public Affairs, Enugu Command at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Awgu, Enugu
State, "There is still hope for the country and Nigeria would be great
again if everyone including the youths join hands with the EFCC to end
the menace of corruption We are convinced that all hope is not lost in
the effort to bring this country back from the brink. As dynamic young
men and women, our desire is to harness your intelligence and energy
for greater public good in your areas of primary assignments," she said
Adeniran Adebayo, Head, Public Affairs, Makurdi Zonal Command, at the
NYSC Orientation Camp, Wannune, Tarka LGA, Benue State enjoined corps
members to join the EFCC/NYSC Community Development Group for a more
robust relationship. The platform, he says, would offer corps members
the opportunity for an enduring relationship with the Commission and
other stakeholders. "It will also avail you the opportunity to work
with the advocacy arm of the Commission and be in a position to serve
as change agents," he posited.
Same message was delivered by Mary Ogolekwu, an officer of the Public
Affairs Department, Benin Zonal Command and a host of other officers
who represented the Executive Chairman at other Orientation Camps
across the country.
The press release includes a photo:
shun-internet-fraud-bawa-charges-corps-members
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1 MAR 2022
EFCC Arrests Three Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City
The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, February 26, 2022, arrested three
suspected internet fraudsters in Benin City.
The suspects: Omoghan Destiny Igbinosa, Ossien Godwin Isioma
and Obiora Divine Chijoke, were arrested following a petition
by a Bureau De Change operator.
He alleged that one of the suspects had contacted him for his
account details which he obliged him. He said he later received
the sum of $4950 and transferred the Naira equivalent to one
of the suspects.
The complainant further alleged that recently, without his consent,
the sum of $2235USD was transferred to his account and that when
he went to withdraw the money, he was told that a lien had been
placed on the account on the grounds of suspicious transaction.
The suspects were subsequently arrested when they came to collect
the money from the Bureau de Change operator.
The suspects have made useful statements and will be arraigned in
court as soon as the investigation is completed.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-arrests-three-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*****************************************
27 FEB 2022
EFCC Arrests Three Alleged Internet Fraudsters in Gombe
The Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Friday February 25, 2022, arrested three
suspected Internet fraudsters in their hideout at Investment
Quarters, Tumfre, Gombe State.
Two of the alleged scammers, Kenan Miracle and Charles Sunday,
from Edo and Adamawa State respectively, claimed they were
students of Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State.
Their arrest was triggered by actionable intelligence on their
alleged fraudulent activities.
Upon arrests, fraudulent documents were extracted from their
devices.
They will be arraigned in court as soon as the investigated
is concluded.
The press release has a photo:
efcc-arrests-three-alleged-internet-fraudsters-in-gombe
******************************************
25 FEB 2022
Be Good Examples, EFCC Charges Youths
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has
again charged youths to be good examples in conduct and
character and to shun economic and financial crimes. This
charge was given today, February 25, 2022, by the Benin
Zonal Commander, Usman Muktar at an enlightenment campaign
on the ills of economic and financial crimes at Midwest
Regional Youth Camp of Foursquare Gospel Church, Benin City.
The Zonal Commander who was represented by Williams Oseghale,
Head, Public Affairs charged the youth to be good examples in
the society. "The Bible says you are the light, so be the light
in your homes and your community. Where there is light, there
is no corruption, no fraud, no yahoo yahoo and other forms
of criminality."
He also charged them to shun internet fraud as it was not a
sustainable way of life. "Stay away from internet fraud. Don't
get involved because it is capable of truncating your destiny.
If you are caught, you can be sentenced to as much as 15 years
imprisonment. That effectively means a substantial part of your
life is wasted."
Besides imprisonment, assets, money and other proceeds of crime
retrieved from the suspect are forfeited to the government or
restituted to the victim of the offence.
"The Commission is resolute in dealing with internet fraudsters,
so there is no hiding place for them", said.
He further charged them to be disciplined, hardworking and accountable
in order to achieve their dreams in life.
Pastor Abayomi Jayeola, coordinator of the programme, thanked the
Commission for the enlightenment. He said with the lecture, the youths
were better informed on the consequences of engaging in economic and
financial crimes.
The press release includes a photo:
be-good-examples-efcc-charges-youths
**************************************
25 FEB 2022
EFCC Returns €1, 120 to German Fraud Victim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday,
February 24, 2022, returned €1,120 (One Thousand One Hundred and
Twenty Euros) recovered from a fraudster to the German victim,
one Ms. Regina Gluck.
The money was recovered from a convicted fraudster and indigene
of Edo state, Austin Isibor Aisosa, who obtained the fund through
false representation that he was a wounded American soldier in
Afghanistan and needed urgent medical attention to return to the
United States.
The Secretary to the Commission, Dr. George Ekpungu who presented
the money to Jan Ritterhoff, an official of the German Embassy in
Nigeria, expressed satisfaction for the recovery and the Commission's
resolve to continue to partner with the German Embassy and other
international partners in fighting economic and financial crimes.
"It is obvious that EFCC is doing its work and we will continue to
do our best to fight all forms of economic and financial crimes",
he said.
Receiving the money on behalf of the victim, Ritterhoff thanked
the EFCC for the effort and assured of the German government's
assistance to Nigeria in the fight against economic and financial
crimes.
"We are happy that this is possible and we will return it to Ms.
Gluck as soon as possible. We are always here to help you and we
are grateful for your help in very difficult cases," he said.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-returns-1-120-to-german-fraud-victim
419 Coalition comment: Good on the EFCC, and we say: More! More!
More of the same!
******************************************
21 FEB 2022
EFCC Arrests 31 Alleged Internet Fraudsters in Benin
Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday February 21, 2022 arrested 31
suspected internet fraudsters at their hideouts in Benin.
The suspects are Chukwu Onyekachi, Augustine Omokaro Isreal, Franklin
Ozoma, Kelly Osaretin, Uyi Eric, Aruna Charles Destiny, Osakpalor Joseph,
Ogiamon Nosa, Otaru Praise Tobi, Lucky Tejiri, Clinton Amanemiye, Bright
Omokhua, Aisosa Enobahkre, Imariable Aisosa Collins, Osamede Egboiy
Nicholas, Louis Ekharuyi, Omokhua Destiny and Omagbon Friday Harry.
Others are Freedom Ovie, Daniel Ogbemudia, James Collins Oghenetega,
Imalele Tony, Sunday Etim Peter, Nosakhare Uyi, Obi Emeka, Joseph Etim
Peter, Favour Aigbiedo, Greater Omosivie, Humphery Omosivie, Leonard
Ovie and David Osarere.
Items recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest include nine
exotic cars - Lexus ES 300, Mercedes Benz GLK 350, Lexus RX330, Lexus
RX350, Lexus RX330, Three (3) Mercedes Benz C300, Mercedes Benz C350
4Matic; laptops and mobile phones.
The suspects have made useful statements and will be arraigned in court
as soon as the investigation is concluded.
efcc-arrests-31-alleged-internet-fraudsters-in-benin
******************************************
21 FEB 2022
Court Sends Internet Fraudster Two Years Imprisonment in Benin
Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court sitting in
Benin City on Monday, February 21, 2022, convicted and sentenced
one Ikuobase Miller (aka Larry Benson) to two years imprisonment
for fraud.
The defendant was arraigned on one count charge by the Benin
Zonal Command of the EFCC for fraudulent personation.
The charge reads, "that you Ikuobase Miller (alias Larry Benson)
between year 2020 and 2021 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court did fraudulently personates the identity of one Larry Benson,
an American, with intent to defraud one Natasha, a foreign woman,
with the intent to gain advantage to yourself and thereby committed
an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal
Code Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 (as applicable in
Edo State)".
Upon arraignment the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Ozigbu Austin prayed
the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Justice Ikpowonoba convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years
imprisonment with option of N 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.
In addition, the defendant shall also forfeit his mobile phone to the
Federal Government of Nigeria and undertake in writing to be of good
behavior henceforth.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-sends-internet-fraudster-two-years-imprisonment-in-benin
*******************************************
21 FEB 2022
EFCC Arraigns Two for Internet Fraud in Lagos
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today February
21, 2022, arraigned the duo of Samuel Ayotunde Balogun and Sodiq Muraina
Olarenwaju before Justice A. O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting
in Ikoyi, Lagos on separate charges bordering on possession of document
containing false pretence.
The charge preferred against Balogun reads that the defendant "sometime
in 2022 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court directly
made a false statement wherein you held yourself as one Murry Johnson in
your Instagram account knowing same to be false and with intent that the
representation is relied upon for the purpose of procuring the issuance
of financial instrument to yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary
to and punishable under Section 22 (3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition,
Prevention Etc.) Act, 2015".
Olarenwaju is accused of having in his possession a document containing
false pretence titled 'Google Account', "wherein you held yourself as a
white man named "Williams Sunday" an information you knew to be false
contrary to Section 6 and 5(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud
Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the
same Act".
They pleaded not guilty to the respective charges.
Justice Awogboro ordered the defendants remanded in the IkoyiCorrectional
facility and adjourned the matter till February 28, 2022 and March 9, 2022
for commencement of trial.
efcc-arraigns-two-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos
**************************************
17 FEB 2022
Ibadan Command Secures Six Convictions of Cybercriminals
A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday,
February 15, 2022, convicted six internet fraudsters on separate
one count charge each for criminal impersonation, an offence which
contravenes Section 22 (2) (b) (1) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition,
Prevention etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (b) of
the same Act.
The convicts are: Wahab Akintola Salam, Alonge Abiodun Ayomide,
Adeyinka Goodness Taiwo, Adeniran Ayobami Tijesunimi, Dolapo Temitope
Oladele, and Mubarak Opeyemi Balogun.
They all pleaded "guilty" to the charges preferred against them upon
arraignment.
Afterwards, the prosecution counsel, Oluwatoyin Oladunni reviewed the
facts of the cases and urged the court to convict and sentence them
as charged.
Justice Uche Agomoh convicted and sentenced Adeyinka Goodness Taiwo
and Dolapo Temitope Oladele to ten months imprisonment each; Alonge
Abiodun Ayomide and Adeniran Tijesunimi seven months each, while Wahab
Akintola and Mubarak Opeyemi Balogun bagged six months imprisonment each.
Also, the court ordered that Mubarak Opeyemi Balogun restitute the sum
of N627, 177. 85 (Six Hundred and Twenty Seven Thousand, One Hundred
and Seventy Seven Naira, Eighty Five Kobo) domiciled in his bank account,
and forfeit one iPhone 12 Pro Max mobile phone to the Federal government
of Nigeria.
Adeyinka Goodness Taiwo was ordered to pay the sum of N1, 051, 051. 00
(One Million, Fifty One Thousand, Fifty One Naira) in restitution as he
forfeit one iPhone 11Pro Max and one Infinix Hot 8 mobile phones to the
Federal government.
Dolapo Temitope Oladele forfeits an Android mobile phone while Alonge
Abiodun Ayomide was ordered to restitute the sum of $100USD (One Hundred
United States Dollars).
The court also ordered that Adeniran Tijesunimi restitute $550USD (Five
Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars), and forfeit one iPhone X, an
Infinix Smart phone, one gold ring, and one 2005 Model Honda Accord Car
to the Federal government of Nigeria.
Wahab Akintola was ordered to pay the sum of $1,250USD (One Thousand,
Two Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars), and forfeit one iPhone
12 Pro Max mobile phone to the Federal government of Nigeria.
ibadan-command-secures-six-convictions-of-cybercriminals
*****************************************
17 FEB 2022
EFCC Arrests 29 Internet Fraud Suspects in Kwara
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, February 17, 2022, arrested twenty
nine (29) persons for their alleged involvement in internet and
other related fraud activities.
The suspects who were arrested at different locations in Offa,
Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State include: Sikiru Mustapha,
Abdulmartin Olawale, Gbolahan Abdulamin, Abdulfawaz Olakanmi,
Tunde Saheed, David Komolafe, Adebayo Ridwan, Oluwatobi Akinbo,
Fatimehin Kayode, Ibrahim Zakariya, Olajide Moshood, Ikudaisi
Adesoji, Habeeb Adeyemi and Hassan Akorede.
Others are: Ahmed Quadri, Olanipekun Ibrahim, Olabisi Ololade,
Ahmed Akorede, Wasiu Adesina, Damilola Samsudeen, Olaloye Damilare,
Nathaniel Laoshe, Adeniyi Opeyemi, Adebayo Shahajudeen, Segun Ajila,
Kehinde Olaniyi and Ibitowa Toyeeb.
The arrest followed credible intelligence received by the Command
on the activities of the suspects.
Items recovered from them include mobile phones, laptops and cars.
Some of the suspects have confessed to the crime and they will be
charged to court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
efcc-arrests-29-internet-fraud-suspects-in-kwara
********************************************
16 FEB 2022
Court Sends Serial Fraudster to Jail for $12,000 Scam in Ilorin
Justice Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin
on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, convicted one Saka Ridwan Olamilekan
from Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State for possession
of fraudulent funds and love scam.
The conviction of the defendant followed his arraignment by the Ilorin
Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
on a one count charge.
Saka was among the 30 (Thirty) persons arrested on September 19, 2021,
at Molete in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State over their
involvements on cybercrime.
The charge reads:
"That you, Saka Ridwan Olamilekan sometime in Ilorin, Kwara State within
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly had under your
control, Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12000) found in your Cash App account
which is reasonably suspected to be unlawfully obtained and thereby committed
an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 319A of the Penal Code
Law"
The defendant pleaded guilty.
Prosecuting Counsel, Rasheedat Alao, reviewed the facts of the case
through a witness who is an operative of the EFCC. The witness said
several fraudulent messages were printed from Saka's devices. The extra
judicial statements of the defendant, the fraudulent messages, one Apple
iPhone 12 pro max and one HP Revolve Laptop were tendered and admitted
in evidence.
Alao therefore urged the Court to consider the facts and circumstances
of the matter in upholding the case of the prosecution.
Justice Akinpelu in a well considered judgment, convicted and sentenced
the defendant to six (6) months imprisonment with option of fine of #150,000 (
One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only)
The Judge ordered the convict to forfeit the sum of $1000 ( One Thousand
Dollars) which he raised as restitution as well his iPhone to the Federal
Government.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-sends-serial-fraudster-to-jail-for-12-000-scam-in-ilorin
*****************************************
15 FEB 2022
Ten Alleged Yahoo Boys Nabbed in Uyo
Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the early hours of Saturday, February
12, 2022, arrested members of a syndicate of cyber-fraudsters also
known as 'yahoo boys', in a sting operation at their hideouts in
Abak and Nwaniba areas of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
The suspects are: Chukwuka Anthony Onyeka, Endurance Augustine Udoh,
Adeyanju Abraham Kayode, Akpanobong Idongesit Ezekiel, Ogbon Precious,
Tamaraebi Idongesit Barry, Bassey Ubong John, Odenigbo Basil Chukwuebuka,
Oboh Rex and Kalu Jonathan Uzochukwu.
Items recovered from them include a locally made Pistol with four
Cartridges belonging to one of the suspects, Kalu Jonathan Uzochukwu.
Other items recovered from the suspects are mobile phones, laptops,
Router and a Toyota Camry car with registration number: GWA 998 JF Abuja.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are
concluded.
The press release includes photos:
ten-alleged-yahoo-boys-nabbed-in-uyo
*****************************************
15 FEB 2022
Court Jails Internet Fraudster Five Years in Benin
Justice Professor C.A Obiozor of the Federal High Court sitting
in Benin City on Monday, February 14, 2022, convicted and sentenced
one Adanegbe Hope Osaze to five years imprisonment for fraud.
The defendant was arraigned on one count charge by the Benin Zonal
Command of the EFCC for fraudulent impersonation.
The charge against him reads, "that you Adanegbe Hope Osaze sometime
in year 2018 at Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this
Honorable Court did fraudulently impersonate the identity of Mark Hagen
an American by sending his picture to Lynn Wri through the internet
which identity you claim to be your own with the intent to obtain money
from her, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)
(b) (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015
and punishable under section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the same Act".
Upon arraignment the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his pleas, the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed prayed
the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly. However,
the defence counsel, B.I Jaboro urged the court to temper justice with
mercy as the defendant is a first time offender who has become remorseful
for his actions.
Justice Obiozor convicted and sentenced the defendant to five years
imprisonment with the option of a fine of N500, 000 (Five Hundred
Thousand Naira).
In addition, the defendant shall forfeit his mobile phone to the Federal
Government of Nigeria. and undertake to be of good behavior afterwards.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-internet-fraudster-five-years-in-benin
*****************************************
14 FEB 2022
EFCC Arrests 26 Internet Fraud Suspects, including Self-style PA to Gov. in Ibadan
Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, February 11, 2022, arrested one
Babawale Daniel Olayinka, a self-style “Personal Assistant to the
Oyo State Governor on Media Matters”, and twenty five others at Soka
area of Ibadan, Oyo State, over alleged internet-related fraud activities.
The arrests followed verified intelligence on their cybercrime activities.
Twenty-five of the suspects have admitted involvement in internet fraud
activities.
The indicted suspects are: Wale Jegede, Adekunle Solomon, Babawale Daniel
Olayinka, Olanipekun Adams, Toheeb Admola, Olatunji Gbolahan, Oyowevotu
Moses, Olaide Ibrahim Opeyemi, Olamilekan Rilwan, Olamilekan Akinyemi,
Lekan Adenuga, Salami Segun, Lawal Samuel, Kolawole Fuad.
Others are: Olarenwaju Gbolahan, Makinde Olamiposi, Michael Timileyin,
Sheriff Ololade, Adewale Dayo, Ajobola Tajudeen, Kazeem Warrees, Obinna
Duru, Shotayo Sola, Mohammed Suleiman and Makinde Ajibola.
An identity card was recovered from Babawale Daniel Olayinka, one of
the 25 indicted internet fraud suspects, introducing him as a personal
assistant on media matters to the Oyo State governor, Oluseyi Abiodun
Makinde.
Items recovered from the suspects include seven exotic cars, several
laptops, mobile phones and incriminating documents.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.
The press release incldues a photo:
efcc-arrests-26-internet-fraud-suspects-including-self-style-pa-to-gov-in-ibadan
*********************************************
11 FEB 2022
EFCC Arrest Eight Internet Fraud Suspects in Ilorin
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has arrested eight (8) persons over their
alleged involvement in cyber-fraud, including cheating by
personation and love scam.
The suspects are Abdulrahman Ridwan, David Ayodeji, Gideon
Thomas, Yinus Muiz, Yinus Lateef, Jimoh Ahmed, Lawal Farouk
Opeyemi and Oladimeji Ridwan.
They were arrested in Basin and Asa-Dam areas of Ilorin,
the Kwara State Capital following credible intelligence
about their alleged criminal activities.
Items recovered from them include, exotic cars,mobile phones
and laptops.
They will be charged to court as soon as the investigation
is completed.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-arrest-eight-internet-fraud-suspects-in-ilorin
*****************************************
11 FEB 2022
Eleven Suspected Internet Fraudsters Arrested in Uyo
The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission EFCC, on Wednesday February 9, 2022 effected the
arrest of eleven suspected internet fraudsters in a sting
operation at different locations within Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects aged between 18 and 30 years are: Caleb Jackson,
Inemesit Sunday E., Oputu Samuel Belle aged 20 from Yala Local
Government Area of Cross River State and a Civil engineering
student of Uniuyo;
Chinonso Ozuruigbo, Onyemaechi Chisom, Nzeakor Uchenna, Umana
Israel Victor, Bassey Solomon
Utuk Patrick and Ekemini Akaninyene Effiong
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation
is concluded.
The press release includes a photo:
eleven-suspected-internet-fraudsters-arrested-in-uyo
*********************************************
11 FEB 2022
Five Internet Fraudsters Convicted in Ogun, Osun
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, February 10, 2022 secured five
convictions before Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal
High Court, Osogbo, Osun State and Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo
of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, Ogun State respectively,
for their involvement in internet fraud.
The convicts are: Sulaimon Ayub Damilare, Mujeeb Lawal Alabi,
Timilehin Paul Ogunleye, Osoko Adesola David and Akinwunmi Emmanuel.
They pleaded “guilty” to their separate charges.
Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel convicted and sentenced Osoko
Adesola David to five months imprisonment, Timilehin Paul Ogunleye,
four imprisonment while Akunwunmi Emmanuel bagged three months jail
term.
Similarly, Justice Oguntoyinbo convicted and sentenced Mujeeb
Lawal Alabi to three months imprisonment while Sulaimon Ayub
Damilare bagged four months.
The convicts are to restitute their victims and forfeit recovered
items to the Federal Government
five-internet-fraudsters-convicted-in-ogun-osun
******************************************
11 FEB 2022
EFCC Arrests 42 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Asaba
Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 42 suspected
internet fraudsters at various locations in Asaba, Delta State.
They were arrested on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, in a sting
operation.
The thirty-one( 31) of the suspects, comprising 29 men and 2 ladies,
are: James Nweze, Nmuokoro Tega, Eruteyan Benjamine, Nwaozor Chinedu,
Okwesa Solomon, Yusuf Michael, Ikhana Godswork, Benson David, Chidinma
Anthony, Jennifer Nkem, Okorie Temple, Paul Gabriel, Okafor Osita,
Vihishima Joseph and Desmond Osaigbovo.
Others are: Jude Ogougboh, Sylvester Nwabunwanne, Faith Samuel, Prince
Ohumhende, Osaretin Unity, Godstime Animan, Oluwaseun Orimoloye, Mathias
Ohashina, Precious Agolo, Okoronkwo Stanley, Benjamin Onyedika Victor,
Okonta Anthony, Omelebele Lucky, Okafor Victory, Osade Peter, Daniel
Chukwudi Mbaeme.
Their arrest followed series of intelligence reports linking them with
alleged fraudulent activities ranging from dating and celebrity scams
on numerous dating sites, bitcoin investment scam, cryptocurrency scam,
obtaining by false pretense and impersonation.
Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include: thirteen (13)
exotic cars, 59 phones of different brands; ten laptops, one Hisense
television and speakers; one iPad and 3 PlayStation.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.
The press release containa photo:
efcc-arrests-42-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-asaba
*****************************************
9 FEB 2022
Shun Cybercrime, EFCC Commander Tells Youth in Kaduna
The Commander of the Kaduna Zonal; Command of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Harry Erin has urged youths
to join the fight against economic and financial crimes.
The Commander who spoke through the Head of Bank Fraud, Mr. Effa
Imoh Okim at the launch of Intensive Financial and Anti- Cyber
Crime Campaign at Kaduna State University, KASU, on Wednesday,
February 9, 2022, noted that "success in the fight against Economic
and Financial Crimes including corruption can only be achieved when
all critical stakeholders especially the youths embrace the fight".
He said the future of Nigeria belongs to the youths and encouraged
them to help in securing the future of Nigeria.Also speaking, the
Head of Cyber Crime, Nuradeen Bello, advised the students to shun
cybercrimes as they stand the rsik of being caught and convicted.
If this happens, "your future will be destroyed, your name will be
on Internet forever, without any future politically or in the civil
service and no one will be willing to engage or be associated with
an ex-convict in anything".
He further encouraged them to concentrate on their studies so to
make a better future for themselves.
The press release contains a photo:
shun-cybercrime-efcc-commander-tells-youth-in-kaduna
******************************************
8 FEB 2022
Shun Cybercrimes, Embrace Hard Work, EFCC Commander Urges Youths
The Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
Lagos Zonal Command, Ahmed Ghali, has again urged Nigerian students
from selected schools across Lagos State to shun cyber crime, and
to embrace hard work as the only road to success in life.
He gave the charge in a lecture entitled "Risk and consequences of
Cyber crime (Yahoo Yahoo)" delivered at the Akinwunmi Youth Center,
Yaba, Lagos, on February 8, 2022, as part of the annual celebration
of the "Safer Internet Day".
Ghali who was represented by the Deputy Head, Cyber Crimes Section,
EFCC Lagos Command, Suleiman Jijiwa, described the event as an auspicious
one.
According to him, cybercrimes is not a way of life and cannot ensure
an enduring success. Hard work is the only route to sustainable successful
life.
Speaking further, he said, "this event is not only timely, but necessary,
considering the rise in the spate of cybercrime across the globe and
Nigeria in particular".
"In the year 2021 alone, there were cyber-attack incidents every 11
seconds; this rise is alarming and worrisome."
He noted that cybercrime in Nigeria was being perpetrated by youths
and students within the age bracket of 18-45.
Identifying the quest for money as the major driving force that lures
students into cybercrime, he warned them that the EFCC will continue
to trace, arrest and prosecute Internet fraudsters.
"Arrest and conviction will give the perpetrator a negative image within
the society and may result in withdrawal from school," he said.
The Safer Internet Day, is an initiative of the Joint INSAFE/INHOPE,
aimed at transforming the mindset of young individuals in order to
reduce cybercrime in the society.
The press release includes a photo:
shun-cybercrimes-embrace-hard-work-efcc-commander-urges-youths
********************************************
3 FEB 2022
Ex- Rector’s Son, Olaoye, Two Others Jailed for Cyber Fraud in Ilorin
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Thursday, February 3, 2022 secured the conviction of a certain Olaoye
Jamiu Olarewaju, son of a former Deputy Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Offa,
Kwara State, over offences bordering on cybercrime.
Olaoye was convicted alongside one Badmus Ridwan Moyosore, a native of Ibadan,
Oyo State and one Abdulsalam Ibrahim from Malete in Moro Local Government Area
of Kwara State, over similar offence by Justice Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara
State High Court sitting in Ilorin.
The trio of Olaoye, Badmus and Abdulsalam, who were prosecuted on separately
by the anti-graft agency pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
Following their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Rasheedat Alao called witnesses
who are operatives of the Commission to review the facts of the cases.
According to the witness who testified against Olaoye, the defendant fraudulently
defrauded one of his victims to the tune of $2,000 (Two Thousand United States
Dollars), while the testimony against Badmus revealed that the defendant swindled
his victim the sum of $200 (Two Hundred United States Dollars).
In the same vein, the testimony against Abdulsalam was to the effect that he
was involved in “sugar baby relationship scam” and that over N18million
suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities passed through his account.
The extra-judicial statements of the defendants, fraudulent documents printed
from their devices and items recovered from them at the point of arrest were
tendered and admitted in evidence.
Also, thereafter urged the court to convict the defendants as charged.
In her judgment, Justice Akinpelu held that the EFCC had established its cases
against the defendants. Consequently, the court pronounced the defendants guilty.
The judge sentenced Olaoye to a term of six months imprisonment with N150, 000.00
(One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) as option of fine. The court also ordered
that an iphone which he used to perpetrate the crime and the draft of N400,000.00
(Four Hundred Thousand Naira), which he raised as restitution be forfeited to the
Federal Government.
Similarly, Justice Akinpelu sentenced Badmus to six months imprisonment with
N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) as option of fine. Two phones and
a laptop used by the convict to perpetrate the crime were also forfeited
to the Federal Government.
Similarly, Justice Akinpelu sentenced Abdulsalam to six months imprisonment
with N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) as option of fine.
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of a Toyota Camry Car, two phones and
a laptop used by the convict as instrumentality of the crime to the Federal
Government
ex-rector-s-son-olaoye-two-others-jailed-for-cyber-fraud-in-ilorin
*****************************************
2 FEB 2022
Alleged $475,000 Fraud: Court Refuses Defendant's Bail Application
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja,
Lagos, on February 2, 2022, refused the bail application filed by one
Chinedu Omesu, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission,EFCC, for defrauding an aged Asian-American lady
of about $475,000.
Operatives of the EFCC had arrested him on April 21, 2021 at James
Court, Lekki, Lagos, following verified intelligence.
He was accused of posing as one Ryan Frederick, a 58-year-old United
States of America citizen on a mission in Syria, using the guise to
defraud his victims.
He was arraigned on August 6, 2021 on an 11-count charge bordering
on possession of documents containing false pretence, forgery of
documents, stealing, and obtaining under false pretence.
One of the charges reads: "Omesu Christian Chinedu, on or about the
31st day of March 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, and with intent to defraud, whilst holding yourself
out as Frederick Leo Ryan, a serving military operative of the United
States with Finnish descent, obtained the sum of $350,000 from one
Soon Kim, under the pretence that the cheque of one Frederick Leo
Ryan, in the same of $7,000,000 has been reviewed and confirmed by
Zenith Bank, which pretence you knew to be false."
He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges.
In moving the bail application for the defendant, the defence raised
issues of ill-health and that the defendant was also in the process
of a plea bargain with the prosecution.
However, the prosecuting counsel, Chineye Okezie, opposed the bail
application, noting that the terms of a plea bargain were far from
being fulfilled by the defendant, including the sale of a property
traced to the defendant believed to be part of the proceeds of the
crime.
Okezie further argued that there was really nothing before the Court
to support the claim of any serious ill-health that cannot be adequately
handled in custody.
"It's a known victim that is involved," Okezie added.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Taiwo noted the huge amount
involved in the alleged fraud, and further emphasized that though
the offences were bailable, the Court was inclined to uphold the
opposition of the prosecution.
Justice Taiwo held that: "I am inclined to decline bail until the
property is sold."
"Moreover, his sickness is not that serious."
"The defence counsel should accelerate the sale of the property
in order to facilitate the plea bargain agreement."
"There is no medical report before the Court to support the claim
that he is having a grave illness."
"Application is hereby refused and he is ordered to remain in prison
custody."
"The prison officials are hereby ordered to ensure that the defendant
receives proper medical attention."
The press release contains a photo:
alleged-475-000-fraud-court-refuses-defendant-s-bail-application
********************************************
2 FEB 2022
Four Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Lagos
The Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, secured the conviction and
sentencing of the quartet of Aregbesola Peters, Onah Paul, Jimoh
Olanrewaju and Ibrahim Olatunji for their involvement in internet
fraud.
The convicted internet fraudsters were arrested at the Lekki,
Surulere, Obalende and Ikotun areas of Lagos, respectively.
While Peters, who posed as an American woman to perpetrate dating
and romance scam, and Paul were arraigned before Justice Mojisola
Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, Olanrewaju
and Olatunji were arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the
Special Offences Court, Ikeja.
Peters, who was charged with an amended two-count charge bordering
on possession of false documents to perpetrate internet fraud, was
arrested on October 8, 2021 along with some others involved in
cybercrime, following actionable intelligence received by the Commission.
An iPhone 11 Pro Max was recovered from Peters, who admitted to have
benefitted $300.
Paul, who was arrested on August 2, 2021 on a one-count charge, was
accused of illegal online activities such as apartment scam.
Under interrogation, he admitted to have benefitted $5,000.
A gold iPhone was recovered from him.
Upon his arrest in October 2021, Olanrewaju, who posed as a white
woman based in Montreal, Canada,admitted to have benefitted $1,100
and was subsequently charged with one-count
Olatunji, who was arrested on March 9, 2021 alongside 27 suspected
internet fraudsters, was charged with three counts.
He was accused of scamming his victims online by posing as a sex
worker by the name Sonia.
Though he lives in Nigeria, he claimed to be based in Texas, United
States of America.
An iPhone X was recovered from him, from which incriminating documents
were printed out.
They all pleaded "guilty" to the charges; and also urged the Court,
through their lawyers, to temper justice with mercy.
Consequently, they were convicted accordingly by the Courts.
Peters and Paul were sentenced to one year imprisonment each.
Following their respective allocutus, Peters got an option of
N200,000 fine, while Paul got an option of N1million fine.
Both were ordered by Justice Dada to, upon their release, sign a
written undertaking with the EFCC to be of good behaviour and never
to engage in financial crime.
While Olanrewaju was sentenced to six months in prison with an
option of N200,000 fine, Olatunji also bagged six months with
an option of N250,000 fine.
Items recovered from them were ordered forfeited to the Federal
Government.
The press release contains a photo:
our-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-lagos
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2 FEB 2022
Court Jails Three for Internet Fraud in Makurdi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal
Command, has secured the conviction of Onah Michael Owoicho, Ochigbo
Monday Adakole and Ahmed Musa before Justice Abdu Dogo of the Federal
High Court, Makurdi, Benue State, on separate one-count charges of
criminal impersonation and obtaining money by false pretences.
Michael, allegedly obtained the aggregate sum of N35 million through
credit card fraud, while Monday, obtained N2.3million in Bitcoin fees
from members of a Gay Group through a Gay Website. He had represented
himself as a Gay "Sugar Daddy" on the platform and enticed members
to pay a Bitcoin fee of $254 to access the $5,000 which he will send
to them as allowance for a romp.
Ahmed was nabbed for alleged ATM fraud.
The offences contravene Section 33(1) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition,
Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same Act.
The charge against Onah Michael Owoicho reads, "That you Onah Michael
Owoicho "m" sometime in September, 2021 in Makurdi, Benue State, within
the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, fraudulently represented
yourself to be an Online Credit Card Business person and obtained
the aggregate sum of N35,082,668.87 (Thirty Five Million Eight Two
Thousand Six Hundred and Sixty Eight Naira Eighty Seven Kobo) as
financial gain and benefit to yourself which was paid into your crypto
currency wallet account and which you transferred to your GT Bank account
No. 0118182244 and UBA Bank account No. 2144289015, a representation
you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to
section 33(1) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act,
2015 and punishable under same section of the Act".
The defendants pleaded 'guilty' when the charges were read to them.
The prosecution counsel, M. Yusuf reviewed the facts of the cases
and urged the Court to convict the defendants.
In a separate judgment, Justice Dogo convicted and sentenced Owoicho
to one (1) year imprisonment with an option of fine of N3.5 Million.
His Lexus ES 350 car, Samsung Galaxy A51 and Techno T662 mobile phones
and monies in the two bank accounts used in committing the crime were
ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.
Adakole was sentenced to one (1) year imprisonment with an option of
fine of N1.5 Million. He was also ordered to forfeit a Toyota Camry
car 2009 model and monies in four bank accounts used in commuting
the crime, to the Federal Government.
Musa bagged Six month (6) imprisonment with an option of fine of
N250, 000.
The press release contains photos of two of the three 419ers:
court-jails-three-for-internet-fraud-in-makurdi
*****************************************
1 FEB 2022
Two Varsity Students Jailed for Cybercrime in Ilorin
Two students of the Kwara State University, KWASU, Malete, Animasahun
Rokeeb Mayowa and Lawal Alamin Tewogbola were on Tuesday, February 1,
2022 convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by Justice Adenike
Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin for offences bordering
on cyber-fraud.
The duo of Animasahun and Lawal, who are natives of Oyo and Offa in
Oyo and Kwara States, respectively were prosecuted on separate charge
by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC.
The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges against them.
Following their plea, counsel to the EFCC, Rasheedat Alao, through Salaudeen
Abdulrasaq and Kaludeen Yahaya, who are operatives of the Commission reviewed
the facts of the cases against Animasahun and Lawal.
The witnesses told the court how intelligence reports led to the arrest
of the defendants in Malete Area of Kwara State with several incriminating
documents. Several documents including their extra-judicial statements and
iPhones were tendered and admitted in evidence.
Alao thereafter urged the court to consider the plea of the defendants,
the extra-judicial statements, and exhibits tendered and convict them
as charged.
Justice Akinpelu in her judgment agreed that the prosecution had established
its case against each of the defendants. Consequently, he pronounced them
guilty.
The judge sentenced Animasahun to six months imprisonment with option of
fine of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira ). The court
ordered that a Toyota Camry Car 2007 model, which was recovered from him
at the point of arrest and the iPhone which he used to perpetrate the
crime be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Similarly, Justice Akinpelu sentenced Lawal to six months imprisonment
on each of the two counts against him, which would run concurrently with
option of N100,00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira ) fine on each count. The
court also ordered the forfeiture of the sum of $225 (Two Hundred and
Twenty Five Dollars), which he benefited from the crime and iPhone 6,
which was used as instrumentality for the crime, to the Federal Government.
The press release contains photos pf booth 419ers:
two-varsity-students-jailed-for-cybercrime-in-ilorin
*************************************
28 JAN 2022
Court Jails Two Internet Fraudsters in Lagos
The Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on January 28, 2022, secured the conviction and sentencing
of two internet fraudsters, Sunday Gbenga and Ayomikun Jide Maxwell,
for internet fraud before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special
Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.
Gbenga, who pleaded "guilty" to the amended one-count charge bordering
on the use of fraudulent documents to perpetrate internet fraud, was
among the suspected internet fraudsters arrested at the Conference Hotel,
Abeokuta, Ogun State at a purported Awards Night party on November 28,
2021, following intelligence report obtained by the EFCC.
Upon his arrest, an iPhone 13 mobile phone was recovered from him
and the fraudulent documents contained therein, which he used to
perpetrate internet fraud, were printed out.
Maxwell was arrested on August 12, 2021 at the Iju-Ishaga area of
Lagos State by operatives of the EFCC, following actionable intelligence
received by the Commission about the activities of suspected internet
fraudsters around the area.
Upon his arrest, an iPhone 6 was also recovered from him, from which
incriminating materials confirming his involvement in internet fraud
were printed out.
Specifically, he poses as a white female sex worker who charges $150
per hour and whose services can only be procured after paying 50 per
cent of the charges.
However, as soon as he receives the payment, he blocks the person,
thereby cutting off any further communication.
He was charged with an amended four-count charge, to which he pleaded
"guilty".
Subsequently, Justice Dada found them guilty as charged and sentenced
them to one year in prison.
They were both given an option of N250, 000 as fine.
In addition, they are all to sign a bond with the EFCC upon their release
to be of good behaviour and not to engage in any form of economic and
financial crime within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
The items recovered from them were also ordered forfeited to the Federal
Government.
court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos
*********************************************
27 JAN 2022
Three Bag Jail Terms For Internet Fraud In Lagos
The Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Thursday, January 27, 2022, secured the conviction and
sentencing of the trio of Raheem Sodiq Morenikeji, Adetunji Stephen
Ademola and Okpala Samuel for internet fraud before Justice S.O.
Solebo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.
The convicts were arrested sometime in May 2021 at the Sangotedo,
Alagbado and Meiran areas of Lagos State, respectively.
Raheem was charged with an amended count in which he was accused
of defrauding his victim through deception to the tune of $2,000
and another N54, 000 as a picker.
Under interrogation, he admitted to have purchased a Toyota Camry
2013 model in the name of his mother, which was recovered from him.
An iPhone 7x was also recovered from him.
On his part, Ademola who was also charged with an amended one-count
charge, following a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution, was
accused of posing online as "Tina Moore" and "Jessica", to defraud
his victims to the tune of $2,000.
Upon arrest, an iPhone 11 Pro Max was recovered from him.
Okpala, who also approached the EFCC for a plea bargain, was charged
with a one-count amended charge in which he was accused of posing on F
acebook as Jane Michelle Gregor living in Texas, through which he
professed love to one Roberto, who was actually living in Minnesota,
United States.
He lured Roberto into a romantic relationship and was able to receive
$600 from him purportedly for feeding and payment for school fees. An
iPhone 11 and bontel phone were recovered from him upon arrest.
They all “pleaded guilty” to the charges, and also pleaded with the
Court to temper justice with mercy.
Subsequently, Justice Solebo found the defendants guilty as charged
and sentenced them to one year in prison.
While Raheem was given an option of N500,000 fine, Ademola got N1million
option of fine, and Okpala was given an option of N400,000 fine.
In addition, they are all to sign a bond with the EFCC upon their
release to be of good behaviour and not to engage in any form of
economic and financial crime.
Raheem and Ademola were also ordered to serve 500 hours of community
service, while Okpala got 400 hours.
They were also ordered to forfeit to the Federal Government all the
items recovered from them.
three-bag-jail-terms-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos
****************************************
27 JAN 2022
EFCC Secures Conviction of Six Internet Fraudsters
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, secured the
conviction of six internet fraudsters on charges bordering on
fraudulent impersonation.
Five of the convicts - Ahmed Oguneye Abiona, Owoade Kehinde
Elijah, Oriade Sunday Oluwatobiloba, Usman Adams Shehu, and
Waris Adegoke Adeyemo - were prosecuted before Justice Nathaniel
Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Oshogbo, Osun State,
while David Fatunla Taiwo (aka Jeff Wood), was prosecuted before
Justice Babs Kuewunmi of the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti,
Ekiti State.
They pleaded guilty to their respective one-count charges and
were convicted accordingly.
Abiona, Adeyemo and Shehu bagged four months each, Owoade
three months, while Oriade was sentenced to five months
imprisonment. Taiwo was slammed with twenty months imprisonment.
The court also ordered the defendants to restitute their victims.
Oriade is to restitute his victim the sum of $590USD (Five Hundred
and Ninety United States Dollars). He was equally ordered to forfeit
an iPhone XR, one Samsung S5 mobile phone and one Acer Laptop to the
Federal Government of Nigeria, Ahmed is to restitute to one Michael
Johnson the sum of $500USD (Five Hundred United States Dollars)
and further forfeit the sum of Three Million, Thirteen Thousand,
Seven Naira, Thirty-nine kobo (N3, 013,007.39) found in his United
Bank of Africa Account, an iPhone 11 Pro Max mobile phone and one
Toyota Camry car to the Federal Government of Nigeria, being
proceeds of his crime.
Adeyemo was ordered to return the sum of $300USD (Three Hundred
United States Dollars) to one Peter Decker and forfeit one iPhone
11 Pro Max to Federal Government of Nigeria.
Shehu is to restitute his victim the sum of $400USD (Four Hundred
United States Dollars) and forfeit one Samsung Galaxy S8 to Federal
Government of Nigeria.
Owoade was ordered to restitute his victim the sum of $300USD
(Three Hundred United States Dollars) and forfeit an iPhone 6
mobile phone to Federal Government of Nigeria.
Taiwo was ordered to restitute his victim, one Joanne K. Thornhill,
the sum of £450(Four and Hundred and Fifty Pounds) through the
Federal government of Nigeria.
The press release includes photos of four of the six 419ers:
efcc-secures-conviction-of-six-internet-fraudsters
*************************************
26 JAN 2022
EFCC Arrests Suspected Internet Fraudster in Lagos
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested one Michael
Jackson for his alleged involvement in internet fraud.
He was arrested on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, following the
credible intelligence received by the Commission on the illegal
activities of some individuals allegedly involved in computer-
related fraud.
Jackson, who poses as Ella, a transgender woman, allegedly
defrauded unsuspecting victims of millions of Naira.
The suspect, who also claimed to be a Disc Jockey, DJ, had
in his possession fetish items, which he claimed was "for grace
and success."
Upon his arrest, one Toyota 4-runner, one Honda Accord, two
laptop computers, a MacBook and a mobile device were recovered
from him.
The suspect will be charged to court as soon as the investigation
is concluded.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-suspected-internet-fraudster-in-lagos
***************************************
26 JAN 2022
Absence of Defence Counsel Stalls Suspect's Arraignment
in Alleged €211, 000 Fraud
The arraignment of one Ifekwu Chukwuma Dominic by the Lagos Zonal
Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on
Wednesday, January 26, 2022, before Justice S.O. Solebo of the Special
Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on a five-count charge bordering
on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, obtaining by false
pretence, and possession of documents containing false pretence was
stalled due to the absence of the defence counsel.
One of the counts reads: "Ifekwu Chukwuma Dominic, aka John Alfred,
and Okechukwu, aka Connie Miller (at large), between 2014 and 2017,
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to
defraud,obtained the aggregate sum of 211,000 Euros from Imelda
Dorflinger under the false representation that you, Ifekwe Chukwuma
Dominic, had inherited gold from your father and needed the said
money to pay taxes in order to enable you to have access to the
gold, a representation you knew to be false."
Another count reads: "Ifekwu Chukwuma Dominic (aka John Alfred),
on or about 22nd June 2016, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court, and with intent to defraud, had in your possession a document
titled: "Cashier Cheque", where you falsely represented to Imelda
Dorflinger that you have been issued a cheque valued at $590,000.00
and which document you knew contained false information."
Though the prosecuting counsel, I.O. Daramola, and the defendant
were in court, the defence counsel was absent.
The case has been adjourned till May 10, 2022.
The press release includes a photo:
absence-of-defence-counsel-stalls-suspect-s-arraignment-in-alleged-211-000-fraud
********************************************
25 JAN 2022
Court Jails Internet Fraudster One Year in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, secured the
conviction and sentencing of one Dadeowo Hassan before Justice
O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in
Ikeja, Lagos on a two-count amended charge bordering on
possession of fraudulent documents used to perpetrate internet
fraud.
Count one reads: "Dadeowo Hassan, on or about the 4th day of
May, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court, with intent to defraud, had in your possession a document
titled MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR, which was printed out of
your email address rdhfdfgd21@gmail.com."
The second count reads: "Dadeowo Hassan, on or about the 4th
day of May 2021 in Lagos , within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, had in your possession
a document titled MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR, which was printed
from your Hewlett-Packard laptop from a website called UNICC, where
you purchased American Citizen social security number."
He pleaded "guilty" to the charges.
Following his plea, the prosecuting counsel, M.S. Owede, gave
a review of the facts of the case.
According to him, sometime in May 2021, the EFCC received intelligence
report on the activities of internet fraudsters operating at Victoria
Garden City, VGC, Lagos.
"Sequel to the intelligence, surveillance was carried out, and this
defendant was arrested, with his tools of trade: iPhone X, iPhone
12 Pro Max, a Nokia phone, and a Hewlett-Packard laptop," he said.
Owede further told the Court that investigation was extended to
his email address and documents evidencing false pretence were
discovered and printed out in his presence, which he also endorsed.
He, thereafter, tendered in evidence the statement made to the
EFCC in the course of the investigation, the bundle of documents
printed out from the defendant's email and a cheque of N500,000
issued by the defendant as part of a plea bargain agreement brought
before the Court, which was agreed to by both parties.
The documents were admitted in evidence against him and marked
Exhibits P1a, P1b, P1c, P1d, P2, P3, P4 and P5.
Justice Abike-Fadipe, thereafter, found him guilty as charged and
sentenced him to one year in prison, with an option of N1million
fine and 40 hours of community service.
He is to forfeit to the Federal Government the devices recovered
from him, including the N500,000 bank draft.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-internet-fraudster-one-year-in-lagos
******************************************
24 JAN 2022
Spare Parts Dealer, One Other Jailed for Cyber Fraud in Ilorin
Justice Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court sitting in
Ilorin on Monday, January 24, 2022 convicted an Ilorin-based spare
parts dealer, Tiamiyu Hammed and one Kamarudeen Olarewaju Ibrahim
for offences bordering on cybercrime and possession of fraudulent
funds.
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, arraigned the duo of Tiamiyu and Kamarudeen
on separate one and two-count charges, respectively before the
court.
Tiamiyu, 23, who claimed to be from Ogbomosho South-East Local
Government of Oyo State, allegedly disguised as one Sarah Ben,
a white female of Colorado, United States, to swindle one Todd
Byers of $600 vide gift cards in contravention of Section 321
of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 324 of the same
Penal Code.
On the other hand, the EFCC in one of the counts, accused Kamarudeen
of having under his control a sum of N679,450.00 (Six Hundred and
Seventy Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty Naira) unlawfully
obtained and paid into his account by one of the new generation
banks. The offence contravenes Section 319 (a) of the Penal Code
and punishable under same Section of the Penal Code.
The two defendants pleaded guilty to the charges against them.
Following their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Andrew Akoja, called
witnesses who are operatives of the Commission to review the facts
of each case.
The witnesses narrated how intelligence led to the arrest of the
defendants. They tendered documents and materials recovered from
the defendants during investigation as evidence.
Akoja, thereafter urged the court to convict the defendants as
charged based on their admittance of guilt and the overwhelming
evidence against them.
In her judgment, Justice Akinpelu said the court has carefully
considered the 'guilty plea' entered by the defendants, the
testimonies of the witnesses and the evidence tendered against
the defendants. Consequently, she pronounced the two defendants
guilty.
The court sentenced Tiamiyu to six months imprisonment with N150,000
(One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) as option of fine. The
Judge also ordered the forfeiture of iphone 11 which the convict used
as instrument to perpetrate the crime. He would also forfeit the sum
of $600 (Six Hundred Dollars) cash, which he brought as restitution
to the Federal Government.
Similarly, Justice Akinpelu sentenced Kamarudeen to six months
imprisonment on the two counts against him with option of fine
N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only) on each count. The judge
also ordered the forfeiture of iphone 11pro max and hp laptop, which
the convict allegedly used to perpetrate the crime. The convict
would also forfeit the draft of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand
Naira Only) to the Federal Government.
spare-parts-dealer-one-other-jailed-for-cyber-fraud-in-ilorin
*****************************************
21 JAN 2022
Court Jails Internet Fraudster One Year In Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Friday, January 21, 2022, secured the
conviction and sentencing of one Raji Olasunkanmi to one
year imprisonment for possession of fraudulent documents
used to perpetrate internet fraud before Justice Mojisola
Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.
Operatives of the Commission, acting on the intelligence,
had arrested him along with some other suspected internet
fraudsters on August 13, 2021 around the Iju-Ishaga area
of Lagos.
Following further investigation, he was brought to court
and charged with one-count amended charge bordering on
possession of fraudulent documents.
He pleaded "guilty" to the amended charge.
The prosecuting counsel, Ebareotu Pereagbe, thereafter,
informed the Court of a plea bargain agreement between the
prosecution and the defence, which was also before the Court.
"We urge the Court to adopt the same," he said, as he went
on to review the facts of the case.
According to him, an iPhone 8 was found on the defendant,
which upon analysis indicated that the defendant was engaged
in internet fraud.
"Upon interrogation, he admitted that he had benefitted the
sum of $1,300 from his victims," Pereagbe added.
Subsequently, he tendered as exhibits the defendant's statement
to the EFCC, the documents printed out of his device, and a manager's
cheque of N280, 000 issued by the defendant as part of the plea
bargain.
The documents were admitted by the Court as Exhibit P to P3.
Thereafter, defence counsel, Pentecost Chukwunalu, prayed the
Court to temper justice with mercy.
Consequently, Justice Dada pronounced him guilty as charged
and sentenced him to one year in prison.
He was, however, given an option of N1million fine.
The items recovered from him were ordered forfeited to the
Federal Government.
Upon release from prison, he is to sign a written undertaking
not to be involved in crime.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-internet-fraudster-one-year-in-lagos
******************************************
19 JAN 2022
EFCC Arrests 8 for Internet Fraud in Makurdi
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Command, have arrested 8 suspects for
alleged involvement in computer-related fraud.
The suspects are: Okoha Chinedu Charles, Chibuizor Philip
Nnake, Emmanuela Odeh Eneokpe, Ushir Terhile John, Okoro
Ossico Osaro, Ejiofor Chibuizor, Wandoo Juliet Baru and
Tarbee Destinies.
They were arrested on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 during
an operation by operatives of the Commission in Makurdi,
Benue State.
The suspects will be charged to Court as soon as investigations
are concluded.
The press release includes a photo:
efcc-arrests-8-for-internet-fraud-in-makurdi
*****************************************
19 JAN 2022
Court Convicts Two Fraudsters in Asaba
The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Monday January 17, 2022 secured the conviction
of two internet fraudsters before Justice F. O. Olubanjo of the
Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State.
The defendants, Okunrobo Smart and Osayi Casmir Osaruonameh were
arraigned on one count charge of impersonation and obtaining by
false pretence. The duo were said to have misrepresented their
identities to defraud unsuspecting foreign nationals.
The charge against Osaruonamen reads, "that you Osayi Casmir
Osaruonamen (m) sometime between January and 12th of September,
2021 at Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court with intent to defraud, sent electronic message
which materially misrepresented your identity to Thejasminecarter,
a lady in the United States of America upon which she relied and
suffered financial loss in the sum of $15,047 and thereby committed
an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 14(2) of the
Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015".
Upon arraignment the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, I. K. Agwai
prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
However, the defence counsel, Matthew Adebola however urged the
court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first
time offenders who have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Olubanjo convicted and sentenced the defendants to five
years imprisonment with option of a fine of N1 million each.
In addition, the defendants are to forfeit the balance in their
various bank accounts as well as their phones and an apple wrist
watch to the Federal Government of Nigeria. They are also to undertake
in writing to be of good behavior henceforth.
The press release contains photos of both 419ers:
court-convicts-two-fraudsters-in-asaba
*******************************************
15 JAN 2022
Court Jails Four for Cyber-fraud in Enugu
The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Friday January l4, 2022, secured the
conviction of four internet fraudsters also known as Yahoo
Boys before Justice F. O. Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal
High Court Enugu, Enugu State on charges bordering on forgery
and impersonation to defraud.
Three of the convicts are: Orji Okpara Chimaobi, Ngene Emmanuel
and Okechukwu Kelvin were sentenced to 2 years in prison with
option of fine of One Million Naira each, while Eneh Nelson
Chukwudire was sentenced to one year with option of One Million
Naira fine
The press release contains photos of all four 419ers:
court-jails-four-for-cyber-fraud-in-enugu
********************************************
13 JAN 2022
Fake Lawyer in EFCC Net For Forgery, Impersonation
Operatives of the Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, have arrested a fake lawyer, Adekola Adekeye, whose
stock-in-trade is forging documents to perpetrate fraud.
Adekeye’s travail began on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 when he came to
the Lagos Command of EFCC posing as a lawyer to secure the bail of a
suspected fraudster who is in the Commission's custody.
However, nemesis caught up with Adekeye, when investigators dug in
further to verify the documents he tendered to secure the bail of
the suspected fraudster.
A search at his residence further unearthed several forged documents
dating back to 2005, including forged Lagos State University and Kwara
State College of Education documents.
He also claimed to be the owner of "A.A. Emmanuel & Co. Chambers”,
which he had been using to perpetrate frauds until his arrest.
He will soon be arraigned in court.
Meanwhile, the Commission will continue to ensure that such impostors
using fake personalities and documents to procure the bail of suspects
are made to face the wrath of the Law.
The press release includes a photo:
fake-lawyer-in-efcc-net-for-forgery-impersonation
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12 JAN 2022
Five Convicted Fraudsters in Abeokuta to Return $4,641 to Victims
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Monday, January 10, 2022, secured the conviction of five fraudsters
who were ordered to return a total of $4,641 to their victims before Justice
Ayokunle Rotimi-Balogun of Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta.
The convicts are: Opeyemi Oluwaseun Ayede (a.k.a Mary Mark, Nicolete Shea),
Taiwo Adeniyi Onasanya (a.k.a Fred Howard),Winner Chuks Olubor(a.k.a Tracy
Richards), Sodiq Olamide Ganiu(a.k.a Rosemary) and Adebowale Taofeek Jimoh
(a.k.a Schulist Carleen).
They were convicted and sentenced to four months imprisonment each, for
the offence of obtaining money under false pretences, contrary to section
419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun State,2000.
The court also ordered the convicts to restitute their victims.
Ayede is to restitute the total sum of $1,000USD (One Thousand United States
Dollars) to his victim, Robert Smith through the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He equally forfeits one iPhone 12 Pro Max mobile phone and a Lexus RX350 to
Federal Government of Nigeria, being proceeds of crime.
Onasanya was ordered to restitute his victims – Hannah Pane, Mr. Roland and
Carolyn Donna the sum of $2,000USD(Two Thousand United States Dollars) and
forfeit one iPhone XR and a Toyota Corolla 2012 model salon car to the Federal
Government of Nigeria.
Similarly, Olubor is to restitute his victim the sums of $591USD (Five Hundred
and Ninety One United States Dollars) He was equally ordered to forfeit to the
Federal Government of Nigeria, one Iphone 11 Pro Max and one Black Wrist iwatch
series 3.
Ganiu is to pay the sum of $50USD (Fifty United States Dollars) to his victims,
while Adebowale will return the sum of $1,000USD (One Thousand United States
Dollars) to his victims-Donnie Wortham and Ossie Savaria.
The press release includes photos of all 5 419ers:
five-convicted-fraudsters-in-abeokuta-to-return-4-641-to-victims
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10 JAN 2022
Court Adjourns Suspected Internet Fraudster’s Trial Till March 14
Justice S.O. Solebo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja,
Lagos, on Monday, January 10, 2022, adjourned till March 14, 2022
for adoption of written addresses in the case involving one Alogba
Afeez Olaoluwa.
Olaoluwa, who is being prosecuted by the Lagos Command of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was arraigned on a one-count
charge bordering on internet fraud and possession of fraudulent documents
on March 23, 2020 to which he pleaded "not guilty".
The charge reads: "That you, Alogba Afeez Olaoluwa, sometime in 2016
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly had in your
possession documents containing false pretence to wit: email conversation,
wherein you held yourself out as Robbie Courtney." At today's proceeding,
Olaoluwa took to the dock to defend himself.
Led in evidence by his counsel, Daniel Yeri, he claimed that he was
coerced into giving the statement he volunteered during interrogation
by operatives of the EFCC.
"After the statement, I was charged to court and I pleaded not guilty
to clear my name," he said.
Under cross-examination by the prosecuting counsel, A.O. Mohammed, the
defendant admitted that he was arrested on March 7, 2020 and that he gave
his statement on March 8, 2020.
Mohammed confronted him with Exhibit A, his statement to the EFCC, and
Exhibit B, the documents printed out from his email.
During the cross-examination, he also admitted to having pretended to be
a female by the name Robbie Courtney, which he also admitted to in his
statement to the EFCC.
The case was, thereafter, adjourned till March 14, 2022 for adoption
of written addresses.
court-adjourns-suspected-internet-fraudster-s-trial-till-march-14
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10 JAN 2022
EFCC Recovers N152Bn, $386m in 2021
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in continuation
of the review of its operational activities for 2021 has disclosed
that it recovered the aggregate sum of N152, 088,698,751.64, (One
Hundred and Fifty-two Billion, Eighty-eight Million, Six Hundred
and Ninety-eight Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty-one Naira,
Sixty-four Kobo), $386,220,202.84 ( Three Hundred and Eighty-six
Million, Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand, Two Hundred and Two Dollar,
Eighty-four Cent), £1, 182,519.75 ( One Million, One Hundred and
Eighty-two Thousand, Five Hundred and Nineteen Pounds, €156,246.76(
One Hundred and Fifty-six Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-six Euro),
1,723,310.00 Saudi Riyal, 1,900.00 South African Rand, and 1, 400.00
Canadian Dollar between January and December 2021.
The recovery basket also included a digital currency component with
5, 36957319 Bitcoin and 0.09012 Ethereum.
Headquarters Operation dominated the recoveries with N67, 249, 744, 994.89,
$375,662,223.59 and £1,151,539.75. It is closely followed by the Lagos
Command which led the Naira recoveries with N70, 315,611,260.52, $9,286,497.83
and £21,500.00.
The Kaduna Zonal Command emerged third in terms of Naira recoveries with
a total sum of N3, 339,405,723.93 while the Ibadan Zonal Command took the
same position in terms of Dollar recoveries to the tune of $387,385.00.
Giving an overview of the performance, the Executive Chairman of the
Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, explained that the monies included direct
and indirect recoveries for the different tiers of government (Federal,
State and Local Governments), corporate organizations and individuals (
victims of crime) within the year under review.
He commended the personnel of the Commission for the performance while
urging them to redouble their efforts to ensure that perpetrators of
economic and financial crimes are denied the benefit of the proceeds
of crime.
efcc-recovers-n152bn-386m-in-2021
419 Coalition comment: We'd like to know specifically how much was
recovered from Advance Fee Fraud (419) criminals, and, of that amount,
specifically how much has been verifiably repatriated and paid out to
419 victims. One would think that EFCC would surely be glad to report
those figures, after all.
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6 JAN 2022
EFCC Secures 2,220 Convictions in 2021
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, secured a total
of 2220 (Two Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty) convictions across all
its Commands in 2021. The figure which emerged from a review of the
Commission's performance in the outgone year, shows that the Lagos
Command of the Agency recorded the most convictions-481, closely
followed by the Ibadan Command with 324 convictions, while the Port
Harcourt Zonal Command had 230 convictions.
The conviction secured by the Commission in 2021 is the highest by
the EFCC Since inception. Before 2021, the highest record of conviction
by the Commission was secured in 2019 with 1280 convictions. The 2220
record of 2021 is a 127.5 % improvement over the 2019 record.
Interestingly too, the 2220 record represents a 98.49% success rate i
n prosecution as the Commission lost only 34 cases during this period.
Commenting on the performance, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC,
Abdulrasheed Bawa, commended the personnel of the Commission for their
industry and dedication despite the challenges of criminal prosecution
in court. He assured that the EFCC will continue to motivate all categories
of staff for greater efficiency through capacity development and other
incentives.
efcc-secures-2-220-convictions-in-2021
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