21 APR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS SIX SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN KADUNA
Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday,April 21, 2024 arrested six
suspected internet fraudsters in Kaduna State.
The alleged fraudsters were arrested at Bafra Hotel, Alkali Road,
Kaduna, following actionable intelligence about their suspected
involvement in internet-related offences.
Items recovered from them include six mobile phones and incriminating
documents.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-six-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna
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20 APR 2024
INTERNET FRAUD ACADEMY PROPRIETOR BAGS 10 YEARS JAIL TERM
The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of the proprietor of Uyo
Cybercrime Training Centre, Ikemesit Edet ((a.k.a Hustle Kingdom HK).
He was jailed on Wednesday April 17, 2024 after pleading guilty to
two-count charges bordering on impersonation, love scam, hacking/editing
of social media accounts and private criminal tutoring, upon his arraignment
by the Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC.
Count one reads: That you IKEMESIT EDET IK sometime in January, 2024 in
Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, being the occupier
and a person concerned with the management of the premises situates and lying
at No. 57 D-Line, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, did knowingly
permit the use of the entire aforesaid premises as a CYBERCRIME ACADEMY,
also known as Hustle Kingdom (HK) where you recruited ten (10) young Nigerians
between ages 16-25 and taught them cybercrime techniques for perpetrating cyber
crimes to wit: hacking, impersonation, and obtaining money by false pretence
Advance Fee Fraud) and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 3 of
the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable
under Section 3 of the same Act.
Count two reads: That you IKEMESIT EDET IK between May 2020 and December
2023 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did take
possession total sum of Fifteen Million Naira Only (-N=15,000,000.00) which
you knew forms proceed of an unlawful act to wit: Cybercrime and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)\d) of the Money laundering
(Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.
Edet pleaded guilty to both charges preferred against him by the Commission,
prompting prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin to pray the court to convict
and sentence him accordingly. He also prayed that the court ordered the forfeiture
of all exhibits recovered from him at the point of arrest. However, defence
counsel Francis Ezike prayed the court to be lenient in sentencing the defendant.
After listening to both counsels, Justice Ojukwu convicted Edet and sentenced
him to five years jail term on each count, with an option of fine of N2,000,000
(Two Million Naira) on each count.
The court also ordered that all recovered exhibits from the convict be forfeited
to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The exhibits include: 13 laptops, a gold-
coloured Toyota Corolla, a Lexus Jeep RX 300 and about 3,080.25 square metres
of land located at Ibiaku Obio Ndobo Village, Uruan Local Government Area of
Akwa Ibom State.
Edet's journey to the Correctional Centre commenced on January 22, 2024, when
investigators from the EFCC’s office in Uyo acted on intelligence and arrested
10 suspects at his Cybercrimes Training Centre at D-Line Ewet Housing Estate,
Uyo. All the suspects have been charged to court and convicted.
In a related development, the same court convicted and sentenced one Michael
Melvin Onyekachi (alias 'Raisa Pedroso') for being in possession of fraudulent
documents. He pleaded 'guilty' to the one- count charge preferred against him,
and was immediately convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment with
an option of fine of N50, 000.00( Fifty Thousand Naira).
The lone-count charge reads: That you Michael Melvin Oyedikachi sometime in
Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court fraudulently presented
yourself as Raise Pedroso on Facebook social media platform with intent to gain
advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)
(b)(I) of the Cyber crimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act 2015 and punishable under
Section 22(2)(b(iv) of the same Act.
He bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested for internet-related fraud. He
was charged to court and convicted.
The press release contains photos of the 419ers:
internet-fraud-academy-proprietor-bags-10-years-jail-term
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20 APR 2024
COURT JAILS 20 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BENIN CITY
The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday and Thursday April 17 & 18,
2024 secured the conviction and sentence of 20 internet
fraudsters before Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli
of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.
The convicts are: Blessing Daniel, Kingsley Okoroafor, Amos
Ohwofa, Eromosele Victory, Oba Nicholas Destiny, Lucky Osaro,
Edema Emmanuel John, Obazee Precious, Akinyemi Seun, Ufumwen
Victor, Enoch Ehigiator, Adurotimi Olakunle Justin, Oserei
Clinton and Oserei Abraham.
Others are Obazee Gabriel, Richard Godfrey Obazee, Ricard Israel,
Paul O. Endurance, Destiny Ajimi and Ejiwe Blessing Julius.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate
charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of
fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command
of the EFCC.
The charge against Ajimi reads:
That you Destiny Ajimi (M) on or about 4th April, 2024 in Benin City,
Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did have
in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known
contain a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary
to Section 6 read together with 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and
Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section
1(3) of the same Act.”
The charge against Julius reads: “That you Ejiwe Blessing Julius(M)
on or about 4th April, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the
jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did have in your possession
documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false
pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6
read together with 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud
Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of
the same Act”.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when
they were read to them in court, prompting the prosecution counsel,
F. A. Jirbo. I.K Agwai and K.Y. Bello, to pray the court to convict
and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants
pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as they have
become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Ikponmwonba on April 17, sentenced the trio of Ohwofa,
Daniel and Julius to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000
( One Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Akinyemi Seun bagged two
years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000. Justice Ituseli convicted
the trio of Eromosele Victory, Obi Nicholas Destiny and Lucky Osaro
to two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each while Kingsley
Okarafor, Destiny Ajimi and Edema Emmanuel John bagged three years
imprisonment or a fine of N100,000.
On Thursday April 18, Justice Ikponmwonba convicted 10 of the defendants
- Precious, Victor, Ehigiator, Justin, Clinton, Abraham, Gabriel,
Obazee, Israel and Endurance to three years imprisonment or a fine of
N100,000 each.
The judges ordered the convicts to forfeit their phones, laptops,
balances in their various bank accounts and three vehicles - Mercedes
-Benz, Lexus and a Toyota Camry being instruments and proceeds of crime
to the Federal Government of Nigeria. All the convicts are to undertake
in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.
The convicts’ road to the prison began following their arrest by
operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on
actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in computer-
related fraud.
The press release contains photos of the 419ers:
court-jails-20-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
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19 APR 2024
TWO INTERNET FRAUDSTERS BAG JAIL TERMS IN ABUJA
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abuja Zonal
Command on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 secured the conviction and
sentence of two internet fraudsters: Okonofi Paul and Ogumbe Elvis
ogor before Justice I. Mohammed of the Federal Capital Territory,
FCT, High Court sitting in Gwagwalada.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges
bordering on internet fraud.
Paul’s charge reads, “that you Okonofi Paul sometimes in 2024 within
the jurisdiction of this Honourable court committed the offence of
cheating by personation when you pretended to be one Keanu Reeves a
citizen of the United States of America and a Hollywood actor via
Instagram social media account and as a result obtained the sum of
$1500 (One Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars) from unsuspecting
victims and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 and
punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation,
2004”.
Wogor’s charge reads, ‘that you Ogumbe Elvis Wogor sometimes in 2023
in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court cheated by
personation when you created a Facebook account with the profile name,
Sandra Bullock and presented yourself as a United States of American
based actress and under the assumed character obtained the sum of Two
Hundred Dollars ($200) from Mr. Ratus Tucker a citizen of the United
States of America, under the pretence that you are in a romantic
relationship with him, a fact you knew to be false and you thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of Penal Code, Laws of
the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja)1990 and punishable under the same
Law”.
They both pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
Defense counsel, G.I Eneche prayed the court to temper justice with
mercy as the convicts were first time offenders and pleaded guilty and
did not waste the resources of the court. He also prayed the court to
release Paul’s Lexus ES 350 car which was earlier seized at the point
of arrest but not included in the reported items seized, saying it was
not a proceed of crime.
Following this, Justice Mohammed sentenced Paul to one and a half years
imprisonment with an option of fine of N150,000( One Hundred and Fifty
Thousand Naira). His iPhone 12 and MacBook Pro 2022 were forfeited to
the Federal Government.
Wogor, on the other hand, was sentenced to six months imprisonment with
an option of fine of N80,000 (Eighty Thousand Naira) while his iPhone 12
was forfeited to the Federal Government. Justice Mohammed further ruled
that the Lexus car be returned back to Paul.
The two convicts started their journey to the Correctional centre when
they were arrested for internet-related offences. They were charged to
court and convicted.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er
two-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-abuja
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15 APR 2024
COURT JAILS THREE INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN ILORIN
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting
in Ilorin on Monday, April 15, 2024 convicted and sentenced three
internet fraudsters, Qudus Temitope Ismail, Kolade Adetola Toheeb
and Abdulmalik Timileyin Khalid to various jail terms.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges
bordering on internet fraud.
The charge against Toheeb reads:
“That you, Akolade Adetola Toheeb sometime in July, 2023 in Ilorin,
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did cheat by personation
when you pretended to be one Throndsen Waylen, a football match forecaster
with phone number +23481260084504 with which you created a telegram account,
and you fraudulently deceived one Jake Cooper to send $200.00 (Two Hundred
Dollars) through paypal to you, and you thereby committed an offence contrary
to Section 321 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 324 of the same
Penal Code”.
They all pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them.
Upon their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Mustapha Kaigama reviewed the facts
of the case and tendered the statements of the defendants. He also tendered
in evidence items recovered from them at the point of arrest.
Justice Abdulgafar , thereafter, passed six months’ suspended sentence on
each of the defendants and ordered that phones, laptops and the sum of €100
(One Hundred Euro) and $200USD (Two Hundred Dollars) recovered Akolade be
forfeited to the Federal Government.
The convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives
of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet-related offences. They
were charged to court and convicted.
The press release contains a photo of each of the 419ers:
court-jails-three-internet-fraudsters-in-ilorin
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15 APR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTER IN PORT HARCOURT
Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a suspected internet
fraudster, Ali Desmond Chinedum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He was arrested following credible intelligence on his suspected
involvement in internet-related offences.
Items recovered from him include, one iPhone 11 Pro Max, One Redmi
12 android mobile device, two United States Navy identity cards
with number: 100040041245 and 100010041159, one Mercedez Benz GLK
and one HP Laptop computer device and charms.
He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-suspected-internet-fraudster-in-port-harcourt
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10 APR 2024
From the United States Attorney's Office, Western District
of Michigan:
Two Nigerian Defendants Plead Guilty to Sextortion
Nigerian court orders third defendant extradited to the United States;
decision pending appeal
MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan
Mark Totten today announced that Samuel Ogoshi, 22, and Samson Ogoshi, 20,
of Lagos, Nigeria, each pleaded guilty to conspiring to sexually exploit
teenage boys in the Western District of Michigan and across the United
States. The offense of conspiracy to sexually exploit minors requires
a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison; the maximum possible
penalty is 30 years.
“Today’s guilty pleas represent an extraordinary success in the prosecution
of international sextortion,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “These convictions
will send a message to criminals in Nigeria and every corner of the globe: working
with our partners both here and overseas, we can find you and we can bring you to
justice.” He continued: “I hope these guilty pleas also bring a small measure of
relief to the family of Jordan DeMay, who died as a result of this crime. Of course,
the job is not done. The Ogoshi brothers await sentencing later this year, and we
are still pursuing the extradition of the third defendant, Ezekiel Robert.”
The plea agreement describes the integrated roles played by Samuel and Samson
Ogoshi in creating fake accounts, luring, and extorting victims. As part of
their pleas, the Ogoshi brothers also agree to cooperate in the prosecution
of others. The charges against Ezekiel Robert are still pending.
On August 13, 2023, Nigeria extradited the Ogoshis to the United States to face
prosecution after a grand jury indicted the brothers in November 2022 for sexual
extortion. On March 21, 2024, a Nigerian court ordered the third defendant,
Ezekiel Robert, to be extradited to the United States. He has appealed that
decision and the matter is before the Nigerian High Court.
“Financial sextortion is a rising and very serious threat targeting our minors
nationwide and this case shook the very core of our Michigan community,” said
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “We encourage
the public to have open and honest conversations with their loved ones surrounding
sextortion and to take heed of the warning signs. If you believe you or someone
you know has become a victim of this crime, please contact the FBI by calling
1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting a tip at tips.fbi.gov.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Mekaru and
Davin Reust, and investigated by the FBI, the Marquette Sheriff’s Department,
and the Michigan State Police Cybercrimes Unit in Marquette with the cooperation
and assistance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria. The
U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department
of State, and the Nigerian Attorney General’s Office – Ministry of Justice provided
critical assistance securing the arrest and extradition of the defendants.
The charges in the indictment against Ezekiel Robert remain pending and are merely
accusations, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt in a court of law.
For more information, below are the previous press releases, indictment, and
plea agreements.
Ogoshi Brothers Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment
Two Nigerian Men Extradited to The United States After Being
Indicted for International Sexual Extortion Ring
Three Nigerian Men Awaiting Extradition for Committing Sexual Extortion
Indictment
Plea Agreement for Samuel Ogoshi (attached)
Plea Agreement for Samson Ogoshi (attached)
2024_0410_Ogoshi_Plea
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9 APR 2024
TWO INTERNET FRAUDSTERS BAG JAIL TERMS IN KADUNA
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of two internet fraudsters
before Justice Balarabe Buhari of the Kaduna State High Court sitting
in Kaduna.
They were jailed on Wednesday April 3, 2024 on one- count separate
charges bordering on cybercrimes.
The convicts are Aaron Barnabas (a.k.a Helena Antonio) and Bosan Godwin
Yacham(a.k.a Will Parfitt).
The one -count charge for Barnabas reads:" Aaron Barnabas (a.k.a Helena
Antonio) Sometimes in October, 2023 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court, impersonated one Helena Antonio on Facebook,
obtained the sum of $200 (Two Hundred United States of America Dollars)
from Mauro Nunes and unsuspecting persons, and you thereby committed
cheating by impersonation, an offence contrary to Section 308 of the
Penal Code Law, 2017 of Kaduna State and punishable under Section 309
of the same Law."
The charge for Yacham reads; “Bosan Godwin Yacham (a.k.a Linnette Pickard)
Male, sometimes in November, 2023 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, impersonated one Will Parfitt from Australia on Facebook,
obtained the sum of $100 (One Hundred United States of America Dollars) from
Elizabeth Fier and unsuspecting persons, and you thereby committed cheating
by impersonation, an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Penal Code Law,
2017 of Kaduna State and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law."
They all pleaded guilty to their one- count charges respectively when they
were read to them, prompting the prosecuting counsel, Y.J Matiyak to pray
the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justice Buhari consequently convicted and sentenced them to two years
imprisonment each or pay a fine of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty
Thousand Naira )each. They also forfeited their phones used to commit
the offences to the government. While Barnabas restituted the sum of $200
(Two Hundred United States of America Dollar), Yacham restituted $100
(One Hundred United States America Dollars) to the government.
The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were
arrested at Keffi, Nasarawa state following a sting operation conducted
by Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command working on intelligence.
Investigations showed that they fraudulently assumed identities of
foreigners to create fictitious social media accounts to defraud
unsuspecting victims of their hard- earned money.
two-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-kaduna
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8 APR 2024
OLUKOYEDE TASKS NACOED STUDENTS ON CORRUPTION,
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on Nigerian students to shun computer-related
fraud and other criminal tendencies and imbibe desirable attitudes necessary
for national development.
He gave the charge on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 in a lecture entitled, “Impact
of Cybercrime on Nigeria Economy: Tertiary Education in Perspective” delivered
during the matriculation ceremony and orientation programme for Degree and NCE
students for 2023/2024 academic session of the Nigerian, Army College of Education,
NACOED, Sobi, Ilorin.
The EFCC boss, who spoke through the Head of Public Affairs Department of the
Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, Ayodele Babatunde expressed worry over the
alarming rate of students’ involvement in cybercrime and other social vices,
pointed out that the country could only realise its full potentials when youths
imbibe the culture of excellence and shun all forms of criminalities.
He acknowledged that Nigerian youths are blessed with great potential, and
challenged them to deploy them into good uses. He added that cybercrime should
not be seen as a way of life, noting that “ostentatious and flamboyant lifestyle
without corresponding hard work is perilous.”
“It is very unfortunate that young people these days have chosen to follow the
fast lane, forgetting that speeding in the wrong direction leads to problems.
Imagine young people , including teenagers going into cybercrimes and even rituals.
I want to encourage you not to be discouraged. Always remember that evil can never
win over good and that every action has a reward”, Olukoyede said.
Speaking on the impact of cybercrime, the EFCC Chair said that a society where
cybercrime and corruption is allowed to thrive, would among other things suffer
underdevelopment, poor education, public and private dysfunctionality, poor
infrastructural development and security crisis which included but not limited
to banditry, kidnapping, killing for rituals, cultism and terrorism financing.
Enumerating some of the efforts of the EFCC in tackling cybercrime among the
youths, Olukoyede said that the Commission recently convoked a meeting of heads
of tertiary institutions and faith-based organisations in Abuja to deliberate on
ways to curb the menace of cybercrime on campuses. He added that resolutions at
the meeting had already started yielding results.
He urged the students to take advantage of the EFCC’s Integrity Clubs and Zero
Tolerance Club in our secondary and tertiary institutions to enlist as anti-
corruption foot soldiers of the Commission.
The anti-graft czar, while congratulating the matriculants, enjoined them to
be above board in character and learning and be good ambassadors of their home,
school and country at large. He also urged members of the public to always secure
their phone and devices by using strong passwords and avoid sharing personal details
and sensitive information such as PIN, BVN or card details with people on social
media in order not to fall victim to hackers.
In his closing remarks, the Provost of the NACOED, Major General Umar Babangida
commended the EFCC for the presentation which he described as “rich and resourceful”,
pledging the readiness of the College to collaborate with the EFCC in its efforts
to rid the country’s campuses of cybercrime. He also promised to work closely with
the EFCC to ensure the establishment of the Zero Tolerance Club in the college and
ensure its functionality.
The press release contains photos:
olukoyede-tasks-nacoed-students-on-corruption-national-development
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8 APR 2024
SHUN CYBER CRIME, EFCC CHAIRMAN WARNS YOUTHS
The Executive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has called on youths to shun cybercrime and
other forms of criminality.
The EFCC chairman made this call in Benin-City, Edo State while
speaking on a programme 'Youth Empowerment Against Cybercrime"
organised by Cybersecurity Education Initiatives ,CYSED, a non-
profit organisation dedicated to cybercrime prevention.
The EFCC boss who was represented by Williams Oseghale, Head,
Public Affairs Department, Benin Zonal Command warned the youths
to stay away from cybercrime as the consequences were grave. He
stated that the laws empower the Commission to arrest and prosecute
anyone found culpable. "Don't be tempted or lured by the ostentatious
lifestyle of other youths because the Commission will continue to
arrest and prosecute anyone that is involved. In the last few years,
the Commission has secured thousands of convictions of persons
involved in cybercrime, many have been stripped of their illegally
acquired properties. So they have ended in shame. There is no escape
route for those involved in cybercrime," he said.
He stated that there was no shortcut to wealth and urged the youths
to use the internet to innovate and create positive economic growth.
"The internet does not necessarily have to be an avenue to impersonate,
manipulate and fabricate lies to defraud others. Let the youths begin
to use the internet for socially desirable things like offering digital
solutions to the needs of industries, homes, governments and other
engagement of life."
Moses Joshua, Executive Director, CYSED, said the essence of the
programme was to build mental strength in youths to resist cybercrime
and other Serious Organised Crime SOC. "It is to enhance knowledge
nd awareness about the adverse effects of SOC and establish a sustainable
impact through virtual space. We expect to see increased positive behavioural
change in target beneficiaries and a reduction in SOC activities within
the community," he said.
The press release contains a photo:
shun-cyber-crime-efcc-chairman-warns-youths
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4 APR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 39 FOR SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUD
IN BENIN CITY
Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, April 4, 2024 arrested 39 suspected
internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City.
The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on their
suspected involvement in computer -related fraud.
Items recovered from them include eight exotic cars - three Mercedes-Benz
GLK, one Mercedes Benz C300 4 Matic, two Lexus ES350, Toyota Venza and
Toyota Camry cars. Others are laptops and phones
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are
concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-39-for-suspected-internet-fraud-in-benin-city
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30 MAR 2024
COURT SENDS INTERNET FRAUDSTER TO JAIL IN ILORIN
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting
in Ilorin on Monday, March 25, 2024 convicted and sentenced Usman
Harun to six months imprisonment for internet fraud.
He was jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge
bordering on obtaining under false pretences.
The charge reads:
“That you, Usman Harun sometime in February 2024 in Malete, Kwara
State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly
had under your control the sum of fifteen thousand naira (N15,000) in
your account number 000380275 domiciled in Jaiz Bank Plc, which you
knew to be unlawfully obtained and thereby committed an offence contrary
to and punishable Section 319 of the Penal Code”
The defendant pleaded guilty when the charge was read to him.
Upon his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Charles Oni reviewed the facts
of the case and tendered the statements of the defendant. He also
tendered in evidence items recovered from him at the point of arrest.
Justice Abdulgafar thereafter convicted and sentenced the Harun to
six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred
Thousand Naira Only) and ordered that the phone used to perpetrate the
crime and money which the convict benefited from the crime be forfeited
to the Federal Government.
Harun bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested by operatives of the
Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet fraud. He was charged to
court and convicted.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-sends-internet-fraudster-to-jail-in-ilorin
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30 MAR 2024
KANO, KADUNA COURTS JAIL 42 FRAUDSTERS FOR INTERNET FRAUD
AND CHEATING
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of 42 fraudsters before
Justices A.M Liman, M.N Yunusa, Darius Khobo, A.A Bello and A.A Isiaka.
32 of the convicts were jailed by Justices Liman and Yunusa of the Federal
High Court, sitting in Kano while the remaining 10 were jailed by Justices
Khobo, Bello and Isiaka in Kaduna.
They were all jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges
preferred against them by the EFCC.
The 32 convicts jailed in Kano are: Happy Mahmud, Ahmed Musa, Godwil Adams,
Kigbu Agyivye Samuel, Walter Moses Afamefuna, Mustapha Aliyu, Hope Ezekiel,
Ogbonna Emmanuel, Adamu Ali, Abdullahi Usman Abdullahi, Ibrahim Mohammed
Neziru, Favour Pius, Timothy Danjuma, Adejare Abdulfahad, Isah Labaran,
Ani Godswill, Adamu Muhammad, Muhammed Zafir Agede, Adidas Oyiwoza Junior,
Victor Adaji and Matthew Etta.
Others are: Blessed Oyewole, Joshua Victor, Egbodo Mathew, Oladipupo David,
Omotosho Owolabi, Shehu Salisu, Ezeugwu Kingsley, Ambrose Favour Okwose,
Moses Danladi, Henry Chimnemelum Akaenyi and Elijah Philemon.
The remaining 10 fraudsters jailed in Kaduna are: Japhet Sunday ( a.k.a Nicolas
Galitzine), Precious Audu, Oche Emmanuel ( a.k.a Allegra Liliane), Good News
Ezekiel ( a.k.a Jessica Allen), Gabriel Lious ( a.k.a Jonny Depp), Adedigba
Jamiu Adeniyi ( a.k.a Jiggy Jay), Joel Moses ( a.k.a Vin Diesel), Tizhe Zinas
Japhet ( a.k.a Richard Miller and a.k.a Arthur Van Gulik) and Fu'ad Oreoluwa
Abdulsalam ( a.k.a Crack Thompson) and Suleiman Dada.
The charge against Philemon reads: “That you Elajikun Philemon (a.k.a Maria)
sometimes in 2024 at Keffi, Nassarawa State within the jurisdiction of this
honourable court, with intent to defraud, retained the total sum of $45
(Forty-five US Dollars) from one Mrs. Anna, which you knew that such fund
forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition)
Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”
The charge against Mahmud reads: “That you Happy Mahmud (a.k.a Lucas Patrick)
sometimes in February, 2024 in Keffi, Nassarwa state within the jurisdiction
of this honourable court, with intent to defraud impersonated one Lucas Patrick
via 'Facebook' chat(an online social media application) which pretence you knew
to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(i)
of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc)Act, 2015.”
Following their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Matiyak.Y. John and K.S
Ogunlade prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justices Liman and Yunusa thereafter convicted and sentenced 10 of the convicts
to two years imprisonment each or a fine of N50, 000.00 ( Fifty Thousand Naira)
each. Fifteen were convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment with an
option of fine of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand naira). Six of the convicts
were sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option of fine of N100,000.00
(One Hundred Thousand naira), while only Muhammed Zafir Agede was sentenced to
three years imprisonment with an option of fine of N150,000.00 (One Hundred
and Fifty Thousand Naira).
They all forfeited their phones to the federal government and made restitution
to their respective victims.
The remaining convicts jailed in Kaduna were also prosecuted on one-count
separate charges to which they all pleaded “guilty.”
The one-count charge against Dauda reads: “That you Suleiman Dauda sometime
in 2020 in Kaduna within the Kaduna Judicial Division of the High Court cheated
one Mohammed Hassan of his property worth N5,000,000.00 (Five Million naira)
when you presented yourself as being capable of buying his vehicle, a Honda
Accord 2013 model which you collected and sold without paying back the money
after taking delivery of the vehicle, and you thereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 306 of the Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under
Section 307 of the same Law.”
Following their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, M.E Eimonye, Y.J Matiyak
and G.U Gadaka urged the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly.
The 10 bagged jail terms that ranged from two to five years respectively or
an option of fine that ranged between N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira)
to N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). Additionally they
forfeited their phones to the federal government. Dauda bagged four years
or an option of fine of N100, 000 and restitution of N5,000,000.00 (Five
Million Naira) to his victim.
The road to jail began for the 42 convicts when they were arrested following
credible intelligence on their involvement in internet-related offences.
The press release contains photos of the 419ers:
kano-kaduna-courts-jail-42-fraudsters-for-internet-fraud-and-cheating
********************************************
28 MAR 2024
COURT JAILS 17 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BAUCHI
Justices A. Muazu and M.A Sambo of the Bauch State High Court sitting
in Bauch have convicted and sentenced seventeen (17) internet fraudsters
to different jail terms.
The convicts were jailed after pleading guilty to one –count separate
charges upon their arraignment by the Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. They are: John Yakubu, Adams Ogbu
Adai, Anthony Favour, Londima Donendung, Anthony Osai Samuel, John Jerry,
Christianah Joseph, Adejumo Faruq, Emmanuel Shammah, Iliya Yakubu, Godfrey
Fidelis Namzy, Danjuma Aklahel, Michael Monday Auta, Alphonsus Jeremiah,
Banabas Emmanuel, Jerry Emeka and Solomon Monday.
The charge against Auta reads; "That you, Micheal Monday Auta sometimes
between 2023 and 2024, at Bauchi, Bauchi State , within the Jurisdiction
of this honorable court, attempted to cheat by personation by pretending
to be one Adriana Maria and Nora Paslaru a foreigner who deals in
cryptocurrency investment in order to introduce unsuspecting foreign
nationals to deliver the monies to him, thereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 321 and punishable under Section 324 of the Penal
Code".
They pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
Based on their pleas, the judges convicted and offered them different
sentences which are; Donendung to six month imprisonment or an option
of fine of N250,000, Shammah to eight months imprisonment without an
option of fine, Yakubu to two years imprisonment with an option of
fine of N200,000, Namzy to six months imprisonment without an option
of fine, Ogbu to two years imprisonment with an option of N250,000
as fine, Yakubu to eight years imprisonment with an option of fine
of N500,000, Samuel to three years imprisonment or an option of
N200,000 fine and he also forfeited two laptops, one iPhone X, MTN
router and one headphone to the Federal government of Nigeria.
Other convicts are: Emeka sentenced to three years imprisonment
or an option of N250,000 fine and he forfeited one BMW car to the
government, Emmanuel to two years imprisonment or an option of
N150,000naira fine, Monday to four years imprisonment or N400,000
as option of fine, Ekond to six years imprisonment or N350,000
as fine, Danjuma to three months imprisonment with an option of
N250,000 fine, Joseph to two years imprisonment or option of
N400,000 fine, Auta to six months imprisonment without an option
of fine, Adejumo Faruq to six months imprisonment without an
option of fine, Anthony Favour to two years imprisonment with
an option of N150,000 fine, and he also forfeited two tecno phone
used in committing the offence to the government and Jeremiah to
six months imprisonment without an option of fine.
All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested
for internet offences. They all pleaded guilty before the court
and were convicted.
The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers:
court-jails-17-internet-fraudsters-in-bauchi
****************************************
28 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 74 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN OGUN
Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 28, 2024 arrested seventy-
four(74) suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun State.
The alleged fraudsters were arrested at Government Residential Area,
G.R.A, Shagamu, in Ogun State following surveillance and intelligence
exposing their suspected internet-related offences.
Items recovered from them include seven exotic cars, three laptops,
124 mobile phones, one PlayStation 3 game, two motorcycles and other
incriminating documents.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-74-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-ogun
******************************************
26 MAR 2024
COURT JAILS 26 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BENIN CITY
The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, between Friday, March 22, 2024 and Tuesday March 26, 2024 secured
the conviction and sentence of 26 internet fraudsters before Justices Efe
Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.
The convicts are Balogun Oladipupo, Ehigiamusoe Desmond, Jeffery Enogieru,
Awoke Godstime ThankGod, Gabriel Ugolo, Erhabor ThankGod Idahosa, Obaretin
Osahebrunwen Samuel, Ilevba Endurance, Ilevba Isowanmwen, Osakhuwomwen
Osayende, Eruangu Salvation, Destiny Osasenagu Osafanmen, Emmanuel Osafanmen,
Azuka Victory Nzel, Enehizena Michael, Emmanuel Oladotun Oladotun, Abdulsalam
Enakhe.
Others are Cyril Nowanmagbe Ojo, Wisdom Desmond John, Samuel Joseph,
Ime Joseph Etim, Imafidon Kelvin, Sylvester Gabriel, Victor Jonathan
Chika, Ejike Favour Madukaku and Abdullahi Rahman.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge
bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent
documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The charge against Ilevba reads: "that you Endurance Osahon Ilevba
sometime in 2023 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction
of this honourable court did with intent to defraud represent yourself
to be Jason Statham, an American actor and thereby committed an offence
contrary to and punishable under Section 384 (1) of the criminal Law of
Edo State Law 2022.”
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they
were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, F. A. Jirbo. I. M. Elodi,
I.K Agwai, K.Y. Bello, Bala-Ribah and Salihu Ahmed to pray the court to
convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants
pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stressing that they
have become remorseful for their actions.
The duo of Ilevba and Endurance Osahon Ilevba bagged two years imprisonment
or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each while the quartet
of Idahosa, Oladuton Cole, Michael and Abdullahi got two years imprisonment
or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each. Twenty others were
sentenced to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred
housand Naira) each.
The judges ordered that the convicts forfeit their phones, laptops, three
Mercedes-Benz vehicles, balances in their various bank accounts including
the sum of Four Million, Fifty Two Thousand, Fifty Two Naira, Fifty Three
kobo (N4,052,052.53) in the account of Ilevba being instrument and proceeds
of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria while Abdullahi was ordered
to refund N480,000 to his victim . All the convicts are to undertake in
writing to be of good behaviour afterwards.
The convicts’ road to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest
by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on
actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in internet-related fraud.
court-jails-26-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
***************************************
22 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 20 ALLEGED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN IBADAN
Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty (20) suspected internet
fraudsters in Oyo State.
The alleged fraudsters were arrested on Wednesday, March 20, 2024
at Akobo area of Ibadan, following actionable intelligence on their
suspected fraudulent internet-related activities.
Items recovered from them include ten exotic cars, twelve laptops,
forty-one(41) mobile phones, one play-station 5, one television set
and other incriminating documents among others.
They would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-20-alleged-internet-fraudsters-in-ibadan
**********************************************
21 MAR 2024
COURT SENDS INTERNET FRAUDSTER TO JAIL IN LAGOS
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 21, 2024, secured the
conviction and sentencing of one Ndifreke Okon, before Justice
Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi,
Lagos.
Okon was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on Internet
fraud, under Section 22 (3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition,
Prevention Etc) Act, 2015.
The charge reads: “That you Ndifreke Edem Okon (aka Binh Nguyen)
on the 7th day of December, 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court directly made a false statement wherein
you held yourself out as BINH NGUYEN 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.”
He pleaded "guilty" to the charge when it was read to him.
In view of his guilty plea, prosecuting counsel, A.O. Mohammed
sought to review the facts of the case through the investigating
officer, Mustapha Farouq Umar.
Umar told the court that the defendant was arrested on December
5, 2023, at Ajah, Lagos, following an intelligence report on the
activities of an Organised Cybercrime Syndicate Network (OCSN)
operating in that axis.
Testifying further, he told the court that Okon in his statement
to the EFCC, confessed to being into a dating scam by representing
himself to unsuspecting victims as a white man from Vietnam known
as Binh Nguyen. “Upon his arrest, an iPhone X, Tecno spark 5 and
HP laptop were recovered from him," he said.
Mohammed, thereafter, sought to tender in evidence, the statements,
and all the items recovered from him.
Justice Aneke admitted and marked them as exhibits.
Thereafter, the trial judge declared him guilty as charged.
Defence counsel, Oludare Odetoki, prayed the court for leniency.
He appealed to the court to temper justice with mercy, considering
his status as a first-time offender, and remorse for his actions.
Justice Aneke sentenced him to one year imprisonment with an option
of fine of N1.5million and 100 hours community service.
The Judge also ordered the forfeiture of the items recovered from
him to the Federal Government.
court-sends-internet-fraudster-to-jail-in-lagos
*****************************************
21 MAR 2024
WE HAVE PLANS TO REHABILITATE CONVICTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
- OLUKOYEDE
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has hinted of plans to rehabilitate convicted
internet fraudsters with lesser sentences as a potent way of reorienting
their minds and redirecting their productive energies to positive endeavours.
He stated this in Abuja on Thursday, March 21, 2024 when a delegation of
the National Association of University Students, NAUS, led by its President,
Obadi Marshal paid him a courtesy visit at the corporate headquarters of
the Commission.
“We have a plan to rehabilitate convicted internet fraudsters with lesser
sentences. The plan is to work with the Correctional Centre to make them
useful and more productive in the society.
He cautioned youths against indulging in internet crimes stressing that
the implication of such an act is grave. “When you think deeply, that
tag ‘ex-convict’ is not a good thing. You can never tell where you would
find yourself tomorrow and they would want to profile you and discover
that you are an ex-convict. So it is even in the interest of the youth
that the EFCC is doing what it is doing to prevent them from indulging
in the heinous act of cybercrime,” he said.
The EFCC’s boss also cautioned students against forming parallel
organisations to pursue similar interests. “The issue of dichotomies
of associations is disturbing. Regulate yourselves and the society
will take you more seriously”, he said. He charged the students to
always avoid hasty judgment of the operations of the EFCC, maintaining
that the Commission is working in the overall interests of the nation
Speaking earlier on the purpose of the visit, Marshal disclosed that
it was to build synergy with the EFCC in its fight against cybercrimes
across Nigerian university campuses. “The aim of our visit today is
to see how we can synergize and partner with the EFCC in eradicating
cybercrime in all the higher institutions of learning in the country.
The National Association of University Students, NAUS, has never been
part of it and will never support it,that is why we are at the EFCC
to see how we can collaborate to end it. The onus is on us all to save
our youths from taking part in it and to save our country,” he said.
As a way forward, the NAUS president requested for EFCC’s participation
during orientation programmes for new students across Nigerian universities,
stating that sensitization of the fresh undergraduates by the Commission
at that early stage could go a long way in moving their minds away from
cybercrime and other financial vices as they face their studies.
“We need the presence of the Commission in our campuses during orientation
of new students”, he said. He also enjoined the Commission to create more
interactive platforms for youths to relate with it.
we-have-plans-to-rehabilitate-convicted-internet-fraudsters-olukoyede
419 Coalition note: We support all means of steering people away
from committing 419 crimes, including the above described effort.
******************************************
21 MAR 2024
COURT JAILS 25 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BENIN CITY
Twenty five internet fraudsters were on Wednesday and Thursday 21,
March, 2024 convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by Justices
Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Ituseli of Edo State High Court sitting in
Benin City.
The convicts are Joshua Osarumwense, Oziegbe Courage, Michael Osawowamen
Enofe, Precious Ezomo, Favour Ezomon, Adetokunbor Oghamomwan, Amaize Victor
Ohimah, Destiny Okpala, Emmanuel Benjamin, Williams Chinedu Onyeji, Michael
Ugochukwu Davidson, Favour Victor, Aigbadon Nathaniel, Owas Palmer and
Kelvin Aghator.
Others are Samuel Endurance, Emmanuel Ogiehor, Oseni Usman, Success Bashorun,
Hassan Usman, Omoruyi Stanley, Omoruyi Osasu, Festus David Ofuomadega, Omokaro
Junior Aisosa and Okolo Oghenenyerhovwo.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering
on possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal
Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charge against Favour Ezomo reads: “that you Favour Ezomo (m) on or
about 14th March, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction
of this honourable court did have in your possession documents which you
knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby committed
an offence contrary to sections 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and
Other Fraud Related Offences Act.2006 and punishable under section 1(3)of s
ame Act”.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they
were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, F. Jirbo. I.K Agwai,
A. A. Ibrahim and Salihu Ahmed to pray the court to convict and sentence
them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the
court to temper justice with mercy, claiming they have become remorseful
for their actions.
The trio of Oziegbe, Stanley and Davidson bagged three years imprisonment
or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each while the duo of
Ofuomadega and Oghenenyerhovwo got two years imprisonment or a fine of
N200,000 (Two hundred Thousand Naira) each. The 20 others were sentenced
to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand
Naira) each.
The judges ordered that the convicts forfeit their phones, balances in
their various bank accounts being instruments and proceeds of crime and
a Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 recovered from Ezomo to the Federal Government
of Nigeria. All the convicts are to undertake in writing to be of good
behaviour afterwards.
The convicts’ road to the Correctional Centre began following their
arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based
on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in computer
related fraud.
The press release contains a photo of each of the 419ers:
court-jails-25-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*****************************************
20 MAR 2024
AGAIN, COURT JAILS SIX INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN ILORIN
Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting
in Ilorin on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 convicted and sentenced
another set of six internet fraudsters to different jail terms.
The convicts: Ismail Abdulbasit, Oladipo Victor, Ibrahim
Oluwatosin, Ayantola Segun Samuel, Musbau Waris Atomo and
Babalola Rasaq Oluwadamilare, were jailed after pleading
guilty to one-count separate charges, following their arraignment
by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC.
The charge against Abdulbasit reads: “That you, Ismail Abdulbasit
between in February 2024 at Malete, Kwara State within the jurisdiction
of the Federal High Court, fraudulently impersonate one Jason Boone
from United States of America with intent to gain advantage for yourself
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(ii) of the
Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable
under Section 22 (2)(b) (iv) of the same Act”
Upon their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Innocent Mbachie and Charles
Oni reviewed the facts of the cases and tendered the statements of
the defendants. The prosecutor also tendered in evidence items
recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest, including
various sums of money which they defrauded their victims.
In her judgment, Justice Anyadike ordered the trio of Oluwatosin,
Oluwadamilare and Atomo to pay a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred
Thousand Naira Only) each while ordering Victor, Abdulbasit and
Samuel to pay a sum of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only)
each as fine.
The judge also ordered that all phones recovered from the convicts
be forfeited to the government.
The latest conviction brings to 30 the number of persons jailed
among 48 students of the Kwara State University, KWASU, arrested
in a sting operation by operatives of the EFCC for internet fraud.
The press release contains a photo of each of the 419ers:
again-court-jails-six-internet-fraudsters-in-ilorin
*******************************************
19 MAR 2024
KADUNA COURT JAILS FOUR INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of
four internet fraudsters before Justices Darius Khobo and A.A
Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna.
They were jailed on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced Mohammed Ibrahim and Ibrahim
Yusuf while Mubàrak Olarewaju Ibrahim and Olorunfemi Feyi Samuel were
jailed by Justice Khobo.
All the convicts were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering
on fraudulent activities and cheating by impersonation. They all pleaded
“guilty” when the charges were read to them.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, M.E Eimonye and M. Lawal
urged the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Consequently, Justice Khobo convicted and sentenced Ibrahim to two
years imprisonment with N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand
Naira) as an option of fine. Samuel was sentenced to five years
imprisonment or N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira)as
an option of fine. In addition, he was ordered to make $205 (Two
Hundred and Five USD) restitution to his victim.
Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced Mohammed to two years imprisonment
or N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand naira)as an option of fine
while Yusuf bagged two years imprisonment or N100,000.00 (One Hundred
Thousand Naira) option of fine. In addition, Yusuf was ordered to restitute
the sum of $200 (Two Hundred United Dollars) being proceeds of his crime
to his victim.
All the convicts forfeited the mobile phones recovered from them to
the Federal Government.
Their journey to prison began after they were nabbed by operatives of
Kaduna Command in sting operations carried out in and around Kaduna axis
following credible intelligence on their involvement in internet-related
offences. They were found to have impersonated foreigners and used the
assumed identities to defraud their victims.
The press release contains photos of three of the four 419ers:
kaduna-court-jails-four-internet-fraudsters
*****************************************
18 MAR 2024
ILORIN COURTS JAIL SIX INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 18, 2024 secured the conviction
and sentence of six persons for internet fraud.
They were jailed by Justices Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High
Court sitting in Ilorin and Justice Adebayo Yusuf of the Kwara
State High Court, Ilorin after pleading guilty to one-count
separate charges following their arraignment by the Ilorin
Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The convicts are: Aransiola Oluwaseun Stephen, Owoeye Adeyanju
Ezekiel, Idris Yekini Kayode, Abdulrahmon Abubakar, Rafiu
Ashimiu Adisa and Raheem Ayomide Monsur.
The charges against Stephen reads: “That you, Aransiola Oluwaseun
Stephen in February 2024 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of
this Honourable Court, did cheat by personation when you pretended
to be one Cindy Watson, a White female, based in United States of
America, and in that guise induced one Randy Driskill to send you
the sum of $350 (Three Hundred and Fifty Dollars) which you did
receive via gift cards thereby committed an offence contrary to
Section 321 of the Penal Code Law and Punishable under Section
324 of the same law”
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges
when they were read to them.
Following their “guilty pleas”, EFCC’s counsel, Innocent Mbachie,
Adebayo Aliyu, Charles Oni and Rasheedat Alao, reviewed the facts
of the cases and tendered the statements and items recovered from
the defendants at the point of arrest, which were admitted in evidence.
The judges convicted and sentenced them accordingly. They also
ordered that the phones and laptops recovered from them, as well
as balances in their bank accounts be forfeited to the Federal
Government.
All the six convicts are among the 48 students of Kwara State
University, KWASU, arrested by the EFCC recently.
The press release has a photo of each of the 419ers:
ilorin-courts-jail-six-internet-fraudsters
**************************************
18 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRAIGNS ALLEGED SEXTORTIONIST IN LAGOS
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on March 17, 2024 arraigned one Olukeye Olalekan,
before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High court sitting
in Ikoyi, Lagos on an 18-count charge bordering on transmission
of child pornography, fraudulent impersonation, and sextortion
to the tune of N721,500.00 (Seven Hundred and Twenty One Thousand,
Five Hundred Naira only).
Count one reads: “That you, Olukeye Adedayo Olalekan (a.k.a hrm87,
charlotte 708 and harlilott_ 716) on or about the 13th February,
2.023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court
intentionally used the Instagram virtual network to create a group
"Expose Janjua Robin Nudes" to distribute child pornography and you
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 23(1)(C)and punishable
under Section 23(1)(e) of the of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention,
Etc.) Act, 2015”.
Another count reads: “That you, Olukeye Adedayo Olalekan (a.k.a hrm877,
charlotte 708 and harlilott_716) on or about the 13th of May, 2022 in
Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court directly retained
the total sum of N721,500.00 in your account domiciled in UBA which sum
you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your
unlawful activity to wit: transmission of child pornography and you
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable
under Section 18 (3) of the of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition)
Act, 2022”.
He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of his plea, prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman prayed the
court for a trial date to enable the prosecution to call its witnesses
and tender relevant documents to prove its case.
Defence counsel, Segun Onikoyi, however, applied that the defendant
be allowed to continue on the bail earlier granted him by Justice T.G.
Ringim.
The prosecution raised no objection. "We leave the decision to the
discretion of the court," Suleiman said.
Justice Ogundare thereafter adjourned till June 3, 2024 for trial and
ordered the defendant to continue on the bail previously granted.
The press release contains a photo of the alleged 419er:
efcc-arraigns-alleged-sextortionist-in-lagos
*****************************************
16 MAR 2024
EIGHT INTERNET FRAUDSTERS BAG JAIL TERMS IN ILORIN
Justices Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin
and Adebayo Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin on Wednesday,
March 13, 2024 convicted and sentenced eight internet fraudsters to
different jail terms.
The convicts were part of the 48 students of the Kwara State University,
KWASU, and two residents of Malete arrested on Wednesday, February 21,
2024, during a sting operation by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command
of the EFCC for internet- related offences.
The convicts are: Afolabi Habeeb Ajao, Mohammed Nabeel Ayara, Oluyedun
Khalid Bolaji, Oladele Israel Olatayo, Aransiola Joshua Adebisi, Olaleye
Gbenga Philip, Bright Moses and Ogunrinde Gabriel Ayomikun.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one- count separate charges.
The charge against Ogunrinde reads:
“That you, Ogunrinde Gabriel Ayomikun sometime between April 2023
and February 2024 in Ilorin, Kwara State within the judicial division
of the Federal High Court, did retain the sum of N3,500,000.00 (Three
Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in your bank account number
2151747289 with the name: Ogunrinde Gabriel Ayomikun domiciled with
United Bank for African, which you knew to be proceeds of unlawful
act and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under
Section 20 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act,
2022”
They pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them individually.
Following their “guilty" pleas, prosecution counsel, Adebayo Aliyu,
Sesan Ola, Mustapha Kiagama and Isabel Adeniran, reviewed the facts
of the cases and tendered the statements of the defendants and items
recovered from them at the point of arrest and were admitted in evidence.
Thereafter, Justice Anyadike convicted and sentenced Oluyedun,
Olaleye, Ogunrinde, Bright, Aransiola and Oladele to a fine of
N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) each and ordered them
to forfeit all the phones recovered from them to the government,
including balances in their bank accounts.
In the same vein, Justice Yusuf convicted and sentenced the duo of
Muhammed and Afolabi to six months imprisonment each with an option
of fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira Only). The judge ordered
that the phones, which they used to perpetrate the crime be forfeited
to the Federal Government.
All the convicts bagged their jail terms for their involvement in
internet fraud.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
eight-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-ilorin
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15 MAR 2024
OYO AND OGUN COURTS JAIL 16 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
Justices A.L. Akintola, O.A. Lajide, O.A. Adetujoye of the Oyo State
High Court, sitting in Ibadan; Justice B.B. Adebowale of the Ogun
State High Court, Abeokuta and Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal
High Court, Ibadan have convicted and sentenced sixteen (16) internet
fraudsters to different jail terms.
The convicts were jailed after pleading guilty to one- count separate
charges upon their arraignment by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
They are: Arode Opeyemi Amos, Babatunde Emmanuel Babalola, Oyewole
Ayomilekan, Ephraim Isaiah Jonah, Ayedun Ayobami Adelani, Amusa Aminat
Odunmide, Raji Eniola Al-Ameen, Ogundeyi Faruk Olamilekan, Abdullahi
Adeshina Rasaq, Azeez Oluwaseun Bamidele, Moruf Olamilekan Elegbede,
Olabisi Ibrahim Olamilekan, Jolaosho Uthman Olamilekan, Amod Kazeem
Olayemi, Idemudia Lucky Edohamhem and Isogun Olamitan Nelson.
The charge against Nelson reads: “That you, Isogun Olamitan Nelson
on or about 24th July, 2023, at Ibadan within the jurisdiction of
this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, aided internet
fraudsters; Victor Effiong, Opeyemi, Victor Pelumi and others by
redeeming fraudulent gift cards and designing false documents and
waybills to aid their internet fraud, thereby committed an offence
of Aiding another person in committing an offence contrary to Section
7 (c) and 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 30, Laws of Oyo State.”
Upon their guilty pleas, the facts of the cases were reviewed and
incriminating documents tendered in evidence before the courts,
following which prosecuting counsel, Oyelakin Oyediran, C.A. Okoli,
S.M. Galadanchi, Mabas Mabur, Umar Abiso and shamsuddeen Bashir
prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
After listening to all counsels, Justice Agomoh convicted and
sentenced Odunmide and Adelani to one year imprisonment each
without an option of fine. The latter was ordered to pay the
sum of $800 (Eight Hundred Dollars) as restitution while Odunmide
was to restitute his victim with the sum of N3.8million (Three
Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira).
Also, Justice Lajide convicted and sentenced Ayomilekan and Nelson
to six months community service each. Ayomilekan was ordered to pay
the sum of N500, 000.00K (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and Nelson
to pay N10, 000.00K (Ten Thousand Naira) as fines alongside their
jail terms respectively.
Furthermore, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Amos and
Babalola to one year imprisonment each, he however gave Babalola
an option of N250, 000.00K (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira)
fine, ordered him to pay the sum of $1,950 (One Hundred and Ninety-
five Thousand Dollars) as restitution and forfeit one black colour
Toyota Venza car with chassis number: 4T3BK3BB4AV044681 and
registration number: NANS while Amos was given an option of
N20, 000.00K (Twenty Thousand Naira) fine.
Also, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Al-Ameen, Ibrahim
Olamilekan, Uthman Olamilekan and Olayemi to three months community
service each and Jonah to six months community service with an option
of N50, 000.00K (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, but Al-Ameen was ordered
to pay the sum of N40, 000.00K (Forty Thousand Naira), Ibrahim
Olamilekan, Uthman Olamilekan and Olayemi to pay N50, 000.00K (Fifty
Thousand Naira) as fine alongside their jail terms respectively.
Ibrahim Olamilekan forfeited one grey Toyota Camry with registration
number: KTU 822 GU, Uthman Olamilekan forfeited one silver colour
Lexus RX 350 SUV with chassis number: 2T2BK1BA9BC115389 and
registration number: BWR 100 BT while Olayemi forfeited one grey
colour Toyota Corolla with registration number: APP 121 HZ with
chassis number: 5YFBU4EE7DP126845 respectively.
Also, Justice Adetujoye convicted, cautioned and discharged Faruk
Olamilekan, Rasaq, Bamidele and Edohamhem while Elegbede was convicted
and sentenced to one month community service by Justice Adebowale.
The judges further ordered the convicts to forfeit all devices recovered
from them being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government.
The convicts began their journey to the Correctional Centre when they
were arrested by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC at
various locations in Oyo and Ogun states. They were later investigated
and charged to court.
oyo-and-ogun-courts-jail-16-internet-fraudsters
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15 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS BARBER, 11 OTHER SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN UYO
Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission EFCC, on Thursday March 14, 2024, arrested a
barber, and eleven suspected internet fraudsters in a sting
operation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
They were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected
involvement in internet-related offences.
Items recovered from them include sophisticated mobile phones, laptops
and WiFi routers.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are
concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-barber-11-other-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo
*******************************************
15 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRAIGNS SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTER
IN ENUGU
The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Onwe Onyedika Prince before
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting
in Enugu, for offences bordering on internet fraud.
Specifically, he was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering
on possession of fraudulent documents and fraudulent impersonation.
One of the counts reads: “That you, Onwe Onyedika Prince between
January and July, 2022 at Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the
Federal High Court with intent to defraud, had in your possession
a document, which to your knowledge, contained a false pretence
in which you assumed the person of one Jamie Johnson and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 6 of the Advance Fee
Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable
under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”.
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. In view of his
plea, counsel to the EFCC , Ajobiewe Rotimi Enitan, prayed the court
for a trial date “to enable the prosecution to prove its case. We have
just two witnesses my Lord”, he said. He also prayed the court to
remand the defendant at the Enugu State Correctional facility.
However, defence counsel, O. A. U. Onyema made an application for
bail and prayed the court to “passionately grant him bail”. Enitan
vehemently opposed the bail application on the ground that the defendant
is a flight risk.
After listening to both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the matter to
April 16, 2024 for ruling on the bail application. The defendant was
remanded at the Enugu State Correctional facility.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arraigns-suspected-internet-fraudster-in-enugu
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14 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 57 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN BENIN CITY
Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 57 suspected internet fraudsters
in Benin City.
The suspects were arrested on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at different
locations in Benin City following actionable intelligence on their
suspected involvement in internet-related offences.
Items recovered from them include 12 exotic cars - four Mercedes-Benz
GLK, two Mercedes Benz C300, one Mercedes-Benz 350, four Lexus ES350,
one Lexus RX330, laptops and phones
They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-57-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
**********************************************
13 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 45 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN LAGOS
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 45 suspected internet fraudsters.
They were arrested on Monday, March 11, 2024 at Ikorodu, Lagos,
following intelligence on the activities of an Organised Cybercrime
Syndicate Network, OCSN, operating in that axis of the state.
Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include exotic
vehicles, sophisticated mobile devices, and laptops.
They will soon be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-45-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos
********************************************
13 MAR 2024
MAKURDI COURT JAILS FIVE INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
Justices M.S.Abubakar and R.J. Egbe of the Federal High Court
sitting in Makurdi, Benue State have convicted and sentenced
five internet fraudsters to various jail terms.
The convicts: Ibi Shedrach Suurshter, Onazi Moses Oche, Innocent
Ochola and Teseer Mnenge and Agbo Lawrence were jailed after pleading
guilty to one- count separate charges upon their arraignment by the
Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC.
The charge against Oche reads: “That you Onazi Moses Oche sometime
in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent
to defraud used an access device issued to one Solomon Onuwa resulting
from an aggregate gain of N2,345.000.00 to yourself and thereby committed
an offence contrary and punishable under Section 33(2)(c) of the Cybercrime
(Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015”.
Upon their arrangements, the convicts pleaded guilty when the charges
were read to them. Consequently the facts of the cases were reviewed
and incriminating documents tendered in evidence before the court,
following which prosecuting counsel, A.S Idris, prayed the court to
sentence them accordingly.
After listening to all counsels, Justice Abubakar convicted and sentenced
Suurshater to one year imprisonment with an option of N400,000.00 (Four
Hundred Thousand Naira) as fine.
Oche was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option
of N600,000.00 ( Six Hundred Thousand Naira) as fine.
Also, the judge convicted and sentenced Ochola to two years imprisonment
with an option of fine of N1,000,000,00 ( One Million Naira). Terseer
Mnenge was also convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment with
an option of N200,000 fine.
The fifth convict, Agbo was convicted and sentenced by Justice Egbe.
He bagged one year imprisonment with an option of N200,000.00 (Two
Hundred Thousand Naira) as fine.
The two judges further ordered them to forfeit all their phones,
being proceeds of crime, to the government.
All the convicts started their journey to the Correctional Centre when
they were arrested for internet-related offences. They were investigated
individually and prosecuted.
The press release contains a photo of each of the 419ers:
makurdi-court-jails-five-internet-fraudsters
*******************************************
11 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS FOUR SUSPECTED FRAUDSTERS IN MAIDUGURI
Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, March 8, 2024
arrested four suspects for sending fake transaction credit
alerts to their victims.
They were arrested within Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State,
following intelligence on their fraudulent acts.
Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects were operating
using a Business App of a bank to purchase food and non- food items
as well as collecting money from Point of Sale agents POS cashiers
and sending fake transaction credits to them.
They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-four-suspected-fraudsters-in-maiduguri
******************************************
9 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 37 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN ABUJA
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC
Abuja Zonal Command on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 arrested 37(thirty
seven) suspected internet fraudsters.
They were arrested at Jahi, Dawaki and Gwarimpa axes of Abuja
following actionable intelligence about their activities.
Items recovered from the suspects include six vehicles, 20 laptops,
66 mobile phones, six international passports and 1 Apple wristwatch.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-37-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
******************************************
8 MAR 2024
OYO, OGUN COURTS JAIL 14 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.A. Lajide, Bayo Taiwo, M.O. Ishola
of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan and Justice E.O.
Osinuga of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta have convicted
and sentenced fourteen (14) internet fraudsters to various jail
terms.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges
upon being arraigned by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, between February 23, 2024 and
March 5, 2024.
The convicts are Olajide Oluwadare Samuel, Emmanuel Victor Oluwasegun,
Ajibola Najeeb Ayomide, Adebayo Akinwumi Oluwadamilare, Ayodele Wonderful
Samson, Olawunmi OlusolaTaiwo, Akorede Habeeblahi Babatunde, Dasilva Olamide
Samson, Oyeneye Jeremiah Abiodun, Kodagbese Emmanuel Aduragbemi, Oyebade
Ayomide Olamide, Olarewaju Isaiah Oluwadamilare, Abdulazeez Abdulmalik
Ifayemi Ayokun and Khalid Ayomide Hammed.
One of the Charges reads:
“That you, Oyeneye Jeremiah Abiodun ‘M’ on or about 5th May, 2023, within
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated by
representing yourself to be a white woman by the name Janet Katty from
United States of America, through your email address (janetkatty032@gmail.com)
to one Necib Akbay, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby
committed an offence of personation contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal
Code Law Cap 38 Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
The convicts pleaded “guilty” when their charges were read to them.
Consequent upon their guilty pleas, prosecution counsels, Modupe Akinkoye,
Abdulrasheed Suleiman, Shamsuddeen Bashir and Umar Abiso reviewed the facts
of the cases and urged the courts to convict and sentence the defendants
as charged.
After listening to the counsels, Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced Samson,
Taiwo, Babatunde, Olamide Samson, Olamide and Ayokun to six months community
service each and Oluwadamilare to three months community service.
He also ordered Samson, Taiwo, Babatunde, Olamide Samson, Olamide and Ayokun
pay the sum of N100, 000.00K (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine each, alongside
their jail terms and “refusal to pay the N100,000.00K fine and restitute their
victims within four weeks from the judgment date or their six months community
service be converted to two years imprisonment each”.
Furthermore, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Aduragbemi to one year
imprisonment or One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100, 000.00K) fine, Oluwasegun
to six months community service or N50, 000.00K (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine,
while Abiodun was convicted and ordered to pay N50, 000.00K (Fifty Thousand
Naira) fine.
Also, Justice Lajide convicted and sentenced Ayomide to N750, 000.00K (Seven
Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine and Akinwumi Oluwadamilare bagged six
months community service and N700, 000.00K (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira)
fine respectively.
Justice Osinuga convicted Samuel but discharged him without a sentence while
Justice Ishola convicted and sentenced Hammed to six months community service.
The convicts were all ordered to restitute their various victims and forfeit
all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
They all bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested at various
locations by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC. They
were subsequently charged to court and convicted.
The press release contains a photo of each of the 14 419ers:
oyo-ogun-courts-jail-14-internet-fraudsters
*****************************************
7 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 48 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS,
HERBALIST IN LOKOJA
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has arrested 48( Forty-eight) suspected internet
fraudsters and herbalist for offences bordering on conspiracy and
obtaining under false pretence in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
They were arrested upon credible intelligence on Tuesday, March 5,
2024 at various locations in Lokoja, The herbalist, believed to be
a spiritual godfather of internet fraudsters, was arrested with
various charms.
Items recovered from them include 10 exotic cars, two motorcycles,
11 laptops, 83 mobile phones and charms.
The suspects, all male, between the ages of 17 -34 will be arraigned
in court upon conclusion of investigations.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-48-suspected-internet-fraudsters-herbalist-in-lokoja
*******************************************
6 MAR 2024
COURT JAILS 27 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN AWKA
Enugu Zonal Command of the EFCC on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, secured
the conviction and sentencing of 27 internet fraudsters before Justice
Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State.
The convicts are: Ajaero Chidiebube, Kosisochukwu Wisdom Ugwu, Apeh
Samuel, Hyacinth Henry, Ebuka Moses Ugwu, Abugu Emmanuel Ebuka, Ogbu
George, Onoja Chekwube, Onu Ogbonna Celestine, Ugwude Innocent Ekene,
Solomon Emeka Okechukwu, Kosisochukwu Mamah, Idoko Fidelis Ejiofor,
David Ifebuche Moses, Jude Ikechukwu, Kosisochukwu Idoko Martins
and Victor Odoh Chinecherem.
Others are; Eze Caleb Somtochukwu, Ekeleme Victor, Osuji Kingsley,
Eze Sopuruchukwu Marvin, Osuji Nnaemeka, Ikechi David, Ejiogu Chizoba,
Arinze John Ojobo, Eze Daniel Chinecherem and Michael Ojo.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges
bordering on fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
The charge against Okechukwu reads: “That you, Solomon Emeka Okechukwu
sometime in 2024, at Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated Jennifer Alberto from Reading,
United Kingdom by means of your Tecno Camon 20 with IMEI number 3551344570732428
via a fake Facebook Social Media Account with the intent to gain advantage for
yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) and (b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention,
etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act”.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Michael Ikechukwu Ani reviewed
the facts of the cases and prayed the court to convict and sentence them
accordingly. However, defence counsels, Okeke Bernard and James Nwatarali
prayed for leniency for their clients.
Justice Dimgba thereafter convicted and sentenced them as follows; Marvin
was sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option of fine of N120,000,00
( One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira) and community service, Samuel, Henry,
Ugwu, Ebuka, Martins and Chinecherem bagged one year imprisonment each, with
an option of fine of N50,000.00( Fifty Thousand Naira) and community service
while the rest were handed 1year imprisonment each, with an option of fine
of N150,000.00( One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and community service.
Justice Dimgba also ordered that mobile phones recovered from them be
forfeited to the Federal Government.
They all bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet-related
offences. They were prosecuted and jailed.
The press release contains a photo of each of the 27 419ers:
court-jails-27-internet-fraudsters-in-awka
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5 MAR 2024
COURT JAILS FIVE INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BENIN CITY
Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin
City has convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters to various
jail terms.
The convicts are Jacob Sunday, Olarenwaju Adewale, Emmanuel Tomiwa
Ajayi, Adewale Elufadejin Festus and Seyi Olumeko.
Sunday and Adewale were jailed on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 while the
trio of Ajayi, Festus and Olumeko were jailed on Thursday February
29, 2024.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge
bordering on possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by
the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC.
The charge against Ajayi reads: "that you Emmanuel Tomiwa Ajayi (m)
on or about 12th February, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the
jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your possession
documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false
pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 6
and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences
Act.2006 and punishable under section 1(3)of same Act."
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when
they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsels, I.K Agwai,
K. Y. Bello, A.A.Ibrahim to pray the court to convict and sentence
them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with
the court to temper justice with mercy as they have become remorseful
for their actions.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Sunday, Adewale, Olumeko
and Festus to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One
Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Ajayi bagged three years imprisonment
or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira).
The judge ordered that the convicts forfeit their phones, balances
in their various bank accounts being proceeds of crime to the Federal
Government of Nigeria. All the convicts are to undertake in writing
to be of good behaviour afterwards.
The convicts’ road to the Correctional Centre began following their
arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based
on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in fraudulent
activities.
court-jails-five-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*****************************************
4 MAR 2024
COURT JAILS SEVEN INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN OGUN, OYO
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of
seven internet fraudsters to various jail terms.
The convicts: Adio Peter Olakunle, Adebanjo Oluwafemi Samuel,
Ezekiel Papi Kolawole, Lukman Olakunle Alabi, Sakiru Olamilekan
Usman, Godwin Moses Abaka and Amosu Oladele Gbenon were arraigned
on one -count separate charge each before Justices M.O. Ishola,
O.A. Lajide of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan and
S.O. Adeniyi of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Amosu Oladele Gbenonu, ‘M’
on or about 12th of October, 2023 in Ibadan within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud one Karl Ackman,
did falsely represent yourself to be Sarah Williams, a white woman
from the United States of America with google account sarah.dawkwills241@gmail.com
which representation you knew to be false, thereby committed the
offence of Personation contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code
Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
The defendants pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against
them by the EFCC.
Consequently, facts of the cases were reviewed and several incriminating
documents were tendered before the courts by the prosecution counsels,
urging the courts to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
After listening to the prayers of counsels, Justice Lajide convicted
and sentenced Gbenonu, Abaka, Usman and Kolawole to six months community
service each, while Alabi was sentenced to two months community service.
Also, Justice Ishola convicted and sentenced Samuel to six months
community service and Justice Adeniyi sentenced Olakunle to four months
community service.
Furthermore, Justice Lajide ordered Gbenonu to pay the sum of N2million,
Abaka to pay N1million, Usman to pay N800, 000.00k (Eight Hundred Thousand
Naira) and Kolawole to pay the sum of N400, 000.00K (Four Hundred Thousand
Naira) as fines alongside their jail terms respectively.
Also, the convicts were ordered to restitute their various victims and
forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
They began their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were
arrested by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC for
internet-related offences. They were investigated, prosecuted and
convicted.
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:
court-jails-seven-internet-fraudsters-in-ogun-oyo
***************************************
3 MAR 2024
EFCC TO NANS: LET'S FIGHT INTERNET CRIMES TOGETHER
The Executive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged the National Association of Nigerian
Students, NANS, to partner with the Commission in the fight against
economic and financial crimes.
He made this call recently in Benin-City, Edo State when he hosted
executives of NANS, Joint Campus Council, Edo State Chapter at the
Benin Zonal Command of the Commission.
Olukoyede who spoke through the Benin Zonal commander, Assistant
Commander of the EFCC, ACE1Kanu Idagu, urged the students leaders
to see themselves as important stakeholders in the fight against
economic and financial crimes. "As students leaders, you are expected
to be role models in conduct, character, integrity and accountability",
he said.
He tasked the leaders to continually discourage their fellow students
from indulging in internet crimes, maintaining that there is no virtue
in get-rich-quick syndrome driving many youths into the crimes. "There
is no shortcut to wealth and success. Internet fraud is not a sustainable
way of life. Internet fraud diminishes our image as a nation. So the
Commission will continue to discharge its responsibilities within the
ambit of the law, without fear or favour in this regard" he said.
Earlier in his speech, Chairman, NANS JCC Edo State, Ehis Daniel,
commended the Commission for offering his group an opportunity to
dialogue with its officials. He expressed willingness of his group
to collaborate with the EFCC in educating and sensitizing students
of tertiary institutions on the ills of corruption, economic and
financial crimes. "We propose to organise joint awareness campaigns
to educate students about the dangers of financial crimes and promote
ethical behaviour”, he said. He further added that "we seek to
collaborate on capacity building initiatives to enhance students'
understanding of financial literacy, integrity and ethics."
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-to-nans-lets-fight-internet-crimes-together
*****************************************
2 MAR 2024
COURT JAILS TWO INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN LAGOS
Justices Deinde Dipeolu and N. Ogazi of the Federal High Court
sitting in Lagos have convicted and sentenced two internet fraudsters;
Oluwafemi Abdulwaheed Rasaq and Chris Onabulu to various jail terms
for romance scam and impersonation
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge
bordering on cyber crimes upon being arraigned by the Lagos Zonal
Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The count against Rasag reads: “That you, Oluwafemi Abdulwaheed Rasaq
Sometime between January and September 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction
of this Honorable Court fraudulently impersonated one Amanda Valery Malpica
by holding yourself out as such on your Facebook and Instagram App, with
intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence
contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes
(Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015."
The count against Onabulu reads: “That you,Chris Onabulu on or about
he 10th day of October, 2023, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself, fraudulently
impersonated one 'Anthony Hodge' white male from Florida, United States
of America, by holding yourself out as such to Sharon Lebec via email
correspondence and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and
punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition,
Prevention, etc) Act, 2015."
They both pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
Based on their pleas, prosecution counsels C.C. Okezie and Z.B. Atiku
prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However,
defence counsel, Cookel George prayed the court for a non-custodial
sentence, "like community service, to be served within the EFCC, so
as to enable him change from his ways and still be a useful citizen
to the nation".
Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced Rasaq to four weeks community
service with the EFCC, "where he is to be counselled and assisted on
how to refrain from a life of crime".
Items recovered from him, including a manager's cheque, were also
ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Justice Ogazi also convicted and sentenced Onabulu to six months
imprisonment, with an option of fine of N200,000( Two Hundred Thousand
Naira only). The court also ordered that the items recovered from him
be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The two convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by
operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet-related
crimes. They were investigated, charged to court and convicted.
The press release contains photos of the 419ers:
court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos
*************************************************
1 MAR 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 13 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN KANO
Operatives of the Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested thirteen (13) suspected internet
fraudsters in Badawa area of Kano metropolis, Kano State.
The suspects were arrested following intelligence signalling a syndicate
of suspected internet fraudsters perpetrating cyber- related crimes where
they were arrested.
In the course of the arrest, several incriminating items were recovered
from the suspects.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-13-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kano
******************************************
29 FEB 2024
TWO FRAUDSTERS BAG JAIL TERMS IN KADUNA
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction and sentence of
Mohammed Nasir Sadeeq for cheating and Daniel John for cheating
by impersonation before Justice A.A Isiaka of the Kaduna State
High Court.
Both were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering
on cheating and personation.
One of the count charge reads: “That you Daniel John (a.k.a Jamie
Doman) male, sometime in November, 2023, within the jurisdiction
of this honourable court, impersonated one Jamie Doman when you
pretended to be a Bitcoin online investor agent on Instagram,
obtained the sum of $200 (Two Hundred Dollars) from unsuspecting
persons and thereby committed cheating by impersonation, an offence
contrary to Section 308 of the Penal Code Law, 2017 of Kaduna State
and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law.”
They both pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to them.
Consequent on their pleas, EFCC counsel, Y.J Matiyak prayed the
court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justice Isiaka thereafter convicted and sentenced John to one year
imprisonment or a fine option of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty
Thousand Naira). In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 12 and Samsung
Galaxy 10 both of which were proceeds of his crime to the government,
while Sadeeq was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment
with a fine option of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira).
The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were
arrested at Fifth Chukker, Maraban Jos, Kaduna State. Investigations
showed that John was using identities of different foreigners to defraud
unsuspecting members of the public while Mohammed cheated his victim to
the tune of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira).
The preee release contains photos of the 419ers:
two-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-kaduna
***************************************
29 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS SEVEN SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN MAKURDI
The Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on Thursday February 29, 2024, arrested seven
suspected internet fraudsters.
They were arrested in their hideout in Aliade in the Gwer West
Local Government Area of Benue State.
Items recovered from them include eight phones, three iPad, two
internet routers and one international passport.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations
are concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-seven-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-makurdi
************************************************
28 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 36 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN ABEOKUTA
Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested thirty-six (
36) suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun State.
They were arrested on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Gbokoniyin
and Yetedo areas of Abeokuta in Ogun State, following actionable
intelligence gathered and worked upon by the Commission.
Items recovered from them include nine exotic vehicles, fourteen
(14) laptops, forty-nine (49) mobile phones and other incriminating
documents.
The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-36-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abeokuta
*******************************************
27 FEB 2024
COURT JAILS SEVEN INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BENIN CITY
Seven internet fraudsters - Osunsina Yusuf Afolabi, Timilehin Gbemi,
Akinseye Mayowa, Oladapo Damilola Michael, Akinfemiwa Akintunde, David
Ehirebamen Aigbadon and Osarodion Aifeshi Jonathan, were on Tuesday
February 27, 2024 convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by
Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High
Court sitting in Benin City.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges
bordering on impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents upon
arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charge against Timilehin Gbemi reads: that you Timilehin Gbemi (m)
on or about 14th February, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the
jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your possession documents
which you knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Sections 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee
Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section
1(3)of same Act.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they
were read to them. Based on their pleas, prosecution counsels, I.K Agwai,
K. Y. Bello, Ibrahim Faisal, A. S. Bala-Ribah and Salihu Ahmed prayed the
court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the
defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy “as they
have become remorseful for their actions”.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Mayowa, Afolabi, Gbemi, Aigbadon,
Michael and Akintunde to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One
Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Justice Itsueli sentenced Jonathan to
three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira).
The two judges ordered that all the convicts should forfeit their phones,
balances in their various bank accounts and one Toyota Camry car to the
Federal Government of Nigeria. They are also to undertake in writing to
be of good behaviour afterwards.
The convicts’ road to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest
by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission regarding their
involvement in fraudulent activities. They were charged to court and jailed.
The press release contains photos of the 419ers:
court-jails-seven-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
****************************************
26 FEB 2024
31 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS BAG JAIL TERMS IN ENUGU, AWKA
The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC has secured the conviction and sentencing of 31 internet fraudsters
by Justices Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, sitting in
Enugu and Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, sitting in Awka,
Anambra State.
The convicts are: Pascal Chinedu, Chiemerie Edeh, Okeke Chiagozie Harrison,
Chidera Victor Mmadu, Chizoba Onyedika Felix, Ekperechi David, Sunday John
Cross, Enenta Ebube Michael, Nwankwo Tochukwu Firminus, Chukwuebuka Sebastine
Ozoemena, Vincent Eduvie, Chisom Mbagu Augustine, Ifeanyi Samuel, Abunoko
Kelly, Ikechukwu Joshua, Agada Daniel Olema, Eguiri Franklyn and Akpoze
Julius.
Others are, Evans Odibo, Martins Chinedu Ugwueke, Eli Izuchukwu Ogbonna,
Samuel Ogbonnia, Amarachi Abigail Nwalue, Abraham Chimeremeze, Godbless
Akpoze, Mmoyekwe Okwudili, Emmanuel Nwanga, Eduje Precious, Umoke Chinedu
Reuben, Godwin Happy and Nnabuike Collins Odoh.
While Chinedu, Edeh, Harrison, Mmadu, Felix, David, Cross, Michael, Firminus
and Ozoemena were arraigned on February 21, 2024 before Justice Umar, the
remaining 21 convicts were arraigned on February 22, 2024 before Justice Dimgba.
The 31 faced one-count separate charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation,
obtaining by false pretence and possession of fraudulent documents, to which
they all pleaded “guilty.”
Onyedika’s charge reads: “That you, Chizoba Onyedika Felix, sometime in February
2024, in Asaba, Delta State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court
with intent to defraud, sent a message to one Sig Serdel, a German National by
means of your Redmi Note 11 through your fake telegram account +19086996877
presenting yourself as Loraine Francis, Bitcoin investor and obtained the
sum of $1,300 from Sig Serdel and thereby committed an offence contrary to
Section 14 (2) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act, 2015 and
punishable under the same Section.”
In view of their “guilty” pleas, Nuradeen Shehu Ingawa and Michael Ikechukwu
Ani, counsels to the EFCC, reviewed the facts of the cases and prayed the court
to convict and sentence them accordingly, while C. J. Nwatadi, Bernard Okeke,
U. AKposi, Arinze Anyigo , C. S. Nwobodo, E. C. Chinyeze and Collins Akpusi,
who were defence counsels, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy,
stating that their clients were first-time offenders.
Justice Umar convicted and sentenced Michael, Ozoemena, Cross, Chiedu and
Firminus to 12 months imprisonment each, with a fine option of N500,000.00
( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) respectively. He handed 24 months imprisonment
with a fine option of N750,000.00( Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira)
to Felix, sentenced Harrison and Mmadu to 18 months imprisonment each, with
a fine option of N500,000.00 respectively. He also sentenced Edeh to 10 months
imprisonment with a fine option of N300 ( Three Hundred Naira) while David
bagged six months imprisonment with a fine option of N200,000.00( Two Hundred
Thousand Naira). In addition to his sentence, Justice Umar ordered Felix to
make a restitution of the sum of $1,300( One Hundred and Thirty Thousand
Dollars) to his victim through the Federal Government.
Justice Dimgba convicted and sentenced Odoh and Olema to one year imprisonment
each, with a fine option of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira)
respectively, while the rest 19 were sentenced to two weeks community service.
All the convicts forfeited their mobile phones recovered from them to the
Federal Government.
They bagged their imprisonment after they were arrested at various locations
by operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the EFCC for their involvement
in internet-related offences. They were charged to court and convicted.
The press release contains photos of the 419ers:
31-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-enugu-awka
*******************************************
26 FEB 2024
KADUNA COURT JAILS INTERNET FRAUDSTER, COMPANY
Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court sitting
in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced one John Yakubu to three
years imprisonment for internet fraud.
He was jailed on Friday, February 23, 2024 after pleading guilty
to one-count charge bordering on internet fraud upon being arraigned
by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC.
The one -count charge reads: “that you John Yakubu sometimes in
December, 2022 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court, with intent to defraud falsely presented yourself as Frederick
Hansen(a medical doctor from Sweden) via 'Facebook' chat (an online
social media application) to one Bergstrom Berit and in such assumed
character benefitted the total sum of $750 USD and 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 charge when it was
read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, M.J Arugungu to pray
the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
The Judge, after hearing from both counsels, convicted and sentenced
the defendant to three years imprisonment or an option of fine of
150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).
The convict also forfeited one Iphone 12 Pro Max and one Polystar
Smart Television '50' inches, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Yakubu bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested by operatives of
the Kaduna Zonal Command of EFCC, at Goni Gora, Kaduna State. He
assumed the identity of a foreigner, Fredrik Hansen on Facebook to
misrepresent himself to unsuspecting victims and benefitted the sum
of $750(Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars) from the crime.
In another vein, Justice Hawau Buhari of the Federal High Court sitting
in Kaduna convicted and sentenced a company, Classiel Integrated Motors
Limited to a fine of N250,000.00( Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira)
for failure to render transaction report to the Special Control Unit
Against Money Laundering, SCUML.
The company was arraigned by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC on
one-count charge bordering on money laundering.
The one-count charge reads: “that you Classiel Integrated Motors Ltd
operating the business of General contractors and other businesses,
sometime in June, 2022 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, did an act to wit: failed to report to the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission in writing within 7 days, your lodgment
of N5,500,000.00(Five Million and Five Hundred Thousand Naira) which
is in excess of N5,000,000.00(Five Million naira) and thereby committed
an offence contrary to Section 11(1) of the Money Laundering (Prevention
and Prohibition)Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 11(3) of the
same Act”.
The company, however, pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read
to it, prompting prosecution counsel, M.E Eimonye to pray the court
to convict it accordingly.
Justice Buhari, thereafter convicted and sentenced the company to a fine
of N250,000.00( Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira)
The company bagged its imprisonment when it failed to render its transactions
report after registering with SCUML, even after the regulator carried out
onsite inspection and sensitization on its statutory obligations as stipulated
in the relevant laws.
Furthermore, investigations showed that the company also failed to conduct
a proper, Know Your Customer, KYC, on its customers during transactions.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
kaduna-court-jails-internet-fraudster-company
*********************************************
23 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 19 FOR SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUD,
TWO FOR CURRENCY RACKETEERING IN IBADAN
Operatives of Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested nineteen suspected internet
fraudsters in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Nine out of the suspects were arrested on February 22, 2024, at
Olorunda area of Akobo, Ibadan.
The rest were picked up at Olude, Wire and Cable areas of Ibadan
on February 21, 2024.
The suspected internet fraudsters were arrested following series
of actionable intelligence gathered and worked upon by the operatives
of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC on their internet related
fraudulent activities.
Items recovered from the suspects include two houses, seven cars,
five laptops, twenty-nine (29) mobile phones, one television set
and other incriminating documents.
In another development, two suspected currency racketeers have also
been at Agodi-gate area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The suspects were arrested in a sting operation following credible
intelligence about their involvement in illegal foreign exchange markets.
Items recovered from them include N274, 000.00 (Two Hundred and
Seventy-four Thousand Naira) among others.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-19-for-suspected-internet-fraud-two-for-currency-racketeering-in-ibadan
**********************************************
23 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 36 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN KADUNA
Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission EFCC, on Friday, February 23, 2024, arrested 36
(thirty-six) suspected internet fraudsters.
The suspects, comprising 35 males and 1 female were arrested at Sabo
Kaduna and Narayi Highcoast and Layin Dogon Iche Samaru in the Zaria
Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following credible information
on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.
Items recovered from the suspects include 43 phones and five laptops
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-36-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna
*********************************************
23 FEB 2024
COURT JAILS EIGHT UNDERGRADUATES, SIX OTHERS FOR
INTERNET FRAUD IN BENIN CITY
Thirteen internet fraudsters were on Thursday February 22, 2024
convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by Justice Efe
Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo
State.
Eight of them: Ayodeji Emmanuel, Oyebade Johnpeace Jesustofunmi,
Babatunde Oluwapelumi Richard, Owoyemi Michael Boluwatife Sodiq
Bayonle Qosim, Sunday Solomon Blessing, Ilori Tolulope and Anthony
Akinbulijo, are undergraduates of the Federal University of
Technology, Akure, Ondo State.
Others are Ifiriyele Orilola Samuel, Ajileye Wale, Elvis Oni
Mohammed, Ogbeifun Prince and Stephen Kelvin and Abudu Umaru
The convicts were arraigned separately on one count charge of
impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin
Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC.
The charge against Mohammed reads: “ that you Elvis Oni Mohammed
on or about the 9th day of February, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State
within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your
possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contain
a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to
Section and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related
Offences Act.2006 and punishable under Section 1(3)of same Act .
Upon arraignment all the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective
charges when they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsels
F.A. Jirbo, I.K Agwai, A. A. Ibrahim, I.Faisal and A. S.Bala-Riba to
pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, the
defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Mohammed, Richard,
Boluwatife, Qosim, Tolulope, Samuel, Wale and Akjnbulijo to three
years imprisonment each or a fine of N100,000 ( One Hundred
Thousand Naira) each.
The duo of Prince and Blessing bagged three years imprisonment
with an option of N200,000 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each.
The trio of Emmanuel, Jesutofunmi and Kelvin were sentenced to two
years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each.
Umaru who was convicted on February 16, 2024 by Justice Ikponmwonba
for retention of proceeds of crime . He was sentenced to two years
imprisonment or a fine of N100,000. The judge ordered the restitution
of the victim with the sum of N354,000 by the convict.
In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of the convicts’ mobile
phones, balances in their bank accounts and a Mercedes Benz GLA250 model,
being proceeds of crime to the Federal government of Nigeria and to
undertake in writing to be of good behaviour forthwith.
Their road to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest by
operatives of the Commission based on actionable intelligence on their
fraudulent activities. Upon investigations, the convicts were discovered
to be involved in different modes of internet fraud. For instance,
25-year-old Mohammed was discovered to be involved in a Bitcoin scam
using social media platforms.
court-jails-eight-undergraduates-six-others-for-internet-fraud-in-benin-city
********************************************************
23 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 27 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BAUCHI
Operatives of the Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, February 22, 2024, arrested
27 suspected internet fraudsters.
They were arrested at D&D Apartment and Bubes Hotel, Yelwa, Bauchi
State, following credible information on their suspected involvement
in internet- related offences.
Items recovered from the suspects include a BMW car, iphones, Ipads,
laptops and a desktop computer.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
efcc-arrests-27-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-bauchi
****************************************
22 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 50 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN KWARA
Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 48 students of the Kwara State
University, KWASU, and two others for offences bordering on internet
fraud.
They were arrested on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 in their various
hideouts after days of surveillance and fruitful intelligence on their
suspected involvement in internet-related offences.
Items recovered from the suspects include nine exotic cars, twenty-four
(24) laptops and different brands of phones.
The suspects will soon be arraigned in court upon conclusion of
investigations.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-50-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kwara
**************************************
21 FEB 2024
EFCC, NCC PARLEY AGAINST INTERNET FRAUD
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has called for a broad-based collaboration and synergy
between the Commission and the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC in
tackling the menace of internet fraud across the country.
He made this call in Abuja on Wednesday, when the Executive Vice Chairman,
EVC, Nigerian Communications Commission , NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, paid him
a courtesy visit at the corporate headquarters of the Commission. Olukoyede
pointed out that fraudsters are employing the internet as a gateway to perpetrate
their criminalities and charged the NCC to be firmer in its regulatory works.
“When enforcers of the law and regulators collaborate, it will not be business
as usual. There is a need for collaboration because crimes are technology-
driven”, he said.
He said the collaboration of the two Commissions signaled greater readiness
to confront the menace of internet fraud and assured fraudsters that criminality
would not be business as usual for them.
Olukoyede stressed that the challenges facing the country are surmountable
and called for more commitment towards a corruption-free nation. He enjoined
the NCC and internet service providers to monitor the use of the internet
more closely to checkmate the activities of fraudsters. According to him,
where stakeholders support and collaborate with the EFCC, the Commission
would do its job perfectly.
Speaking on the purpose of his visit, Maida said he was at the Commission
to congratulate the Chairman of the EFCC on his appointment, reiterating
the fact that the “NCC is a longtime partner in the fight against internet
fraud. The visit is one of those official engagements meant to deepen the
conversation and engagement between us”.
He recalled that the EFCC facilitated the forensic training of some of
the staff of the NCC maintaining that the inter-relationship between the
two Commissions was vital in combating internet fraud.
"Internet crimes are sophisticated and the NCC as a critical partner is
always ready to work with the EFCC in any area it could to contribute to
the attainment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu", he said
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-ncc-parley-against-internet-fraud
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19 FEB 2024
COURT JAILS TWO UNDERGRADUATES, FOUR OTHERS
IN OSUN, OYO
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of two undergraduates of
Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU and four others to various jail terms for
their involvement in internet fraud.
The undergraduates, Gbolahan Khalid Adesina and Perekebena Olombeni Micah
were docked before Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court,
Osogbo on a lone- count separate charge while others were arraigned before
Justices O.A. Adetujoye and S.O. Adeyemi of the Oyo State High Court, sitting
in Ibadan also on a one- count separate charge.
The other four convicts are: Sholagbade Taofeek Olanrewaju, Qudus Olohunnoyin
Baba, Akinpelu Quadri Opeyemi and John Oluwafimihan Adeyemo.
Adesinna and Micah are among the eleven (11) undergraduates of OAU arraigned
on November 6, 2023 before Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel on different count
charges, ranging from one to six charges as preferred against them by the EFCC.
Upon their arraignment on November 6, 2023, they all pleaded not guilty to
the charges when they were read to them and the cases were adjourned for trial.
At the resumed proceeding of the matter on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, prosecution
counsel, Umar Abiso informed the court that Adesina and Micah were ready to change
their pleas. Consequently, they were re-arraigned and pleaded “guilty” when the
amended charges were read to them.
One of the charges read: “That you, Gbolahan Khalid Adesina ‘M’ on or about
27th October, 2023, at Ile-ife , Osun State, within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself did fraudulently
impersonate one Monkenya Matlock, the you pretext you knew to be false and
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.”
Another charge Reads, “That you, Perekebena Olombeni Micah sometimes in 2023,
at Ile-ife, Osun State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did
fraudulently impersonate the name Chad Frailey through your Facebook account
by claiming that you are an American Female in love with your victims in 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 (b) of the Cyber Crimes ( Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act, 2015.”
Based on their pleas, Abiso urged the court to convict and sentence them
accordingly.
Also, other four convicts pleaded “guilty” to the one count charge filed
against them by the EFCC.
After listening to the counsels, Justice Ayo-Emmanuel convicted and sentenced
Adesina and Micah to one year imprisonment each without an option of fine,
while Olanrewaju, Atanda, Opeyemi and Adeyemo bagged two weeks community
service each.
The convicts were ordered to restitute their various victims and forfeit
all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives
of the EFCC for internet-related offences. They impersonated foreigners and
defrauded their victims through their false identities. They were found guilty
and sentenced to various jail terms.
The press release contains photos of the 419ers:
court-jails-two-undergraduates-four-others-in-osun-oyo
***************************************
19 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 11 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN ABUJA
Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission EFCC, EFCC, have arrested 11(eleven) suspected
internet fraudsters.
They were arrested on Monday, February 19, 2024 at a nightclub in
the Wuse area of Abuja following credible intelligence about their
suspicious involvement in internet-related activities.
Items recovered from them include three cars and 13 phones.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are
concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-11-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
****************************************
18 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS SEVEN SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN YENAGOA
Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested seven suspected
internet fraudsters at an apartment in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
They were arrested on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 following
actionable intelligence received by the Command regarding their
suspicious activities.
Specifically, the seven suspects were arrested at their hideout
in Dowoo Road by Ox-Bow Lake, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
Items recovered from them are laptops and phones.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are
concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-seven-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-yenagoa
*****************************************
18 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 40 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN ABUJA, KEFFI
Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested 40 suspected internet fraudsters.
They were arrested on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Mpape in the Federal
Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja and Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The suspects, comprising 38 male and two female, were arrested following
credible information on their suspected involvement in internet-related
offences.
Items recovered from them include two cars, 56 phones, four smart
watches, eight power banks and four laptops.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-40-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja-keffi
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16 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 26 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN ABUJA
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Abuja
Zonal Command, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, arrested 26 suspected
internet fraudsters.
They were arrested at Kurudu, Jahi, Kubwa, and Gwarimpa areas of the
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja following credible information on
their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.
Items recovered from the suspects include a Toyota Tacoma, a CLS
Mercedes 450 and three Lexus cars, in addition to 40 phones and
seven laptops.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains a photo:
-efcc-arrests-26-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
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16 FEB 2024
GOMBE COURT SENDS FRAUDSTER TO JAIL FOR EMPLOYMENT SCAM
Justice A. Abdussalam of the Gombe State High Court sitting in Gombe,
on Thursday February 15, 2024 convicted and sentenced Kelvin Tikus
to three years imprisonment for employment scam.
Tikus , 36, employee of the Nigerian Correctional Service was arraigned
on one - count charge of fraudulent conversion by the Gombe Zonal Command
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charge reads: " That you Kelvin Tikus sometimes in August 2021 at
Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did fraudulently
deceive one Sa'ad Umar, a business man to deliver to you
the sum of Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N650,000) through your
Bank account No: 3818815016 domiciled at First City Monument Bank ( FCMB)
under the deception of securing employment at the Nigerian Security and
Civil Defence Corps and thereby committed.an offence contrary to Section
320 (a) of the Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 322 of the
same Law
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded "guilty", prompting the prosecution
counsel, Mustapha Aliyu to pray the court to convict and sentence the defendant
accordingly. However, defence counsel, Yusuf Abdullahi pleaded with the court
to temper justice with mercy “as the defendant is a first- time offender who
is remorseful for his actions and has restituted the money to the victim
of crime”.
Justice Abdulssalam thereafter convicted and sentenced Tikus to thirty
six months imprisonment with a fine option.
The convict’s journey to the correctional Centre began when a petitioner
alleged that he made him pay the sum of N650,000.00 to secure employment
with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. He neither delivered
the job nor refunded the petitioner his money.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
gombe-court-sends-fraudster-to-jail-for-employment-scam
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16 FEB 2024
COURT JAILS THREE FOR INTERNET FRAUD IN KADUNA
Justice A.A Isiaka of the Kaduna State High court, Kaduna has convicted
and sentenced three persons into various jail terms for internet- related
fraud.
The convicts are, Ogochukwu Mitchel Emmanuel Ijeh, Mohammed Kabir Bello
and Sunday Simon (a.k.a Ryan Eggold).
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges upon
their arraignment by the Kaduna State Zonal Command of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charge against ijeh reads: “that you, Ogochukwu Mitchel Emmanuel Ijeh
( a.k.a Dave Brandon) Male, sometimes in July, 2023 in Kaduna within the
jurisdiction of this Honourable court falsely presented yourself as Dave
Brandon a Medical Doctor working at the United Nations Military Base on
Facebook ( an online social media application) to one Andrea Kadur and
in such assumed character claimed to be in a romantic relationship with
her and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under
Section 142(2) of the Kaduna State Law.”
The charge against Bello reads: “that you Mohammed Kabir Bello, Male,
sometimes in December, 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
court fraudulently induced one Rashida Salman to deliver to you goods
worth the sum of N50, 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) only by sending her
a fake bank transaction debit alert, and thereby committed an offence
of cheating, an offence contrary to Section 306 (a) of the Kaduna State
Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 307 of the same Law.”
The charge against Simon reads: “that you Sunday Simon (a.k.a Ryan Eggold),
Male, sometimes in April 2023 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, impersonated one Ryan Eggold (an American actor) on
Facebook (an online social media application) and in such assumed character
cheated Garri Kalish a citizen of United States of America of the sum of
$800(Eight Hundred United States dollars) when you claimed to be in a romantic
relationship with her 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.”
All the convicts pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read
to them.
Based on their pleas, prosecution counsel, K.S Ogunlade prayed the court
to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Thereafter, Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced Ijeh, Simon and Bello
to two years imprisonment each respectively. While Ijeh and Simon were
given an option of fine of N150,000( One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira
only), Bello was given an option of fine of N200, 000( Two Hundred Thousand
Naira only).
The convicts bagged their imprisonment for various internet-related offences
ranging from impersonation, possession of scam documents and paying for goods
with a fake credit alert .
court-jails-three-for-internet-fraud-in-kaduna
***************************************
14 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 14 FUTA UNDERGRADUATES, 19 OTHERS
FOR SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUD
Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested fourteen undergraduates of
the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State.
They were arrested alongside nineteen( 19) others in the early hours
of Wednesday, February 14, 2024 for suspected internet crimes.
The suspects were arrested at different residential locations within
Akure metropolis following intelligence on their alleged nefarious
activities. Specifically, the sting operation that yielded their arrest
was a response to strident calls to the EFCC by neighbours and parents
around the locations, to save their children from being lured into
internet-related activities by the suspects.
Items recovered at the point of arrest include ten exotic cars, phones,
laptops and one motor bike.
The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are
concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-14-futa-undergraduates-19-others-for-suspected-internet-fraud
********************************************
14 FEB 2024
ALLEGED $370,000 FAKE MARRIAGE: EFCC RECOVERS $13,204,
PROPERTY, VEHICLES FROM DEFENDANT-WITNESS
A Second Prosecution Witness, PW2, in the trial of Nwachi Chidozie
Kingsley, being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, for defrauding an American, Nicole Kierulff
Sayers the sum of $370,000( Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand
United States Dollars) in a contrived marriage, Okanne Kelechi,
on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 told Justice U.P Kekemeke of the
Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja that
the EFCC has recovered the sum of $13,204.00 (Thirteen Thousand,
Two Hundred and Four United States Dollars) from the defendant.
Also recovered from the defendant is a plot of land in Port Harcourt,
Rivers state, a Lexus Ex 350 and Toyota Venza cars.
The witness who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel,
Fatsuma Muhammad disclosed that among the evidence against the
defendant are “various fraudulent profiles in Linkedin which he
admitted to creating,” adding that there was also a fraudulent
contract award letter printed from his phone. That same letter
was sent to his American victim in chats claiming that the
contract was awarded to him by the Federal government.”
Kelechi told the court that investigation into the matter involved
writing a letter of investigation of the defendant’s activities to
the Forensic Department of the EFCC, several local banks as well as
the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, with the purported contract
award letter attached.
He further told the court that a response from the Federal Ministry
of Works and Housing indicated that the award was not genuine. The
defendant admitted sending the fake contract award letter to Sayers
and other foreign victims.
“We received our report from the Forensic Department and our findings
for his gadgets. The victim, Nicole, also sent evidence of transactions
received from international money transfer operators. From other analyses,
we discovered that part of this money was sent into his bank account
supervised by his sister, one Nwachi Doris Chinenye”, he said.
Tendered in evidence against the defendant were certificate of identification,
notice of nominal complaint with copies of intent to award contract and iPhone
11Pro Max. The PW2 further informed the court that upon confronting the
defendant with the evidence, his lawyers responded with a letter for a plea
bargain. “We recovered $13,204, Lexus Ex350 and Toyota Venza.
Justice Kekemeke adjourned the matter till April 30, 2024 for continuation
of trial.
Nwachi was arrested on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 in Abuja for allegedly
marrying an American, Nicole Kierulff Sayers falsely and defrauded her in
the process. Sayers alleged that the defendant lured her into a false marriage
and defrauded her of her savings.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
alleged-370-000-fake-marriage-efcc-recovers-13-204-property-vehicles-from-defendant-witness
*******************************************
14 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 14 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN A “YAHOO ACADEMY” IN MAKURDI
Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 arrested 14
( fourteen) suspected internet fraudsters in a training center of potential
internet fraudsters in Makurdi, Benue State.
The operatives, acting on intelligence, arrested the suspects in a three-
bedroom apartment allegedly serving as a training centre for internet fraud
trainees along Achusa Road, Makurdi.
The suspects are: Asongu Terungwa, Aese Sonter,Nyoosu Terungwa,John Kator,
Udi Micheal Aodona, Terungu Mnyam, Iorwuese Terhide, Ule Francis, Imoter
Gloor Emmanuel and Samuel Lubem.
Others include: Wergba Tertamge, Erukaa Ephraim, Agenale Franklin and
Abechi Toryila.
Items recovered include: laptops, ATM cards, phones, one Firman Generator
and a Toyota Corolla car.
The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are
concluded.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-14-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-a-yahoo-academy-in-makurdi
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14 FEB 2024
COURT JAILS 15 FOR INTERNET FRAUD IN IBADAN
Justices Olusola Adetujoye, O.A. Lajide and S.O. Adeyemi of the Oyo
State High Court, sitting in Ibadan have convicted and sentenced 15
internet fraudsters to various jail terms.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges
upon their arraignment by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, between January 22 and February
5, 2024. One of the convicts, Adebola Sherrif was docked and convicted
on five-count charges.
The other convicts are: Adebayo Ifeoluwa Timilehin, Philip Daniel,
Ifemadi Haruna Segun, Okeola Olajide James Bolanle, Akinjisola Ayodeji
Francis, Giwa Usman Dolapo, Olorunsola Sodiq Babatunde, Fatolu Moses
Opeyemi, Bashiru Sodiq Omobolaji, Omowaye Oluwatosin Olamilekan, Badmus
Yusuf Omobolaji, Lateef Ramon Olamilekan, Idowu Michael Oluwasegun and
Okunola Samuel Olalekan.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Okunola Samuel Olalekan on or
about 9th of April, 2023 at Ibadan, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction
of this honourable court, with intention to defraud Older One through
the Google Chat Account: joyella5774@gmail.com, did falsely represent
yourself to be Joy Ella, a female from United States of America, thereby
committed the offence of impersonation contrary to Section 484 of the
Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
Upon their arraignments, the convicts pleaded “guilty” when the charges
were read to them. Consequently, the facts of the cases were reviewed
and incriminating documents tendered in evidence before the courts,
following which the prosecuting counsels urged the courts to convict
and sentence them accordingly.
After listening to all the counsels, the judges convicted and sentenced
Yusuf, Sodiq and Olamilekan to six months community service each, while
Timilehin, Daniel, Segun, Bolanle, Ramon, Oluwasegun, Sherrif and Olalekan
bagged one month community service each.
Opeyemi, Babatunde, Dolapo and Francis were handed two weeks community
service each.
Yusuf was ordered to pay N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine
in addition to his sentence, while Olamilekan was ordered to pay the sum
of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) and Sodiq to pay N170,000.00
(One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira) in addition to their sentence.
All the convicts were ordered to make restitution to their various victims
and forfeited all items recovered from them to the federal government.
In a related development, the Oyo State Police Command has arrested and
handed over to the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC, twin brothers, Abdulrauf
Taiwo and Abdulrauf Kehinde for alleged internet fraud activities alongside
five others comprising Adeyemi Samuel, Alabi Ayomide, Yekini Faroug, Hassan
Olamilekan and Ibrahim Olawale.
Items recovered from the suspects include seven phones, among others.
They have made useful statements to the operatives of the Commission and
would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains photos of four of the 419ers:
court-jails-15-for-internet-fraud-in-ibadan
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13 FEB 2024
From USA today, by Betty Lin-Fisher, and also covered by many
others, including Yahoo News:
A WIDOW OPENED HERSELF UP TO A NEW LOVE.
INSTEAD, SHE WAS CATFISHED FOR A MILLION DOLLARS.
The article on Romance 419 is too long to be reproduced here in
full, but here is the most salient paragraph, verbatim:
"Likins, who used up all of her savings and sold her house
for “Donald” and the fake dream, said she was at times suicidal
after she found out the truth. But she now wants to prevent
other women from falling prey to such schemes and has enlisted
a company that’s helped her track down the scammers who are
based in Nigeria. She hopes to “flip the script,” and have
them arrested."
Here is a link to the story in USA today, for as long as it is good:
woman-loses-1-million-dating-scam
Here is a link to the story in Yahoo News, for as long as it is good:
widow-opened-herself-love-instead
**********************************
13 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS FOUR SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN MAIDUGURI
Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested four suspected internet fraudsters
in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The suspects are Gwandi Micah, Okechukwu Emmanuel, Gabriel Commander and
Dzeremo Sylvester.
They were arrested on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at former Trafalgar
Hotel Bolori 1 Ward layout in Maiduguri following actionable intelligence
on their suspected criminal activities.
Items recovered from them include; four smart phones, three laptops HP
and power banks.
The suspects would soon be charged to court.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-four-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-maiduguri
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12 FEB 2024
PORT HARCOURT COURT JAILS INTERNET FRAUDSTER
FOR $5,000 FRAUD
Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt,
Rivers state has convicted and sentenced an internet fraudster, Chukwuema
Samuel Andrew to 30 ( thirty months) imprisonment for impersonation and
obtaining money under false pretence.
He was jailed on two-count charges bordering on obtaining under false
pretence and impersonation upon being arraigned by the Port Harcourt
Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Count one reads:
"That you, Chukwuema Samuel Andrew (A.K.A Mary Parlier) sometime in
April, 2021 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtain the sum
of $5,000 (Five Thousand Three Hundred Dollars) Crystal Shepherd
under the pretext of being Mary Parlier, a female military soldier
serving in Yemen as a computer operator, a pretext which to your
knowledge was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to
Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee and Other Fraud Related Offences
Act, 2006 and punishable under
Section 1(3) of the same Act".
He pleaded guilty when the charges were read to him.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, B. O. Agala prayed the
court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Defense counsel P. U. Ogbuehi did not oppose the submission of the
prosecution but prayed the court to temper justice with mercy stressing
that “ the defendant is a first time offender and does not have any
previous criminal records”.
Justice Ajoku after listening to the submissions of both counsels
thereafter convicted and sentenced the defendant to thirty (30) months
imprisonment on counts one and two or an option of fine of N200, 000
(Two Hundred Thousand Naira) payable into the Consolidated Revenue
Account of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The sentence is to run
concurrently.
The judge also ordered that phones recovered from the convict at the
scene of arrest should be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria
and the convict should also depose an affidavit of good behaviour before
the court.
Andrew started his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was
arrested by the EFCC during an operation code named "Eagle Sweep"
sometime in June, 2023, at Golf Estate, Port Harcourt for internet
fraud activities. He was investigated and found to be impersonating
foreigners to dupe his victims. He particularly defrauded his victims
to the tune of $5,000. He was later prosecuted and convicted.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
port-harcourt-court-jails-internet-fraudster-for-5-000-fraud
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12 FEB 2024
ABSENCE OF DEFENDANT STALLS TRIAL OF SEVEN FOR ALLEGED
£1M “JUJU” FRAUD
The trial of one Morufu Adewale (aka Gbegulerin Adelana), Omitogun
Ajayi, Ajisegiri Abiodun, Abayomi Alaka (aka Dauda Usman Alashe),
Taiwo Ahmed, Raufu Raheem, and Sanlabiu Teslim, before Justice R.A.
Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for an
alleged £1million (One Million British Pounds) was on Monday, February
12, 2024 stalled due to the absence of the fifth defendant, Taiwo Ahmed.
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC had on February 3, 2022 arraigned Morufu, Alaka, Ajayi, and Ajisegiri
before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in
Ikeja, Lagos with the other defendants listed as being at large. However,
the trial could not be concluded before the retirement of the trial judge.
This prompted the reassignment of the case file to Justice Oshodi of the
Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos even as the EFCC intensified
its efforts to secure the arrest of the other suspected fraudsters.
Subsequently, all the seven defendants were in December 2022, re-arraigned
before Justice Oshodi on an amended three-count charge.
Count one reads: "Morufu Yahaya Adewale, Omitogun Ajayi, Ajisegiri
Abiodun, Abayomi Kamaldeen Alaka, Taiwo Olamilekan Ahmed, Raufu Wale
Raheem and Sanlabiu Owolabi Teslim between May and July 2018 at Lagos
within the Ikeja Judicial Division obtained the total sum of £1,000,000.00
( One Million Pounds Sterling) from Dr. and Dr. (Mrs) Lateef Oladimeji Bello
for the purpose of conducting prayers for spiritual cleansing of the family
and that the money will be refunded after the prayers within one week, which
pretence you knew to be false."
Count three reads: "Morufu Yahaya Adewale, Omitogun Ajayi, Ajisegiri
Abiodun, Abayomi Kamaldeen Alaka, Taiwo Olamilekan Ahmed, Raufu Wale
Raheem and Sanlabiu Owolabi Teslim between August and September 2018
at Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division obtained the total sum of
N175,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Seventy-five Million Naira Only) from
Dr. and Dr. (Mrs) Lateef Oladimeji Bello for the purpose of conducting
spiritual prayers for spiritual cleansing of their son and the family
and that the money will be refunded one week after the prayers which
pretence you knew to be false."
They all pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when they were read to them,
thus prompting the commencement of their trial.
At Monday’s proceeding, counsel for the EFCC, N.K. Ukoha informed the
court that his witness was in court and the prosecution was ready to
proceed with the trial. However, the fifth defendant, Taiwo Ahmed, who
was represented in court by his counsel, Babatunde Ojehomon, was absent
in court as he was not produced by officers of the Ikoyi Maximum Correctional
Centre, Lagos.
Ukoha, had, while addressing the court, raised an alarm that the absence
of the fifth defendant was part of a well-orchestrated plan to forestall
the trial. “One of the defendants is not in court, and we got intelligence
late yesterday, that there is a grand plan to forestall today's proceedings.
We were just told casually this morning that the defendant is not well,”
he said
He further prayed the court for a stand down, so that "the prosecution
and one of the court’s registrars could go to the prisons to procure the
fifth defendant to come for his trial".
Counsel to the third and fourth defendants, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, however,
in his response, stressed that he was not and will never be part of any
"grand plan" to forestall the trial. “The proper procedure is to apply to
the court, that whoever is supposed to produce the absent defendant, which
in this case is the prison official, should be called to explain why the
defendant was not produced," he said.
Counsel to the first defendant, Adebayo Adegbite; counsel to the second
defendant, Oluseun Olugbemi-Fatomigbe; Ojemohon; counsel to the sixth
defendant, A. Apanisile; and counsel to the seventh defendant, Olalekan
Idowu, all aligned themselves with the submission of Ojo.
Thereafter, the trial judge called up one of the prison officials to shed
light on the situation. Addressing the court, the official, ASE1 Jonathan
Oche, said the defendant was sick. "From the information this morning, we
were told that he was sick, and that they want to monitor his health till
tomorrow when we will produce him, that there is still a date tomorrow," he
said.
Ojemohon told the court that his client was yet to perfect his bail conditions,
and that he was aware of the health condition of his client.
He said: "He complained to me at the last sitting of December 1, 2023 that
he was not feeling well, and pleaded with me to do everything I can to expedite
the perfection of his bail. Last Thursday, they told me that he fell in the
toilet and smashed his head on the bowl of the toilet. "I am not even aware
that he will not be brought to court today, I would have demanded that they
issue a medical report. So, I am aware that my client is sick and is being
observed in the Correctional Services clinic."
After listening to the submissions of all the parties involved in the case,
Justice Oshodi adjourned till the earlier scheduled date of February 13, 2024.
"I am satisfied by the reason given and I direct the Maximum Security Custodial
Centre to produce the fifth defendant before this court on the earlier scheduled
date," he said.
The press release contains a photo:
absence-of-defendant-stalls-trial-of-seven-for-alleged-1m-juju-fraud
**********************************************
12 FEB 2004
EFCC ARRESTS FOUR SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN BENIN CITY
Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested four suspected internet fraudsters
in Benin City.
They were arrested on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at different locations
in Benin-city, Edo State following actionable intelligence on their suspected
nefarious activities.
The suspects are Oniovosa Destiny, Enoferodion Kingsley, Elvis Mohammed and
Igneweka Endurance.
Items recovered from them include four exotic cars - Mercedes Benz GLE 43 AMG,
Two Mercedes Benz GLE 250 AMG and Mercedes Benz GLK 350 4Matic and phones.
The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release includes photos:
efcc-arrests-four-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
***************************************
12 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS FOUR BROTHERS, 30 OTHERS FOR ALLEGED
INTERNET FRAUD IN ENUGU
Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested four brothers; Egbo Chukwuebuka,
Egbo Favour Chibuike, Egbo Ifeanyi Francis and Egbo Victor for their
alleged involvement in internet fraud.
The siblings were arrested alongside thirty others which include; Great
Eze, Ani Callistus, Ekpe Chigbo, Eze Eric, Nnaemeka Gabriel, George
Tochukwu, Uche Divine, Chiamelie Ede, Enenta Ebube, Treasure Ugwueze
Osinachi, Ejiakor John Chidiebere, Kingsley Dugwu Olisa and Ugwuanyi
Bright Ekpere.
Others include; Uzor Obi Godson, Tochukwu Nwankwo Firminus, Ebuka
Ike Comas, Okwudili Mmoyekwe John, Samuel Ogbonna Otti, Agada Daniel
Olema, Odoh Collins Nnabuike, Okeke Harrison, Oriasotie Presley Meshack,
Ekperechi David Ebube, Ugwu Ebuka Sebastian, Eli Izuchukwu Ogbonna,
Martins Chinedu Ugwu, Aloysius Chibuike Alphonsus, Sunday John Cross,
Aroh Collins Chinecherem and Miracle Ifeson Obiora.
The all-male suspects were arrested on Friday, February 9, 2024 in an
intelligence-driven sting operation at various locations within Enugu
state.
Items recovered from them include mobile phones and different exotic
cars.
The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are
concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-four-brothers-30-others-for-alleged-internet-fraud-in-enugu
****************************************
9 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRESTS FIVE SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN MAKURDI
Operatives of Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC , have arrested five (5) suspected internet
fraudsters.
They were arrested on Friday, February 9, 2024 at kansho village in
the Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue state following actionable
intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet - related
offences.
The suspects are, Shima Francis, Ode Jesse, Odey Linus, Kingsley
Obinna, Emmanuel Inaleguwu.
Items recovered from them are one iPhone and five android phones.
They suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations
are concluded.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arrests-five-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-makurdi
*********************************************
8 FEB 2024
COURT JAILS FAKE EFCC STAFF, TWO OTHERS IN KADUNA
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction and sentencing of
Abdulazeez Isah to three years imprisonment for parading himself
as a staff of the EFCC. Abraham Adama and Uzoma Isaac Iwu were
also jailed for fraud by Justices Darius Khobo and A. Isiaka of
the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna.
While Justice Isiaka jailed Isah after pleading guilty to one-count
charge bordering on impersonation, Justice Khobo handed Adama two
years imprisonment for cheating by impersonating American movie
star Sylvester Stallone on social media and three years to Iwu for
cybercrimes.
The charge against Isa reads: “That you Abdulazeez Isah sometime in
November, 2023 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honourable
court, committed an offence of impersonation to wit: falsely presenting
yourself as a staff of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
to the general public, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby
committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 142(1)
of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.”
The charge against Adama reads: “That you Abraham Adama (a.k.a Sylvester
Stallone) (m), sometime in 2023 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this
honourable court, committed an offence to wit: cheating by impersonation
when you falsely presented yourself as Sylvester Stallone (an American
actor) on several online social media applications to several unsuspecting
victims and in that assumed character cheated one Amelia James of the total
sum of $200.00 (Two Hundred USD) and you thereby committed an offence contrary
to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017 and punishable under
Section 309 of the same Law.”
The charge against Iwu reads: “that you ISAAC UZOMA IWU(a.k.a manpaulmarkus@gmail.com)
on or about the 18th of January, 2024 at NITEL Quarters of Sabo Axis, Kaduna State,
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court falsely presented yourself as Man
Paul Markus and in that assumed character defrauded members of the public by luring
them into investing into Crypto Currency via your email address manpaulmarkus@gmail.com
and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 142(1)
of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017”.
The three defendants pleaded guilty to their charges when they were read to them.
Based on their pleas, EFCC Counsels , M.U Gadaka and K.S Ogunlade prayed the
court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced Isah to three years imprisonment or a fine
of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) while Justice Khobo convicted
and sentenced Adama to two years prison term with a fine option of N150,000.00 (One
Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and Iwu to three years imprisonment or a fine of
N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira.).
Isah bagged his imprisonment by falsely parading himself to unsuspecting members
of the public as a member of staff of the EFCC. Upon arrest, he admitted financing
the production of fake T-shirts, identity cards and caps of the Commission found in
his possession. Adama impersonated Sylvester Stallone (an American actor) while Iwu
got his imprisonment by indulging in internet crimes.
The press release contains photos of the criminals:
court-jails-fake-efcc-staff-two-others-in-kaduna
****************************************
8 FEB 2024
CIFCFIN HAILS OLUKOYEDE ON TRANSFORMATION IN EFCC
The President of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified
Fraud Investigators of Nigeria, CIFCFIN, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki has
commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on his strides in turning around
the works of fighting economic and financial crimes and other acts
of corruption in Nigeria.
He gave the commendation in Abuja on Thursday, February 8, 2024 while
on a Courtesy Visit to the Corporate Headquarters of the EFCC. According
to him, the EFCC has started witnessing quiet transformation since the
assumption of office of Olukoyede. He promised the collaboration of his
Institute with the Commission in breaking more useful grounds in its
assigned mandate.
"It is a great honour and privilege to be here on this visit. I want
to commend you for the success recorded so far since you assumed office.
We can see quiet transformation happening in the EFCC and I’m saying this
with utmost sincerity”, he said. He gave detailed accounts of the mandate
and structure of CIFCFIN and called for the formalization of the domiciliation
of the Institute’s College at the EFCC’s Academy. “We have an offer by the
Commission for our College to be domiciled in the EFCC’s Academy. We will
be glad if this offer is formalized”, he said.
He spoke of the plans of CIFCFIN to build five forensics laboratories
comprising Digital, Document, Engineering, Medical and Ballistic and
Crimes Scene laboratories and called for the support of the EFCC in the
overall works of the Institute. On the proposed Document Laboratory,
Gashinbaki expressed hope that the EFCC and the Independent National
Electoral Commission, INEC will find it useful in dealing with
investigation of forgery of documents by politicians seeking elective
offices. “We want to see how we can work with the EFCC and INEC to
avoid forgery of documents by politicians' ', he said.
Responding, Olukoyede appreciated Gashinbaki for his visit and called
for a more holistic scope of the works of CIFCFIN. “I think a wider scope
that goes beyond fraud investigation to management would be good for CIFCFIN”,
he said. He also explained the new policy direction of the EFCC stressing
that his focus was on preventive framework in the fight against corruption.
He assured that the Commission would formalize the domiciliation of CIFCFIN
College in the EFCC’s Academy, maintaining that it “will add value to the
Academy”.
He also assured that “We are willing to share intelligence with you and
look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with your institute".
The press release contains a photo:
cifcfin-hails-olukoyede-on-transformation-in-efcc
**************************************
7 FEB 2024
COURT JAILS INTERNET FRAUDSTER IN LAGOS
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, secured the conviction and sentencing
of one Victor Adedeji Oniyiku, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the
Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos for internet fraud.
Justice Aneke found Oniyiku guilty on the one-count charge brought against
him by the EFCC for impersonating one Hartford Sarah Jane to perpetrate online
fraud.
The convict was arraigned in December 2023 and he pleaded guilty to the offence.
The trial judge then adjourned till Wednesday, February 7, 2024 for the review
of facts and judgment.
The charge reads: “That you, VICTOR ADEDEJI ONIYIKU, sometime in 2021 in Lagos
within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court fraudulently impersonated one
Hartford Sarah Jane by holding yourself out as such on an illinois Drivers'
license, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an
offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes
(Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015”.
The prosecution counsel, Chinenye Okezie reviewed the facts, and urged the
court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
Justice Aneke thereafter convicted and sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment,
with an option of fine of N500,000 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) and 100
hours community service. The Judge also ordered the forfeiture of the devices
recovered from him to the Federal Government.
The convict began his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was arrested
by operatives of the Lagos Command of the EFCC for internet-related offences.
He pleaded guilty to the lone-count charge preferred against him and was
convicted and sentenced accordingly.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-internet-fraudster-in-lagos
*****************************************
6 FEB 2024
EFCC ARRAIGNS KWARA BUSINESSMAN FOR N170M CONTRACT SCAM
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC on Monday, February 5, 2024 arraigned a businessman, Alexander Adeniran
Babarinde from Oro-Ago in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State over
alleged involvement in contract scam, obtaining money under false pretence
and forgery.
Babarinde was arraigned by the EFCC, alongside his company, Ajays Engineering
Limited and one Suleiman Muhammed, (who is currently at large) before Justice
Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on eight –count charges
bordering on obtaining under false pretences. .
The defendants allegedly obtained several amounts of money from the complainant
under the guise of funding and executing some Federal Government contracts.
The petitioner alleged that Babarinde brought some contract awards letters from
Ecological Fund Management Committee Office of the Secretary to the Government
of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Development, Ministry of
Niger Delta Affairs, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina Universal Basic
Education Commission, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology. But,
findings by the EFCC revealed that the letters were forged and never emanated
from the said government agencies.
It was gathered that the defendants had obtained money to the tune of N170million
from the petitioner as capital to execute the non-existent contracts. All attempts
to recover the money however proved abortive.
Count three of the charges against him reads:
“That you, ALEXANDER ADENIRAN BABARINDE, AJAYS ENGINEERING LIMITED and
SULEIMAN MOHAMMED (STILL AT LARGE), sometime between the months of January
2021 and December 2021, in Ilorin Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of
this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of
N30,530,300.00 (Thirty Million, Five Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Three
Hundred Naira ) from one EZEKIEL OLA BABATUNDE as fees for the funding
and execution of Federal Government contracts and thereby committed an
offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other
Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of
the same Act”
Count four of the charges read:
“That you, ALEXANDER ADENIRAN ,BABARINDE, AJAYS ENGINEERING LIMITED and
SULEIMAN MOHAMMED (STILL AT LARGE), sometime between January 2022 and
December 2022, in Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of N6,655,009.00
(SIX MILLION, SIX HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND NAIRA) from one EZEKIEL
OLA BABATUNDE as fees for the funding and execution of Federal Government
contracts and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a)
of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offence Act, 2006 and
Punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him.
Following his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Rasheedat Alao urged the court to remand
the defendant (Babarinde) in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service and
give a date for trial to enable the prosecution to prove its case.
Justice Abdulgafar ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional
Service and adjourned the case till March 13, 2024 for trial.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arraigns-kwara-businessman-for-n170m-contract-scam
**************************************
5 FEB 2024
UYO COURT SENDS THREE INTERNET FRAUDSTERS TO JAIL
Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State has convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters to
different jail terms for offences bordering on criminal impersonation,
internet fraud and possession of fraudulent documents.
The convicts Abraham Itoro Sunday, Ezea Chidera Charles and Udoh Christopher
Gabriel were jailed on Thursday, February 1, 2024 upon their arraignment
by the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on one-count separate charge bordering on cybercrimes.
The lone-count charge reads: “That you Abraham Itoro Sunday 'M' sometime
in 2023 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did fraudulently
impersonate Brian O' Noel on Facebook with the intent to gain advantage for
yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(I)
of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, prevention) Act 2015 and punishable under
the same section”.
They pleaded guilty to all the charges when they were read to them.
Based on their pleas, Prosecution counsels, Enobong Ubokudom and Farida
Bukar thereafter prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Onah convicted and sentenced Sunday
and Charles to six months imprisonment each with an option of fine of N200,000.00
(Two Hundred Thousand Naira only), while Gabriel bagged five months jail term with
an option of fine of N150,000.00(One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only). The
court also ordered that the three smartphones used by the convicts to perpetrate
the crimes be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The convicts started their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were
arrested by operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC on November 22, 2023
at different locations in Afaha Atai, in Iko Eket Akwa Ibom State. Investigation
showed that all the convicts impersonated foreigners by using their identities
to defraud their victims. While Charles fraudulently portrayed himself as 'Molina
Urovsky' on Facebook, Sunday portrayed himself as Brian O'niel and Gabriel
presented himself as Alexander Douglas on Instagram.
The press release contains photos of all three 419ers:
uyo-court-sends-three-internet-fraudsters-to-jail
******************************************
2 FEB 2024
COURT JAILS FAKE US SOLDIER FOR $5,000 FRAUD
IN PORT HARCOURT
The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and imprisonment of a fake
United States soldier, Chukwuema Samuel Andrew.
He was arraigned on two-count charges bordering on advance fee fraud
contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud
Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same
Act.
Count one of the charges reads: "That you, Chukwuema Samuel Andrew (a.k.a
Mary Parlier) sometime in April, 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State within
the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud, did obtain
the sum of $5,300 (Five Thousand Three Hundred Dollars) under the pretext of
being Mary Parlier, a female soldier serving in Yemen as a computer operator,
a pretext which to your knowledge was false and thereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee and Other Fraud Related Offences
Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act."
He pleaded guilty when the charges were read to him, prompting prosecution
counsel, B. O. Agala to pray the court to convict and sentence him accordingly,
while defence counsel P. U. Ogbuehi prayed the judge to temper justice with
mercy stating that his client was a first -time offender with no previous
criminal records.
Justice Ajoku convicted and sentenced Andrew to 30 months imprisonment.
Besides his prison term, he forfeited his Redmi mobile phone and iPhone 12
Pro to the Federal government and deposed to an affidavit of good behaviour
before the court.
The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was nabbed
by EFCC operatives for internet fraud sometime in June, 2023, at Golf Estate,
Port Harcourt in an operation code named "Eagle Sweep." His profiling revealed
that he became involved in different shades of cybercrime including dating and
romance scam in 2021.
The $5,300 proceeds of crime he earned was sent to him as itunes cards, steam
cards and Bitcoins through his vendor who converted them to naira values via
his Access Bank and United Bank for Africa accounts.
In another development, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede has stated that, individuals
who obstruct the Commission or its authorized officers in the exercise of their
duties run afoul of Section 38(a)(b) of the Commission’s Establishment Act. The
same, he said, also applies to those who fail to comply with lawful enquiries or
demands made by authorized officers of the Commission.
He disclosed this during a lecture organized by officers of Advanced and
Intelligence Intermediate Course of the Nigerian Navy on the “History, Roles
and Organization of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC” at the
Navy Intelligence School Ubima, Rivers State.
The EFCC Chairman, who was represented at the event by Chief Superintendent of
EFCC, CSE Itoro Levi Azuogu, Head CTGI 2, Port Harcourt Zonal Command, stated
that the Commission had the constitutional power to seek and receive information
from any person, authority or entity without inhibitions in the cause of its
investigations. He, therefore, enjoined individuals and entities to be forthcoming
with information required of them by the Commission as refusal to do so constitutes
a criminal offence.
To further educate the public on the responsibilities of the Commission, Olukoyede
listed the scope of EFCC’s mandate to include the combatting of “non-violent criminal
and illicit activities, committed with the objective of earning illegitimate wealth,
either by individuals or a group, organized in any manner that violates existing
legislation governing the economic activities of the government, which includes
any form of fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, bribery, looting, all forms
of malpractices, smuggling, bunkering, tax evasion, illegal oil bunkering, currency
counterfeiting, intellectual property theft amongst others.”
The Deputy Commandant, Navy Intelligence School, G.O. Babtunde, in his closing
remarks, thanked CSE Azuogu for the insightful lecture.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-fake-us-soldier-for-5-000-fraud-in-port-harcourt
******************************************
31 JAN 2024
TINUBU TO EFCC: SUSTAIN THE FIGHT AGAINST INTERNET CRIMES
President Bola Tinubu has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, to keep its flames burning against the scourge of
internet crimes and other acts of corruption.
He gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at a one-day
public engagement on youth , religion and fight against corruption and
the launch of Fraud Risk Assessment Project for Ministries, Departments
and Agencies, MDAs organized by the EFCC.
The President pointed out that the disturbing contagion of cybercrimes
has been a challenge and slur on the image of the nation and the EFCC
should spare no effort in tackling it more frontally. “Our country is
not a nation of fraudsters and the pejorative reference to internet crimes
as the “Nigerian scam” across the world is unfair, untenable and unacceptable.
Cybercrimes, to all intents and purposes, are a global phenomenon. Today’s
world is run real time on the internet. Governance, businesses, institutions
and even individual domestic affairs are dependent on the internet. Cyber
criminals are, therefore, a threat to the rest of the world. This is why
no effort or expense should be spared in confronting the evil. I want to
assure the EFCC that the government will continue to offer its support in
its quest to kill the dragon that internet offences have become”, he said.
Tinubu, who spoke through Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressed government’s
determination to give corruption hard tackles, stressing that “we cannot be focused
on growth and development and at the same time offer any breathing space to corrupt
practices. No nation grows without breaking the fangs of corruption. The EFCC has
been duly instructed to do its job at all times without any extraneous considerations.
The Renewed Hope agenda of our government is impervious to corruption. We should
all join hands together to move Nigeria in a new direction of purpose.”
Tinubu spurred the EFCC not to be dismayed by throw backs coming from some
sections of the society regarding its consistent fight against internet crimes
and other corrupt practices, pointing out that government is “aware of all the
foul cries and unwarranted accusations against the lawful efforts of the Commission
to bring fraudsters to book. We cannot fold our hands and watch our youths descend
into morbid criminalities”.
EFCC’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in his Opening Remark, took a retrospective look
at the efforts and profile of the Commission over the years in tackling the monster
of corruption and noted that, though much ground had been covered by the EFCC in
the areas of convictions and recoveries, the un-abating trend of corrupt practices
across the country called for serious concerns. To address the situation, he called
for greater emphasis on prevention of crimes through well-thought-out and coordinated
efforts of the Commission.
“Indeed, proactive implementation of effective and coordinated policies against
corruption remains the best guarantee for public security, economic development,
and the effective functioning of public and private institutions. The recalibration
of the Commission’s prevention strategy seeks to promote proactive deterrence and
greater inclusivity in terms of participation of all stakeholders. Our motivation
is to see how corruption, whether in ministries and agencies of government, in the
ivory towers, or the private sector, could be prevented before it occurs”, he said.
The EFCC boss also stated that the Commission is prioritizing two areas of concern
which is the involvement of youth in cybercrimes and the susceptibility of our
ministries, departments and agencies to grand corruption. He expressed concerns
about the disconcerting allure of computer-related fraud for youths in tertiary
institutions, stressing that “ the danger of having a tribe of future leaders whose
outlook in life is that fraud and corruption are the stairways to fame and fortune,
is however, too dire to treat with kid gloves”. Olukoyede, therefore, called on
managers of academic institutions to rise to the challenge of mentoring youths on
the right path of life.
“It is our view that the Academia can contribute more in the anti-corruption
fight through mentorship as youths in today’s fast-paced world need close supervision
to navigate their path to success and purposeful living”, he said. The EFCC’s boss
equally unfolded the Fraud Risk Assessment Project to assist government agencies to
address systemic vulnerabilities at the personnel, institutional and environmental
levels and take preemptive measures. He assured that the Project “ will save the
nation billions in stolen wealth, time and resources spent in investigating grand
corruption cases”.
He commended President Tinubu for his unflinching support to the fight against
corruption in Nigeria, maintaining that, “with the political will of the administration.
I believe that we have a golden opportunity to rewrite the story of our nation’s quest
for improved transparency and accountability in public affairs”. The EFCC’s engagement
drew notable national political, religious and traditional leaders, with many of them
offering sterling proposals to address the problem of corruption.
In his remarks, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef
Fagbemi urged the EFCC to intensify its preventive method which according to him is
cheaper and easier to prevent crimes. “I believe that concerted efforts should be
channeled towards the preventive aspect of the Commission’s mandate as it is cheaper
and easier to prevent crimes. The Commission’s mandate is beyond investigation and
prosecution of financial crimes which it had over the years pursued vigorously.
The cost of investigating and prosecuting all species of financial crimes will
significantly reduce with adequate preventive measures in place.”
President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh stated that
corruption remains the major challenge of the country. “Corruption remains one of
the major challenges that we have in our country, the albatross that hampers development
and stifles the potentials of the youths. Corruption undermines the principles of justice,
fairness and equality, eroding the very fabrics of the society, it is a cancer that eats
away the trust and integrity of institutions, hindering progress and development. It
discourages hard work, dignity of labor, honesty, respect for one another and creates
a wicked generation that destroys the future of their nation.
The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence,
Sa'ad Abubakar, promised to support the EFCC in its fight adding that the fight against
corruption is a fight for all. “We want to assure you that we will support you one hundred
percent in this fight, because it is a fight for our lives. If we really want Nigeria to
be Nigeria we can proudly call our country, we must fight this corruption to the last
level. We want to assure the EFCC chairman, as religious leaders, we will invite you for
a close door interaction about what we should do as religious leaders", he said.
OOni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi called for devolution of powers, explaining
that local governments should be empowered and greatly encouraged to bring development
closer to the people. “If we don’t look inward and change the structure, nothing tangible
would be achieved. Go and make the local government powerful. It is the root of our
heritage and customs, make them powerful”, he said.
In his seminal presentation as the Guest Speaker at the occasion, John Momoh, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Channels Media Group advised youths about the consequences
of cybercrime. According to him, the digital age has brought with it opportunities and threats
in equal measures, describing cybercrimes as identity theft and financial fraud that are not
just illegal, but also erode the very fabric of trust that holds society together. He argued
that the immediate gratification and illusion of 'easy money' that activities of internet
crimes promise are nothing but a mirage. Momoh warned that consequences of engaging in
cybercrimes are severe ranging from legal repercussions to a loss of reputation, trust,
and future opportunities.
“A momentary lapse in judgment can lead to a lifetime of regret. It’s crucial to understand
that the skills used in these crimes, if channeled positively, have the power to revolutionise
industries, create jobs, and contribute to the economy in meaningful ways”, he said. He called
for corporate reflection on the issue of internet crimes to ensure that youths are directed to
more useful engagements on the internet. “As we gather here, let us reflect on the power of
our collective action and the promise held by our younger generations. The fight against
corruption is not just a battle for today but a foundation for a prosperous future. In an
era where technology has become as essential as the air we breathe, it's no surprise that
our youth are more connected and tech-savvy than any generation before them”.
Addressing the theme of the event, "Youth, Religion, and the fight against Corruption",
the Channels boss pointed out that the role of youth and religion in upholding ethical
standards and combating corruption cannot be overstated. “The influence of religion, in
its essence, teaches us about morality, ethics, and the virtues of honesty and integrity.
Across different faiths and beliefs, these principles remain constant. The moral compass
provided by religious teachings can be a formidable force against corruption", he said
Momoh emphasized that both the Bible and the Quran encourage young people to live lives
of moral and ethical integrity, and called on religious leaders and institutions to assert
more positive influence on their followers and communities, maintaining that they can
mobilise the masses, shape ideologies, and instill values that reject corruption.
The event, which was marked with the relaunch and unveiling of EFCC’s Interfaith Manuals
and Fraud Risk Assessment Project for MDAs, was well- attended by various political,
religious, traditional leaders, including youth groups, academia, civil society
organisations, anti-corruption agencies, among others.
The press release contains photos:
tinubu-to-efcc-sustain-the-fight-against-internet-crimes
419 Coalition comment: We of course agree with President Tinubu that the EFCC must
sustain its efforts against internet crimes. However, we must disagree with his
statement that "the pejorative reference to internet crimes as the “Nigerian scam”
across the world is unfair, untenable and unacceptable". West African Advance Free
Fraud (419), which according to many Governments, including the US Government,
emanates primarily from Nigeria, can appropriately be described as the "Nigerian
Scam" in our view.
As one of the originators of that term for West African Advance Fee Fraud (419)
back in the 1990's, our opinion is that the term was appropriate then and remains,
unfortunately, appropriate today. Of course, there are many forms of internet crime,
emanating from everywhere, but only One West African Advance Fee Fraud (419),
which emanates primarily from Nigeria or Nigerian operated cells abroad.
Think: Crime -> Internet Crime =>Fraud => Advance Fee Fraud => emanating from
or operated by Nigerian cells worldwide => 419 => "Nigerian Scam". So, the "Nigerian
Scam" (419) is one subset of Advance Fee Fraud crimes, among many subsets, and
"Nigerian Scam" is a perfectly appropriate shorthand descriptive term to describe
that subset, in our view.
*************************************************
30 JAN 2024
COURT JAILS 17 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN OYO, OGUN
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of
seventeen (17) internet fraudsters to various jail terms.
They were jailed between January 8 and 28, 2024 after being
arraigned before Justice Olusola Adetujoye of the Oyo State
High Court, Ibadan and Justice A.A. Babawale of the Ogun State
High Court, sitting in Abeokuta on a separate lone count charge
each.
The convicts are Akinbode Abiodun, Samad Tijani Owolabi, Ademola
Olabamiji Quadri, Evewiekpoamare Tivere Jackson, Adeagbo Stephen
Adegbenro, Adesanya Olamilekan Dare, Yusuf Saka Olaoluwatobi,
Akinbode Adedolapo Joshua, Musa Ayinde Olorunnisola and Lawal
Mohammed Segun.
Others are: Moses Bitrus Bugama, Odude Kehinde Ayomipo, Bashiru
Quadri Adeyinka, Ochoche Silas Ochola, Nurudeen Olamilekan Quam,
Afeez Adewale Jimoh and Olowookere Ademola Sobbur.
One of the charges read:
“That you Adesanya Olamilekan Dare ‘M’ on or about 24th May, 2023,
at Ibadan, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court, fraudulently impersonated by representing yourself to be a
white man by the name Daryl Huffman from United States of America
to one Angie Shepard, through your Facebook account with email address:
daryhuffman1960@gmail.com, and other pretences, which pretences you
knew to be false, thereby committed offence of personation contrary
to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State,
2000.”
They all pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
Consequently, facts of the cases were reviewed by the prosecution
counsels as indicting documents and other incriminating materials
were tendered as evidences before the courts. Prosecution counsels
further prayed the courts to convict and sentence the defendants
accordingly.
Upon the prayers of the prosecution counsels, Justice Babawale
convicted and sentenced Sobbur to one year imprisonment without
an option of fine. Also, Justice Adetujoye convicted and sentenced
Olorunnisola to two months imprisonment; Jimoh, Quam, Ochola, Adeyinka,
Ayomipo, Bugama, Segun and Olaoluwatobi to one month jail term each.
Furthermore, Joshua, Dare, Adegbenro and Abiodun were convicted
and sentenced to two weeks imprisonment each without an option of
fine while Owolabi, Quadri and Jackson bagged two weeks community
service each.
The courts also ordered that the convicts restitute their various
victims, including Owolabi who is to pay the sum of N11, 749, 823.36
(Eleven Million, Seven Hundred and Forty-nine Thousand, Eight Hundred
and Twenty-three Naira, Thirty-six Kobo) as restitution.
Items forfeited by the convicts to the Federal Government of Nigeria
included one gold colour Lexus ES 330 with Registration number: FKG
184 HZ, one unregistered silver colour Toyota Corolla 2006 model,
one black colour Honda Pilot 2004 model with registration number:
LSR 783 HW and Chassis number: 2HKYF18464H598117 and one black Lexus
ES 300 2002 model with registration number: APP 27 GT with chassis
number: JTHBF30G020048119 among others.
All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested
by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet-
related activities. They were thereafter charged to court and convicted.
In a related development, the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Police
Force has handed over four suspected internet fraudsters to the Ibadan
Zonal Command of the EFCC on January 26, 2024.
The suspects are Abiodun Ajayi, Salako Saheed, Qudus Owolabi and
Abiodun Ridwan.
They were arrested at Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo State following
ctionable intelligence on suspected fraudulent internet-related
activities.
Items recovered from them include one unregistered Toyota Camry,
one gold colour Toyota Camry with Registration number: APP 192 CB,
two laptops and five mobile phones among others.
They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are
concluded.
The press release contains photos of several odf the 419ers:
court-jails-17-internet-fraudsters-in-oyo-ogun
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26 JAN 2024
EFCC ARRAIGNS ONE IN YOLA FOR N12.5M OIL FRAUD
The Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Festus Agbomodion before
justice A.M. Anka of the Federal High Court, sitting in Yola,
Adamawa State.
He was arraigned on Thursday, January 24, 2024 on two-count
charges bordering on intent to defraud and obtaining under
false pretence to the tune of N12,500,000.00 (Twelve Million
Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) .
Count one reads: That you Festus Agbomodion on or about 2nd
of January, 2019 at Yola, Adamawa State, within the Jurisdiction
of this Honorable Court, with intent to defraud did obtain the
sum of N12,500,000 (Twelve Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira
only) from one Mr. Johnson Seun Femi under false pretence that
the said sum was meant for the supply of two trucks of diesel
to Bretrogeen Enterprises limited (A limited liability Company)
which you knew to be false and hereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 1 (1)(a) and punishable in Section 1(3)
of Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
Another reads : That you Festus Agbomodion and Okeke Magnus
sometime on or about 2nd of January, 2019 at Yola, Adamawa State,
within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did retain the
sum of N12,500,000 (Twelve Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira
only) from one Mr. Johnson Seun Femi as money for the supply of
two trucks of diesel to Bretrogeen Enterprises limited (A limited
liability Company) knowing or reasonably ought to have known that
such fund formed part of a proceed of unlawful activity to wit,
obtaining by false pretence and there by committed an offense
contrary to Section 15 (2)(d) and punishable in Section 15(3)
of the Money Laundering Act, 2011.
In view of his plea of "not guilty", prosecution counsel, M.O
Labaran prayed the court for a trial date while the defence counsel,
S.O. Akporido informed the court of an existing bail application
for the defendant.
Justice Anka thereafter granted the defendant bail in the sum
of Five Million Naira and one surety in like sum.
The surety must be resident and own a landed property in the
defendant's community.
The Judge remanded him in Adamawa Correctional Centre pending
fulfilment of his bail conditions and adjourned the matter to F
ebruary 29, 2024 for trial.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arraigns-one-in-yola-for-n12-5m-oil-fraud
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26 JAN 2024
COURT JAILS FOUR INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN KADUNA
Justices A. Isiaka and A.A Bello of the Kaduna State High Court
sitting in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced the quartet of Bilbert
Sabo, Joy Righteous, Godwill Dikko and Ransom Joash Destiny to various
jail terms for internet fraud.
They were arrested and arraigned by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the
EFCC on one-count separate charges bordering on internet fraud.
While Sabo and Righteous were arraigned before Justice Isiaka, Dikko
and Destiny were arraigned before Justice Bello
The lone-count against Sabo reads: “That you Bilbert Sabo (a.k.a Amelia
Karim) sometime in December, 2023 in Kaduna within the Kaduna Judicial
Division of the High Court with intent to defraud, impersonated one
Amelia Karim (a United States of America citizen) using your Facebook
account, a social media platform and in such assumed character attempted
to cheat unsuspecting foreigners when you knew you were not, 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”.
He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him, prompting
prosecution counsel, E.K Garba to urge the court to convict and
sentence him accordingly.
Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced him to two years imprisonment
or an option of fine of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand
Naira). Apart from his prison term, he forfeited the tool of his crime,
an iphone 11 to the Federal government.
Righteous also pleaded guilty to her one-count charge when it was
read to her, prompting prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka to urge the
court to convict and sentence her accordingly.
Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced her to two years imprisonment
with an option of fine of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand
Naira only)
Beside her prison term, she forfeited the tool of her crime, an Infinix
S5 Pro phone to the Federal government.
Similarly, Justice Bello convicted and sentenced Dikko and Destiny
to two years imprisonment each or a fine of N150,000.00 (One Hundred
and Fifty Thousand Naira only) respectively for cheating by impersonation.
All the four convicts started their journey to the Correctional Centre
when they were arrested by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the
EFCC for impersonating foreigners and using their identities to defraud
their victims.
Sabo presented himself on Facebook as Ameila Karim, a US Citizen from
Ogden, Utah to advertise a fraudulent Bitcoin business and non-existing
sports equipment to defraud her victims. On her own part, Righteous
assumed two false identities to misrepresent herself to unsuspecting
victims and in the process defrauded them.
Dikko presented himself on Facebook as Chome Chai, a Thailand citizen
and used the fake identity to advertise a fraudulent clothing business
to unsuspecting members of the public while Destiny assumed the identity
of an American citizen, William Justice on his Facebook and Instagram
accounts, with which he successfully defrauded one Mrs. Valerie Harvey,
a US citizen of $250 in a love scam.
The press release contains photos of two of the four 419ers:
court-jails-four-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna
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25 JAN 2024
COURT JAILS GRADUATE ONE YEAR FOR DATING SCAM IN LAGOS
Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi,
Lagos, on Monday, January 22, 2024 convicted and sentenced one Ohaguim
Ifeayin Emmanuel to one year imprisonment for dating scam.
Emmanuel, a graduate of Computer Science from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu
University, Uli, Anambra State , was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal
Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on
January 19, 2024, on two-count charges bordering on cybercrime.
One of the counts reads: “ That you, Ohaguim Ifeayin Emmanuel,
sometime in October, 2023, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of
this Honourable Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself,
fraudulently impersonated one "Benjamin Valdez" by holding yourself
out as such on your Google Account and you thereby committed an
offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) of the
Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.”
He pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, A.S. Wara, called
on Usman Ahmed, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of
the case .
Usman told the court that the defendant was arrested sometime in
October, 2023, following credible intelligence received by the
Commission on the activities of some internet fraudsters operating
in Fine County Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State. According
to him, an iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone XR, iPhone X and Mercedez Benz C300
were recovered from him at the point of arrest.
"Upon his arrest, he was duly processed and the defendant volunteered
his statements. Investigations were conducted and forensic evidence
were printed out from his phone. In his statement, he confessed he
was into dating scam. Wara further told the court that the defendant
confessed to have benefited 950 USD and N3.2m from his involvement in
the criminal activity.
Wara ,therefore, sought to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s
extrajudicial statements, some items recovered from him: iPhone 13
Pro, iPhone XR, iPhone X and forensic investigation documents print
out.
They were all admitted as exhibits by the court.
Justice Dipeolu, consequently, convicted and sentenced him to one
year imprisonment, with an option of fine of N200,000( Two Hundred
Thousand Naira).
The Judge also ordered that the mobile phones and Mercedes Benz
C300 recovered from him be forfeited to the Federal Government of
Nigeria.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-graduate-one-year-for-dating-scam-in-lagos
*************************************************
25 JAN 2024
EFCC ARRAIGNS TWO IN MAIDUGURI FOR N36.2M FRAUD
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Maiduguri
Zonal Command, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, arraigned the
duo of Haruna Gora Pama and Kadiri James, before Justice
Tijjani G. Ringim of the Federal High Court, Maiduguri.
They were arraigned on two-count charges of money laundering
and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N36, 247, 937.72
(Thirty Six Million, Two Hundred and Forty Seven Thousand, Nine
Hundred and Thirty Seven Naira, Seventy-two kobo).
Count one of the charge reads: "That you, Haruna Gora Pama,
Kadiri James and Peter Katuka, Freedom, Monday Ekoja George,
Abdulmajid Khamis, and David Potter (all now at large) sometimes
in June 2022, at Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction
of this honourable court, did conspire amongst yourselves to do
illegal act, to wit: conspiracy to commit money laundering and
thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under
Section 21 of the Money Laundering ( Prevention and Prohibition)
Act, 2022 (as amended) respectively.”
Count two reads: “That you, Haruna Gora Pama, Kadiri James and
Peter Katuka, Freedom, Monday Ekoja George, Abdulmajid Khamis
and David Potter (all now at large) sometimes in June 2022, at
Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this honourable
court, directly converted the aggregate sum of N 36, 247, 937. 72
(Thirty Six Million, Two Hundred and Forty Seven Thousand, Nine
Hundred and Thirty Seven Naira, Seventy-two kobo) which you ought
to know that it formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit:
obtaining money under false pretence and thereby committed an offence
contrary to and punishable under Section 18(2) (b) of the Money
Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable
under Section 18(3) of the same Act."
The defendants pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when they were
read to them. Thereafter, prosecution counsel, Faruk Muhammad
prayed the court for a trial date and for them to be remanded in
a Correctional Centre.
Justice Ringim remanded them in a Correctional Centre and adjourned
the matter till February 1, 2024 for trial.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arraigns-two-in-maiduguri-for-n36-2m-fraud
*******************************************
22 JAN 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 24 SUSPECTED TRAINEE INTERNET FRAUDSTERS
IN UYO
Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested Twenty Four , 24, suspected
internet fraudsters being trained for internet crimes in Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State.
They were arrested on Monday, January 22, 2024 at a storey building
suspected to be a criminal hideout for training internet fraudsters.
The all- male suspects were arrested in two locations in an intelligence-
driven sting operation at D-Line Ewet Housing Estate and Nelson Mandela
area both in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
They were rounded up at the upper floor of the storey building that
looked like a classroom hall with chairs, tables, laptops and notepads
on each table. The building is allegedly being used solely for the
training of youths in various aspects of cyber criminality.
Items recovered from the premises and the suspects include: five exotic
cars; 18 laptops; 17 mobile phones and one internet router.
The EFCC had, on November 28, 2019 arrested 23 trainers and trainees
at a “Yahoo Academy” at Essien Essien Street, Ikot Ibiok village in Eket
Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are
concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-24-suspected-trainee-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo
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19 JAN 2024
PRESIDENTIAL AIDE ON STUDENTS ENGAGEMENT HAILS OLUKAYODE
ON INTERNET FRAUD
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement,
Sunday Asefon Dayo has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on his worry and
concerns about the prevalence of internet crimes among youths across
the country.
He gave the commendation in Abuja on Thursday, January 18, 2024,
while on a courtesy visit to the Corporate Headquarters of the EFCC.
Dayo said that internet crimes have assumed disturbing trends among
youths and urgent measures should be taken to tackle them.
He expressed regret about the misrepresentation of Olukoyede’s statements
regarding rising involvement of youths in internet crimes blaming it on
skewed media reporting. “We need to put an end to internet crimes. It
is even worrisome that some lecturers and campus workers are also getting
involved in the crimes. We must do something drastic to tackle them”, he
said.
Dayo lamented that internet fraudsters are getting their strength from
drugs. “Cybercrimes are getting worse because youths indulging in them
are propelled by drugs. I think the EFCC and National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency, NDLEA, need to come together and create more awareness against the
menace”, he said.
He urged the EFCC to consider giving internet fraudsters serving jail
terms amnesty to ease their reformation and re-integration into the
society. He also called for the establishment of EFCC Clubs on every
campus in Nigeria to aid in the sensitization of students on the dangers
of corruption.
Speaking further, the Presidential aide applauded the Commission’s new
protocol on night operations, stressing that criminals have been hiding
under nocturnal operations to perpetrate heinous crimes in the name of
the EFCC. He lauded Olukoyede for his “courage, boldness and professionalism
in tackling corrupt practices frontally since he assumed office. The
investigation of Betta Edu and others by the EFCC is a credit to President
Bola Tinubu and the EFCC. Your prompt actions and the fact that the EFCC
Chairman is always on his toes are commendable”, he said.
Responding, the EFCC’s boss said the Commission was open to every interest
group, especially student unions with genuine interests for collaboration
to fight corruption and other related financial crimes. He explained that
his concerns about the prevalence of internet crimes among youths were
misconstrued, stressing that “youths can survive and succeed by doing
the right things”.
He appreciated the sincerity of Dayo in espousing all the issues involved
in internet crimes, maintaining that the sad trajectory of youth involvement
in the crimes should not continue. “We want our youths to be properly focused.
They are the future leaders we will hand over to”, he said.
He also commended members of the team for their vision and patriotism to
partner with the EFCC in the fight against financial crimes and corruption,
stating that the fight against the fraud required collaborative efforts
of all and sundry.
The press release contains photos:
presidential-aide-on-students-engagement-hails-olukayode-on-internet-fraud
****************************************************
18 JAN 2024
MAMMAN ABDULAHI IS HQ OPERATIONS MOST OUTSTANDING OFFICER
OF THE YEAR
The Headquarters Operations Department of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, held its 2023
Annual Award with Mamman Abdulahi emerging as the Most Outstanding
Officer of the Year.
At an impressive ceremony that saw investigators at the Headquarters
Operations department glowing in satisfaction for an impactful year,
the Advance Fee Fraud Section, AFF, stole the day by clinching two
different Awards as the Section with the highest number of convictions
and the Section with the highest number of cases sent to Legal &
Prosecution Department.
Speaking at the occasion, Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola
Olukoyede, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Muhammad
Hammanjoda said the Commission was proud of its core values of professionalism,
courage, integrity and collaboration, stressing that hard work and dedication
to duty are expected from every officer.
"The Executive Chairman is willing and supportive of every department in
whatever it takes to succeed with its operations. This Award ceremony is
part of the cardinals we have in our policies because awards are very
important in recognizing and celebrating achievements, I congratulate
the Department of Operations for this initiative and we hope other
departments will also follow suit”, he said.
Director of Operations, Abdulkarim Chukkol appreciated the Head of
Operations at the Headquarters for the wonderful initiative, urging the
awardees to keep up the good work. He further stressed that in achieving
the Commission’s mandate everybody and all departments are relevant and
eeded.
Other individual awardees are, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC,
ASE I Ogunjobi Olalekan as the Most Outstanding Investigator in Emerging
Technologies, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Olarenwaju Adeola as
the Prosecutor with the highest conviction in the year under review, while
the award of Most Consistent Officer in Discharge of Duties was bagged by
Detective Assistant, DA III Gambo Talatu. Other awardees that shone brightly
at the occasion are: Igbinomwanhia Osayomwanbo, Officer Excellent in
Accountability and Professional Ethics, Fave Samuel Ismaila, Officer with
Excellence in Cross Departmental Collaboration and Salisu Mohammed, Most
Outstanding and Innovative Security Officer.
In the same vein, the Extractive Industry Fraud Section won the award
for highest monetary recoveries, the Economic Governance II Section clinched
the award of Section with the highest asset recovery (Real Estate), the
Tax Fraud Section lifted the award of highest recoveries with impact on
national economy while the P&ID Investigation Team comprising CSP Babangida
Usein, ACE11 Iheanacho Ekele and ACE11 Abba Mohammed bagged two Awards:
Excellent Investigators across borders and Excellent Prosecutors across borders.
Direction of Legal and Prosecution, Tahir Slyvanus, SAN, in his reaction,
says that, giving recognition to those who deserve it is a way of encouragement.
“I believe that excellence comes with hard work. Being recognized in an organization
like ours given the nature of work we are doing is quite commendable”, he said.
He charged officers never to relent in doing the good work, saying that reward
always comes, either in the short or long run.
Earlier in his opening remark, Acting Head of Operations, Assistant Commander
of the EFCC, ACE I Ibrahim Idris said that the EFCC should be seen as one
body because no department can function on its own. He disclosed that the 2023
HQ Operations extended its recognition to other individuals and departments
outside the department in order to recognize and appreciate officers whose
hard work and dedication to duty impacted the overall success of the Commission
in 2023 " I wish to use this opportunity to recognize our officers that
are not present, whether you are among the nominees or not, your collective
efforts have contributed to our success”, he said
The press release contains photos:
mamman-abdulahi-is-hq-operations-most-outstanding-officer-of-the-year
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10 JAN 2024
COURT JAILS FRAUDSTER FIVE YEARS FOR $1.6M CRYPTOCURRENCY
FRAUD
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction
and sentencing of Benjamin Ikaa before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High
Court, Abuja. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment for his involvement
in $1.6million cryptocurrency fraud.
Ikaa pleaded guilty to one-count amended charge, which reads: “That you
Benjamin Okenna Ikaa (Alias George; Gavrilovich; P Aleksandra; Aaron Grifin),
Chidera Jonas (at large) and Ikaa Ejike Benjamin (at large) on or about 20th
December, 2022 at Ugbowa Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, did send electronic messages
which materially misrepresent facts in your website, www.mchaeveycapital.com
about crypto currency investment to a Monica Garcia upon which she relied and
suffered financial loss in the sum of $120,000.00 (One Hundred Twenty Thousand
US Dollars only) and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable
under Section 14(2) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention etc.) Act 2015.”
In view of his plea, prosecuting counsel, Aso Larrys Peter prayed the court
to convict him as charged. However, defence counsel, Abel Adaji, pleaded with
the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the convict has become
remorseful and was a first -time offender.
Justice Nwite convicted and sentenced him to five years imprisonment with an
option of fine of N5,000, 000( Five Million Naira only). Ikaa also forfeited
an iPhone 13, a Toyota Avalon car, 2013 model to the Federal government. The
$11,000 recovered from him would be returned to his victims. He also wrote
an undertaking to steer away from cybercrime henceforth.
Ikaa’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by the
EFCC for operating fictitious cryptocurrency investment website, www.mcharveycapital.com
where he promised mouth-watering returns on investment, resulting in his unsuspecting
victims incurring a loss of 26 bitcoins as at February 2023. His victims are from
South Africa, Norway, United Kingdom and Barbados. When confronted with the facts
of his fraudulent dealings, he owned up to them. He was thereafter prosecuted and
convicted.
The press release contains a photo of the 419er:
court-jails-fraudster-five-years-for-1-6m-cryptocurrency-fraud
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