Nigeria - 419 Coalition 2024 News on Nigerian Scam / 419 Operations

31 DEC 2024

REDAN Applauds EFCC’s Landmark Recovery of Properties

The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, REDAN, has commended the 
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  for its strides in combating 
money laundering and recovery of 753 duplexes and other apartments in the 
Lokogoma District of Abuja.

This commendation was given in Abuja by the President and Chairman of Council 
of REDAN, Prince Akintoye Adeoye in a letter addressed  to President Bola Ahmed 
Tinubu,  a copy of which was made available to the EFCC. Adeoye pointed out that 
the Commission was playing vital roles in combating economic crimes, money 
laundering and terrorism financing within the real estate sector and specifically 
lauded the EFCC’s Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede for driving all 
the numerous achievements of the Commission in 2024.

“REDAN acknowledges the vital role of the EFCC in combating economic crimes, 
money laundering and terrorism financing within the real estate sector.  These efforts 
are crucial to maintaining the integrity of our industry, ensuring it serves as a 
catalyst for national development rather than a haven for unscrupulous activities”,  
he said "On the recovery and forfeiture of the Lokogoma’s apartments to the government,  
Adeoye commended the judiciary “ for its decisive action in the final forfeiture ruling.  
This judgment reinforces the commitment to upholding the rule of law and demonstrates 
a unified effort in combating corruption, aligning with the goals of your administration 
to ensure justice and accountability in Nigeria”.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie  of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja, 
granted the final  forfeiture of the 753 apartments on December2, 2024.  The forfeiture 
was the largest single asset recovery of the EFCC.   

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23 DEC 2024

$1.4m Fraud: Appeal Court Upholds Conviction of Businessman

A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, on Thursday, 
December 19, 2024, upheld the conviction and sentencing of a businessman, 
Kolawole Adedayo Erinle, to 12 years imprisonment for $1.4m fraud. 

Erinle and his company, Rinde-Remdex Nigeria Limited, were first arraigned 
before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in 
Ikeja, Lagos, on March 11, 2022. 

Though he pleaded “not guilty”, the trial could not be concluded before the 
retirement of Justice Taiwo, thereby prompting the re-assignment of the case 
to Justice Oshodi. 

He was subsequently re-arraigned on October 28, 2022 before Justice Oshodi 
on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, retention of proceeds of 
criminal conduct, and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of 
$1,410,000 (One Million Four-Hundred and Ten Thousand United States Dollars).    

One of the charges reads: "Kolawole Adedayo Erinle and Edward Dada (still at 
large), sometime in 2019 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
Court, conspired to falsely represent yourselves as J.E. Dunn, a local construction 
company in America, with intent to gain monetary advantage in the sum of $1,410,000 
(One Million Four-Hundred and Ten Thousand United States Dollars) by creating a 
fake domain name jedunn.org and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 
8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No 14, 2006.

 He, again, pleaded "not guilty" to the charge. 

 In the course of the trial, the prosecution counsel, T.J. Banjo had called 
 four witnesses, through whom several documentary evidence were presented to 
 prove the case against him and his company. 

The prosecution also presented evidence to prove that Erinle had been convicted 
for fraud in the United States of America ,USA. 

Justice Oshodi had, on February 10, 2023, revoked the bail earlier granted to 
the defendant, following an application  by the prosecution showing that he 
never perfected the bail conditions earlier granted him by Justice Taiwo.  

After the prosecution had closed its case, Erinle took to the dock to defend 
himself.  

Led in evidence by his counsel, Lawal Pedro, SAN, he had denied the allegations 
brought against him by the prosecution.  

However, under-cross-examination by the prosecution, he had admitted that he was 
indeed an ex-convict in the US, and spent 23 months in prison.  

He had also expressed a change of mind to restitute his victim, saying, "I am 
sorry".   

Delivering judgment on September 26, 2023, Justice Oshodi had declared the 
defendant and his company guilty as charged.

The Judge had also held that the prosecution effectively proved the case against 
them beyond every reasonable doubt. 

Justice Oshodi had, therefore, sentenced him to five years on count two, and 12 
years on count three, with the sentences to run concurrently from February 10, 2023 
when he was remanded by the court. 

The company, Rinde-Remdex Nigeria Limited, was fined N50 million and was ordered 
to be wound up by the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, with the proceeds forfeited 
to the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

The convicts were also ordered to make restitution to the victim. 

All the property and vehicles recovered from them by the EFCC were ordered to be 
sold and applied as restitution to the victim, through the FBI. 

However, dissatisfied with the judgment of the trial court, Erinle, through his 
counsel, had approached the appellate court challenging the judgment.  Counsel for 
the EFCC, T.J. Banjo had, however, urged the appellate court to dismiss the appeal 
as lacking in merit and to uphold the judgement of the lower court.

In a lead judgment delivered by Justice Danlami Zama Senchi, the three-man panel 
of Justices unanimously upheld the submission of the EFCC, held that the appeal 
lacked merit and also affirmed the judgment of the trial court.

1-4m-fraud-appeal-court-upholds-conviction-of-businessman
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23 DEC 2024

Alleged £1million Fraud: Court Dismisses Defence’s  Application 
For Stay of Proceedings in Trial of Seven

Justice R.A. Osodi  of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on 
Thursday, December 19, 2024, dismissed an application by the defence counsel 
seeking a stay of  proceedings in the ongoing trial of seven suspects over an 
alleged £1m fraud.

The Lagos Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
had on February 3, 2022 arraigned Morufu Adewale, (a.k.a Gbegunleri Adelana), 
Abayomi Alaka(a.k.a. Dauda Usman Alashe), Omitogun Ajayi and Ajisegiri Abiodun 
before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, 
Lagos. 

Three of the defendants, Taiwo Ahmed, Raufu Raheem and Sanlabiu Teslim, had 
initially been listed to be at large.

However, the trial could not be concluded before the retirement of Justice Taiwo.

This, therefore, prompted the re-assignment of the case file to Justice Oshodi, 
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 on an 
amended three-count charge.

The offences border on obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 1(1)
(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, 
and conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence contrary to Section 410 of the 
Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

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 GBP) 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 pleaded "not guilty" to the charges. 

At a sitting  on September 23, 2024, prosecution counsel, N.K. Ukoha, had sought to 
tender in evidence a flash drive through the sixth witness, Giwa Wasiu, an Assistant  
Superintendent of the Police, ASP, who had told Justice Osodi how the sixth defendant 
was apprehended in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

He had testified that the sixth defendant, in the said video, confessed that he and some 
others duped one Dr. (Mrs.) Bello of the sum of N675 million. He had also testified that 
the said video contained in the flash drive was handed over to the EFCC.

However, when Ukoha sought to tender the flash drive as evidence, the defence team led 
by Olalekan Ojo, SAN had raised an objection , thereby prompting the court to adjourn 
till Friday, October 11, 2024 for ruling. 

In his ruling on October 11, 2024, Justice Oshodi had overruled the objection by the 
fourth defendant and admitted the flash drive containing the video recording of the 
sixth defendant in evidence as Exhibit E.

The Judge had also adjourned till December 19, 2024 for the defence counsel to cross-
examine the witness, Wasiu.

However, counsel to the fifth defendant, Tunde Ojehomon, brought an application seeking 
a stay of proceedings in the trial pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Other defence counsel allied with  Ojehomon’s  argument, and also urged the court to 
determine their pending applications before further hearing in the matter. 

Justice Oshodi , however, overruled their applications; hence the proceedings continued 
with the cross-examination of the witness. 

Thereafter, the prosecution applied that the video clip of the confessional statement 
be played in the open court, which was granted by the court.

The case was adjourned  till January 6, 2025 for continuation of trial.

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17 DEC 2024

Courts Jail Nine Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna

Justices A.A Bello, A.Isiaka and Murtala .J. Zubairu of the Kaduna State High 
Court, sitting in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced nine persons to various 
jail terms for fraud.

The convicts are: Yaya Babatunde (a.k.a Kay Lenea), Sule Onyegefu Isaac, Alaba 
Peter (a.k.a Mane Julia), Obedient Charles (a.k.a Paul Cravey), Isaac Henry, 
Muhammad Adam Muhammed (a.k.a Hannah Alesia Boltz), Richie Olagunju Bolaji 
Waris (a.k.a Gina Mclaurin), John Nanyak Peter Haruna (a.k.a Anna Moon) and 
Frank Phillip Praise (Brown Jamal).

They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charges that border on impersonation, 
cheating and internet fraud.

The charge against Haruna reads: “That you, John Nanyak Peter Haruna, (a.k.a 
Anna Moon) (M), sometime in 2024 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this 
Honourable Court, falsely presented yourself as Anna Moon; a female living 
in Saudi Arabia, on Snapchat (an online social media application) and in that 
assumed character cheated one Max of the total sum of $200.00USD (Two Hundred 
United States Dollars 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.”

Praise's charge reads: “That you Frank Philip Praise (a.k.a Brown Jamal) sometime 
in May, 2024 at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of the Kaduna State High Court, 
falsely presented yourself as Brown Jamal; a military personnel residing in United 
States of America, on facebook (an online social application) and in that assumed 
character cheated one George Williams of the sum of $400.00 USD and thereby 
committed an offence of impersonation contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State 
Penal Code Law, 2017and punishable under Section 309 of the same law.”

They all pleaded guilty to the count charges, prompting the prosecuting counsel, M.E 
Eimonye, Y.J Matiyak, M.Lawal, Fortune A.I. Asemebo and K.Ogunlade to pray the courts 
to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Haruna was sentenced to three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five 
Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, he forfeited an iPhone 14 Pro Max and the sum of 
$200.00 (Two Hundred United States Dollars).

Praise was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of 
N600,000.00 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition he forfeited an iPhone 14 Pro 
Max and a Mercedes Benz car as well as the sum of $400:00 (Four Hundred US Dollars).

Waris was sentenced to three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N600,000.00 (Six 
Hundred Thousand Naira). He also forfeited an iPhone.

Muhammad was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment or to pay a fine of 
N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). He also forfeited an iPhone 12 Pro and 
the sum of $50 (Fifty Dollars.)

Henry was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of 
N500, 000. 00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, he forfeited the sum of 
$25.00 (Twenty-five USD) and Samsung S20 Plus.

Charles  was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment or to pay a fine of
N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, he forfeited an iPhone 7 
Plus and the sum of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira).

Babatunde was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment or to pay a fine of 
N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, he forfeited an iPhone 11 
Pro and to restitute the sum of $200 (Two Hundred Dollars) to his victim.

Peter was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment or to pay a fine of 
N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, he forfeited three phones, 
iPhone 16, iPhone 6 Plus, Samsung Note 20 and a gold ear ring.  He is also to 
restitute the sum of $1,200 (One Thousand, Two Hundred Dollars) to his victim.

Isaac was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of 
N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, he forfeited an Infinix 
Note 20 phone.

The convicts were arrested following credible intelligence at various locations in 
Kamazo, Karji and Gonin Gora axis of Kaduna State.


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16 DEC 2024

Bauchi,  Adamawa  Courts Jail 18 Internet Fraudsters

Justices Aminu Garba  and Aisha A. Ibrahim of the Federal High Court 1 and 
2 sitting in Bauchi, Bauchi State have convicted and sentenced 17 internet 
fraudsters to various jail terms, even as Justice Ahmed Isa of the Adamawa 
tate High Court sitting in Yola equally jailed another internet fraudster.   

The convicts are: Fumi Joshua, Nathan Timothy Aruku, Femi Johnson Adelowo, 
Chimieze Alajemba, Jeremiah Pam Samuel, Emmanuel Shadrach, Ibrahim Yusuf, 
Shikaan Martin's, Mishack Daniel, Jerry Moses, Joseph Yagat Baye, Emmanuel 
Pontiff.

Others are: Godiya Simon, Noble Max, Perfect Nuhu and Agbande A.Bature, Fred 
Omale and Yasar Usman Hamman.  

They were separately arraigned on  a one- count separate charges of fraudulent 
personation by the Gombe  Zonal Directorate of the Commission between November 
and December 2024 

The charge against Chimieze Alajemba reads: "That you Chimieze Alajemba sometimes 
in November 2024 at Bauchi, Bauchi State within the jurisdiction of this honourable 
court fraudulently impersonate one John Miller, an American national by creating 
and operating fake Facebook and Gmail account with a profile name "johnmiller366 
and johnmiller264.6431,2@gmail.com and in process gained to your advantage the 
gross sum of $700 thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) of 
Cybercrimes ( Prohibition Prevention etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 
22(2)(b) (vi) of same Act

All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were 
read to them in court, prompting the prosecution counsel, SM Aliyu, A. Aliyu 
and JD Tortema to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. 
However, counsels to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice 
with mercy stressing that  they have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Garba on  December 11, 2024 convicted and sentenced Pontiff to seven 
months imprisonment with an option of  N130,000 (One Hundred and Thirty Thousand 
Naira) fine and  Omale is to pay n170,000 (One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira 
in lieu of seven months jail term. 

On December 10, 2024, the judge convicted and sentenced Joshua, Bayi and Daniel 
to seven months imprisonment or a fine of N170,000 each. 

Yusuf, Samuel are to pay a fine of N100,000 each in lieu of seven months jail 
term and Moses, Shedrach and Martin's  were sentenced to seven months imprisonment 
with an option of fine of N130,000 each.

Justice Aisha Ibrahim on December 10, 2024 convicted and sentenced Aruku, Adelewo, 
Alajemba and Pam to six months imprisonment or a fine n250,000( Two Hundred and 
Fifty Thousand Naira) each.

Also, on November 28, 2024 the judge convicted and sentenced Simon, Max Bature and 
Nuhu to six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N150,000 (One Hundred and 
Fifty Thousand Naira)  each.

The judges ordered the forfeiture of the convicts’ mobile phones  recovered during 
investigation and being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The convicts' journey to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest by 
operatives of the Gombe  Zonal directorate  of the Commission based on actionable 
intelligence regarding  their involvement in computer-related fraud.

In a related development , the Gombe Zonal Directorate of  Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission,  EFCC has secured the conviction of one internet fraudster, Yasar 
Usman Hamman before Justice Ahmed Isa of the High Court sitting in Yola, Adamawa 
State .

Hamman  was arraigned on December 10, 2024 on a one-count charge of cheating by 
ersonation by Gombe Zonal Directorate .

The charge reads  : that you Yasar  Usman Hamman sometimes in 2024 at Sangere area 
of Modibbo Yola, Adamawa State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court whilst 
impersonating benricothetrader, attempted to cheat by enticing one Morgan and other 
unsuspecting foreign national to invest their money in your cryptocurrency platform 
with intent to defraud them, an attempt to cheat by impersonation  contrary to Section 
59 and punishable under Section 315 of the Adamawa State Penal Code Law 2018

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge prompting prosecution counsel, Saad H.Saad 
to ask the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.  However, counsel 
to the defendant pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

Justice Isa thereafter convicted and sentenced Hamman to ten years imprisonment with 
an option of  fine of  N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) 

The court also ordered that the iPhone X used in the commission of the offence be 
forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria 

The convicts's journey to Correctional Centre began sometimes in September 2024 when 
the Commission received an intelligence alleging that some syndicate of cyber-related 
fraudsters between the ages of 18-30 years residing in Sangere area of Madibbo, Yola, 
Adamawa State were defrauding innocent victims. Hamman was  thereafter  arrested, 
prosecuted and convicted.

The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers:

bauchi-adamawa-courts-jail-18-internet-fraudsters
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16 DEC 2024

EFCC  Bursts Syndicate of 792  Cryptocurrency Investment,  
Romance Fraud Suspects in Lagos … Arrests 193 Chinese, Arabs, 
Filipinos, Others

The Executive Chairman  of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has  disclosed that the Commission, in a landmark raid,  
arrested 792 suspects  for their alleged involvement in cryptocurrency 
investment fraud and romance scam.

The  suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in a surprise 
operation at their hideout, an imposing seven-storey edifice known as Big Leaf 
Building, on No.7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following 
verifiable intelligence received by the Commission.

Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Lagos  
Zonal Directorate of the Commission, Olukoyede stated that 148 Chinese, 40 
Filipinos, two Kharzartans, one Pakistani, one Indonesian were arrested during 
the operation.

The EFCC’s boss, who spoke though the Director, Public Affairs, EFCC, Commander 
of the EFCC,  CEWilson Uwujaren, further stated that the  foreign nationals used 
the facility, which could be mistaken for a corporate headquarters of a financial 
establishment, to train their Nigerian accomplices on how to initiate romance and 
investment scams and also used the identities of their Nigerian accomplices to 
perpetrate their criminal activities.

According to him, “All the floors are equipped with high-end desktop computers. 
On the 5th floor alone, investigators recovered 500 SIM cards of local telcos that 
were bought for criminal purposes.

“Their Nigerian accomplices were recruited by the foreign kingpins to prospect 
for victims online through phishing, targeting mostly Americans, Canadians, 
Mexicans, and several others from European countries.

“They usually arm them with desktop computers and mobile devices and create fake 
profiles for them.

“The Nigerian accomplices are equally provided with logs that allow them access 
to foreign communication lines and victims, which they chat with on WhatsApp, 
Instagram and Telegram.”

While giving  further details about the modus operandi of the syndicate, the EFCC 
Chair said the Nigerian accomplices, who are assigned WhatsApp accounts linked to 
foreign telephone numbers, especially from Germany and Italy, engage victims in 
romantic conversations as well as phantom business and investment discussions to 
trick them to shop on the purported online investment shopping platform called 
www.yooto.com. 

He added: “For those who show interest, activation fees for an account on the 
platform starts from $35USD.

“Investigation revealed that the criterion for recruiting these young Nigerians 
is proficiency in the use of computers, especially typing skill. Those who passed 
the test are given desktop computers and mobile devices and then taken through a 
two-week induction on how to personate foreign females in romance scam chats and 
convince victims to invest in their employers' cryptocurrency investment scam.

“Once the Nigerians are able to win the confidence of would-be victims, the foreigners 
would take over the actual task of defrauding the victims and proceed to block their 
Nigerian accomplices from the network. This would then leave them in the dark about 
the transaction.”

He, however, said the Nigerians involved in the alleged fraudulent activities “do 
not know the owners of the 'company' they work for because they are not offered 
letters of appointments or receive payment from a corporate account.”

According to him, the  suspected Nigerian accomplices are usually paid either in 
cash or through an individual's account.

Olukoyede said the Commission was working with its foregoing partners to establish 
the extent of the scam and the accomplices as well as the likelihood of any collaboration 
with organized international fraud cells. 

The EFCC Chair also used the occasion to debunk the notion that Nigerians are behind 
the tonnes of frauds emanating from the country.

“Foreigners are taking advantage of our nation's unfortunate reputation as a haven of 
frauds to establish a foothold here to disguise their atrocious criminal enterprises. 
But, as this operation has shown, there will be no hiding places for criminals in 
Nigeria,”he said.

Also speaking during the occasion, the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 
of the Commission, Michael Wetkas, sought greater collaboration with the media in the 
fight against  corruption and economic and financial crimes.

Items recovered from the suspects include desktop computers, mobile phones, laptop 
computers and cars at the point of arrest.

The suspects will be charged to court after investigations are concluded. 

The press release contains photos:

efcc-bursts-syndicate-of-792-cryptocurrency-investment-romance-fraud-suspects-in-lagos-arrests-193-chinese-arabs-filipinos-others

419 Coalition Comment:  We congratulate the EFCC on this impressive achievement, 
and hope to see many more press releases with similar news of mass arrests of 
large scale 419 syndicates.  We would quibble on the EFCC's intepretation on
who the Ogas and Chairman of the syndicate are however, we suspect that they 
may in fact turn out to be Nigerian nationals who have recruited the foreigners 
through affiliated expat 419er cells in various countries.  Be that as it may, 
we offer kudos to the EFCC for this operation.
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13 DEC 2024

Courts in Benin and Asaba Send Seven Internet Fraudsters to Prison

Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Court sitting 
in Benin City and Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court sitting 
in Asaba between December 10 and 12 convicted and sentenced seven internet 
fraudsters to various jail terms

The convicts are Precious Okeleke, Austine Iwuner, Saint Felix, Ododo Mathias, 
Idahosa Kelvin, Bankole Adaranijo, Owie Osasenago Stephen.

They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by 
false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent 
documents by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission.

The charge against Okeleke reads: "That you Precious Okeleke (m) on or about 
the 30th of October, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did 
have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained 
false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 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 charges when they were read to them, 
prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, I.M Elodi 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, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.

Precious Okeleke was on Tuesday December 10, convicted and sentenced by Justice 
W.I Aziegbemhin to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred 
Thousand Naira), while Austine Iwuner was convicted and sentenced by Justice 
F.A Olubanjo to two years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred 
Thousand Naira).

On Wednesday, December 11, Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Saint Felix 
and Ododo Mathias to Three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred 
Thousand Naira).

Justice Aziegbembin on Wednesday December 12 convicted and sentenced Idahosa 
Kelvin and Bankole Adaranijo to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 
(Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Owie Osasenago bagged three years 
imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptops, and balances in their respective 
bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria as proceeds of crime and to 
undertake in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts’  journey to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest by 
operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC through a sting operation 
owing to their involvement in fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers

courts-in-benin-and-asaba-send-seven-internet-fraudsters-to-prison
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13 DEC 2024

EFCC Arrests  Suspected Fraudster for Allegedly Duping 139 Australians

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have 
arrested a suspected online fraudster,  Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly 
duping 139 Australians to the tune of $AUD8,000,000 (Eight Million Australian 
Dollars).

He was picked up in a stake out at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, 
Ikeja, Lagos upon arrival from the United States of America on Friday, December 
6, 2024.

Otukpa, who goes by five aliases, namely: Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, 
Michael Haye, Jose Vitto and Kristin Davidson scammed the victims by luring 
them on the social media to invest in his rogue cryptocurrency investment 
platform, Liquid Asset Group, LAG.

The proceeds of the alleged crimes were routed to his bank accounts through 
a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.

He would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-suspected-fraudster-for-allegedly-duping-139-australians
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11 DEC 2024

EFCC Arrests 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan

Operatives of Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected 
internet fraudsters.

The internet fraudsters were arrested at Akobo area of Ibadan in Oyo 
State following credible intelligence linking them with suspected 
involvement in fraudulent internet activities.

Items recovered from them include eight exotic cars, laptops, phones 
and a play station game, among others.

The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.


efcc-arrests-23-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-ibadan
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11 DEC 2024

Abuja Court Jails Man for $115,000 Internet Fraud

Justice H.L Abba-Aliyu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, 
Jabi, Abuja on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 convicted and sentenced one 
Praise Humphrey Igbo (a.k.a) Jessica Allen to one year imprisonment for 
fraud.

He was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC on a one-count 
charge, bordering on internet crime, criminal impersonation, obtaining money 
under false pretence and money laundering to the tune of $115,000 (One Hundred 
and Fifteen Thousand United States Dollars).

His charge reads: “That you, Praise Humphrey Igbo sometime in 2022 in Abuja 
within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, with intent to defraud, did 
cheat by pretending to be one Jesisca Allen, a successful crypto currency 
trader in the United State of America and in that assumed character, fraudulently 
obtained 5.26 Bitcoins worth One Hundred and Fifteen Thousand United State Dollars 
($115,000) by false pretence, property of Aaron Baker, thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Act Abuja, Cap 532 LFN 2004 and punishable 
under Section 324 of the same Act.”

He pled “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him upon which prosecution 
counsel, M.K Hussain prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

Justice Abba-Aliyu convicted and sentenced him to one year imprisonment or to pay 
a fine of one million naira (N1,000,000). She further ruled that the sum of $16,110 
and $67,487.79 worth of cryptocurrency recovered from him and the money in his 
bank account be used to restitute his victim through the American Embassy.

Igbo’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when a petitioner, East Baton 
Rouge Parish (Aaron Bakker), an American, alleged that a the convict pretending 
to be one Jessica Allen, a purported crypto investor, stole $115,000 worth of 
Bitcoin from him on Blockchain.com after presenting an investment opportunity 
to him, which turned out to the fake.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

abuja-court-jails-man-for-115-000-internet-fraud

419 Coalition note:  We trust that the US Embassy will see to it that Mr. Bakker
will pronptly receive the funds restituted from this 419er, and thank Justice 
Abba-Aliyu for her order in that regard.
****************************************

10 DEC 2024

Kwara Court Jails Student, Three Others for Internet Fraud

Justice Suleiman Akanbi of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin 
on Monday, December 09, 2024 sentenced a student, Akanbi Akorede Afeez, 
to two years imprisonment for internet fraud.

He was arraigned on a lone-count charge bordering on internet fraud.

The charge reads:

“That you, Akanbi Akorede Afeez (a.k.a Erdis) between February 2023 or 
thereabout Kwara State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court 
dishonestly induced one Dinero Enviado, a white man to send you gift cards 
worth the sum of Five Hundred and Fifty One Dollars when you knowingly 
pretended and represented yourself to be one Erdis, a white lady who is 
in a romantic relationship with him and you thereby committed an offence 
contrary to and punishable under section 321 and punishable under section 
324 of the Penal Code Laws of Northern Nigeria.”

Equally, on Monday,  December 9, 2024 the Ilorin Zonal Directorate secured 
the conviction of another set of three suspected fraudsters before Justice 
Haleema Saleeman of the State High Court, Ilorin over offences bordering 
on internet fraud.

They are Oladejo Ibrahim Abiodun, Yusuf Adewale Gbadeyan and one Adeoye 
David Oluwatimileyin.

The convicts were prosecuted on one-count separate charges to which they 
pleaded guilty.

For instance, the charge against Adeoye reads: 

“That you, Adeoye David Oluwatimileyin sometime in 2024, in Kwara State 
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did cheat by personation 
when you pretended to be one Sierra and, in that guise, induced one J. Miguel 
Montaya to send you $300 to you under the guise of a romantic relationship 
and punishable under section 321 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under 
section 324 of the same Laws”

Upon their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Rasheedat Alao and Victoria Igbodo, 
while reviewing the facts of the cases presented witnesses and tendered 
extra-judicial statements of the defendants. They also tendered in evidence 
items recovered from them at the point of arrest and monies, which they 
benefited from their criminal conducts.

Satisfied with the facts of the cases, the court found the defendants guilty 
and consequently sentenced them.

Justice Saleeman sentenced Abiodun to one year imprisonment or a fine of N400,000 
(Four Hundred Thousand Naira only) and ordered that his Iphone 13 pro and the sum 
of $100 (One Hundred United States  Dollars) be forfeited to the Federal Government. 
According to the judge, Abiodun would also restitute the sum of $400 (Four Hundred 
Dollars) to his victims through the EFCC.

The judge, in the same vein, sentenced Gbadeyan  to six months imprisonment 
or a fine of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira only). She also ordered 
the forfeiture of the sum of $300 Canadian dollars, one iphone 12 and a Samsung 
phone used as instruments of crime by the convict to the Federal Government.

Justice Saleeman also sentenced Oluwatimileyin to eight months imprisonment 
or a fine of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) and ordered 
the forfeiture of the sum of $300 (Three Hundred Dollars) and one iphone 12 
recovered from convict at the point of arrest were forfeited to the Federal 
Government.

Afeez was ordered to sweep and clear the premises of the Kwara State High Court, 
Ilorin for two weeks, while forfeiting his iphone 14 promax and his hp laptop which 
were used to perpetrate the crime to the federal government.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives 
of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC for internet-related fraud. They were charged to court and prosecuted.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

kwara-court-jails-student-three-others-for-internet-fraud
**********************************************

9 DEC 2024

Encomiums As DCE Ibrahim Audu Bows Out of Service

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 
Friday, December 6, 2024 held a send-forth ceremony for Retired Deputy Commander 
of the EFCC and former head, Legal and Prosecution Department of the Benin Zonal 
Directorate, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Ibrahim Audu.

The event which was held at the Conference Room of the Benin Directorate saw 
officers of the Commission eulogize the Retired DCE for his contribution to the 
growth and development of the Commission.

The Acting Zonal Director,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Effa Okim 
commended Audu for the high numbers of conviction secured by the Directorate 
when he was the Head, Legal and Prosecution Department. "We want to thank you 
for your impact and contribution to the Directorate and to the Commission. You 
did very well while you were here. We say a big thank you and wish you many more 
fruitful years ahead.  You may have retired but certainly you are not tired. We 
wish you the best in your next endeavour"

In his goodwill message, Francis Jirbo,  the Acting Head, Legal and Prosecution 
Department commended the retired deputy director for leaving a good legacy behind. 
"We learnt a lot from you when you were here. We say thank you for all that you 
did".

Also,   Isa K. Agwa, a staff in the Legal and Prosecution Department thanked 
Audu for instilling confidence in them in the prosecution of cases. "As young 
lawyers, he was our mentor and teacher. We learnt a lot from him. He told us 
to be bold and courageous, not to be intimidated by other lawyers whenever we 
go to court. That has really helped us. He played a crucial role in our growth 
and development as counsel. We are grateful."

In his remarks, the retired Deputy Commander expressed his gratitude to the 
Commission for the opportunity to serve the nation.

DCE Audu,  a pioneer staff of the Commission, retired in May after attaining 
the age of 60 years.

The press release contains photos:

encomiums-as-dce-ibrahim-audu-bows-out-of-service
********************************************

9 DEC 2024

EFCC Arrests 22 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abia State

Operatives  of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crime Commission EFCC, have arrested twenty-two suspected (22) internet 
fraudsters.

They were arrested on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Umuagu and Olokoro in 
Abia state in a  sting operation. 

Items recovered from them include six exotic cars, eight laptops and 36 
mobile phones.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-22-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abia-state
*********************************************

6 DEC 2024

EFCC Arrests 24 Suspected Internet Fraudsters

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  Abuja 
Zonal Directorate have arrested 24 suspected internet fraudsters.

They were arrested on Friday, December 6,  2024  at Lokoja, Kogi State  
following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in 
internet-related offences.

Items recovered from them include 30 phones, 6 laptops and 3 cars.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are 
concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-24-suspected-internet-fraudsters
*****************************************

28 NOV 2024

Gombe Court Jails Police, Immigration Officers for N1.6m Employment Fraud

Justice T.G. Ringing of the Federal High Court sitting in Gombe, Gombe State  
on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 convicted and sentenced two police officers:  
Yusuf AbdulKarim Bature and Musa Philip and an immigration officer; Nasiru 
Mohammed to seven years imprisonment each for employment fraud to the tune 
of  N1,640,000( One Million Six Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira)

Bature and Philip were arraigned on two  count - charges of  obtaining by false 
pretences and intent to defraud while Mohammed was arraigned on one- count 
charge of obtaining by false pretences by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the 
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Count one of the charges against Yusuf AbdulKarim Bature and Musa Philip reads: 
“That you Yusuf Abdul karim.Bature and Musa Philip while being public officers 
with the Nigerian Police Force sometime in 2022 in Gombe within the Gombe Judicial 
division at the Federal High Court of Justice did with intent to defraud falsely 
obtained from one Asabe Hamed the total sum of Nine Hundred and Seventy Thousand 
Naira for the purpose of securing a job, a claim you knew to be false”.

The charge against Nasiru Mohammed reads: "that you Nasiru Mohammed sometime in 
2022 in Gombe within the jurisdiction of this honourable court while being a staff +
of the Nigerian Immigration Service did falsely obtained the sum of Six Hundred 
and Seventy Thousand naira (N670,000) from Abdul Rahman Abubakar and Akwalo 
Adamu under the false pretence of securing them a job with the Nigerian Immigration 
service which you knew to be false 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"

Upon arraignment the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges .

In view of their guilty pleas,  prosecution counsel Tortema Joshua prayed the court 
to  convict and sentence the defendants accordingly but counsels to the defendants, 
Babangida Mohammed and K.K. Jomoh pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy  
as the defendants were first -time offenders who are remorseful of their actions.

Justice Ringing thereafter convicted and sentenced Bature, Philip and Mohammed to 
seven years imprisonment each  or a fine of  N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira)  each.  

In addition, the judge ordered  the convicts to pay restitution  of N1,640,000 to 
the petitioners and sign an undertaking to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts' journey to the Correctional Centre began sometime in February 8, 2024 
when some petitioners alleged  that Bature and Philip collected N970,000 while Mohammed 
collected N670,000 as payment  for employment slots.  The convicts neither offered the 
petitioners the jobs nor returned their money to them.

The press release contains photos:

gombe-court-jails-police-immigration-officers-for-n1-6m-employment-fraud
*******************************************

27 NOV 2024

EFCC Arrests Suspected Internet Fraudster in Abuja

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on 
Wednesday, 27 November 2024, arrested one suspected internet fraudster. 

The suspect was arrested at No.25 Aliyu Modibbo Street, Guzape Hills, 
Abuja following credible intelligence on his alleged involvement in 
internet fraud.

Items recovered from him include a Range Rover Velar 2019 model, $4100 
(Four Thousand One Hundred United States Dollars), N2,000,000(Two Million 
Naira) cash, One AP silver wrist watch, two mobile phones and one laptop.

He will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-suspected-internet-fraudster-in-abuja
***********************************************

25 NOV 2024

EFCC Arrests 15 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Makurdi

Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission, EFCC, have arrested fifteen suspected internet fraudsters.

The suspects were arrested at Abu King Shuluwe Street Akpehe, Makurdi metropolis 
based  on actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet fraud. 

Items recovered from them include: two cars, five laptop computers, 17 mobile 
phones among others

The suspects would be charged to court as soon as their investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-15-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-makurdi
*******************************************

25 NOV 2024

Makurdi Court Jails 10 Internet Fraudsters

A Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi presided over by Justices M.S 
Abubakar and R.J Egbe has convicted and sentenced ten internet fraudster 
to various jail terms,

They were prosecuted on a one- count separate charge bordering on obtaining 
by false presence and possession of fraudulent documents by the  Economic 
and financial crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Directorate.

The convicts are: Abugu Clement Kelechi, Samuel Moses Ogbonna, Samuel Sylvester 
Ogbu, Scott King David, Esua Ablaku Peter, Obinna Ejike, Austine Okwori, Clement 
David Onoja, Austine Nyagou Bur and Henry Adah Abah.

The charge against Abugu Clement Kelechi reads: That you Abugu Clement Kelechi 
"M" 21 yrs between April and August 2024 in Makurdi, Benue State within the 
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently sent electronic messages 
by which you represented yourself to be one " Jennifer Albert" a female Spanish 
Doctor residing in Afghanistan on Facebook and thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 14(3) of the Cybercrimes ( Prohibition  Prevention, etc) 
Act, 2015 and punishable under same Section of the Act.

Charge against Scott King David reads: That you, Scott King David sometime 
between 2023 and 2024 in Makurdi, Benue State within the jurisdiction of this 
Honourable Court, did fraudulently impersonate the identity of one Professor 
Bartacco Valeria, a Research Professor from the University of Michigan by 
fraudulently using his identity through the internet to create fake social 
media profiles with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby 
committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (1) of the Cybercrimes 
( Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 
(2) (b) (IV) of the same Act.  

All the defendants 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 the prosecuting counsel Ramiah Ikhanaede, Yusuf Musa, 
A.S Idris and Almustqpha Gazali urged the court to sentence them accordingly.

The judges convicted and sentenced Abugu Clement Kelechi to one year imprisonment 
with an option of N100,000.00( One Hundred Thousand Naira)  as fine.

Samuel Moses Ogbonna was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment with an 
option of N150,000.00 ( One Hundred and Fifty Thousand naira) as fine. 

Samuel Sylvanus Ogbu was convicted and sentenced to one  year imprisonment with an 
option of N150,000.00 as fine.

Henry Abah Adah was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option 
of N100,000.00 as fine.

Scott King David was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option 
of N150,000.00 as fine.

Austine Bur Nyajor was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment or an option 
of N200,000.00( Two Hundred Thousand Naira) as fine.

Clement David Onoja convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment or an option 
of N2,5000,000.00( Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira )  as fine.

Ablaku Peter, Obinna Ajike, Austine Okwori and Scoot King David bagged one year 
imprisonment each with an option of fine of  N100,000.00( One Hundred Thousand Naira ) 
each.

In a related development,  the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, on Thursday, 
November 21, 2024, arrested sixteen  suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation 
in Akphe Road, Makurdi Metropolis.

They were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in 
internet fraud.

Items recovered from them include a Honda Accord car and phones.

They will be charged to court as soon investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers:

makurdi-court-jails-10-internet-fraudsters
*******************************************

25 NOV 2024

EFCC Arrests 10 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission, EFCC, have arrested 10 suspected internet fraudsters. 

They were arrested on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Adewale Estate and Sea Side 
Estate in the Badore axis of Lagos State.

Their arrest followed credible intelligence on the activities of some members 
of an Organised Cybercrime Syndicate Network, OCSN, suspected to be involved 
in computer-related fraud. 

Items recovered from them include: exotic cars, mobile devices and mobile phones.

The suspects have all volunteered their statements.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-10-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos
*****************************************

23 NOV 2024

Adamawa Courts Jail Twelve Internet Fraudsters

Justices Kayanson Samuel Lawanson, Hammed Isha, Benjamin Manji Lawal and Mohammed 
Ibrahim Tola of the Adamawa State High Court, Adamawa State have  convicted and 
sentenced twelve  internet fraudsters to various jail terms.

The convicts are: Oladele Pius, Emmanuel Bulus, Elijah Elisha, Alamin Mohammed Bappa, 
Jamilu Usman, and Enoch Solomon.

Others are: Emmanuel Anthony, Enebeli Samuel Isreal, Dimas Hyellabulatin, Emmanuel 
Dike , Joshua Umoru  and Dan Eden Sunday.

They were separately arraigned between November 6 and 7, 2024  on a one count charge 
of cheating and impersonation by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.  

The charge against Alamin Muhammad Bappa reads: “Alamin Muhammad Bappa sometimes 
in September, 2024 at Sangere area of Modibo Yola, Adamawa State within the jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud one Amity Shane and other unsuspecting 
foreign nationals, created some fake Gmail' and Facebook accounts using the name Jacob 
Sermon to pose as a cybersecurity professional that helps people to recover their 
compromised or blocked Facebook accounts for a service fee of $20 each and thereby 
committed an offense of cheating by impersonation contrary to Section 314 of Penal 
Code Law of Adamawa State, 2018 and punishable under Section 315 of the same law”.

The charge against Oladele Pius reads: “that you Oladele Pius sometimes in September, 
2024 in Yola, Adamawa State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being 
a student of Modibo Adamawa University of Technology Yola, with intent to defraud, 
did cheat by Impersonation, Having created and operating one Mr. Legit Hassan Abbadin 
a foreign national with Whatsapp account No. +1 (842) 921332016, through your Your 
iphone 11 Model No. MWNC2CH/A for "a virtual funds transactions" with a motive of 
gaining a financial advantage from other unsuspecting internet users  and thereby 
committed an offense of cheating by impersonation contrary to Section 314 of Penal 
Code Law of Adamawa State, 2018 and punishable under Section 315 of the  same law

Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting 
prosecution counsel Saad H. Sa'ad and M.D Aliyu to pray  the court to convict and 
sentence the defendants accordingly; however, counsels to the defendants pleaded with 
the court to temper justice with mercy .

Justice Lawanson thereafter convicted and sentenced Bulus, Elisha, Usman and 
Israel to ten years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) 
each. However, Hyellabulati bagged five years imprisonment or a  fine of N200,000 

Justice Tola convicted and sentenced  Dike , Umoru , Sunday and Pius to five years 
imprisonment with an option of fine of N2,000,000( Two Million Naira )each

Justice Lawal convicted and sentenced  Bappa and Solomon to five years imprisonment 
or a fine of N200,000 each .

Justice Isha convicted and sentenced Anthony to ten years imprisonment or a fine of  
N300,000 (Three hundred thousand Naira ) 

The Judges ruled that the mobile phones recovered during investigation be forfeited 
to the Federal Government of Nigeria .

In addition, Justice Lawal ordered that the sum of $20 recovered during investigation 
from Bappa and being  proceeds of crime, be returned to the victim. 

The convicts were arrested on September 24, 2024  around Modibo Adamawa University 
of Technology area of Yola, Adamawa State by  operatives of the Commission  following 
actionable intelligence linking them with cybercrimes activities. They were charged 
to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers:

adamawa-courts-jail-twelve-internet-fraudsters
**********************************************

23 NOV 2024

Court Jails Internet Fraudster, One other for N9.4m in Maiduguri

Justice Jude Dagat of the Federal High Court, Maiduguri, on Monday, November 18, 
2024, convicted and sentenced one Mpada Ishaku Dzarma to nine years imprisonment.

Dzarma was first arraigned on May 4th, 2024 by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate 
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge 
bordering on money laundering and cybercrime to the tune of N 9,000,000.00 
(Nine Million Naira).

Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Mpada Ishaku Dzarma between 2023 and 
2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court 
did directly take possession of aggregate sum of N9,000,000.00 (nine million naira) 
only into your Access Bank with Account No. 1233383458, Mpada Ishaku Dzarma being 
the naira equivalent value of the Cash App, Pampay, and Gift Cards denominated in 
United States of America Dollars which sum you knew or reasonably ought to have 
known is proceeds of your fraud or form part of an unlawful act to wit: falsely 
representing yourself to unsuspecting foreign nationals amongst who are; Nils 
Kaptur with social media account @nilf­_kpt, Grace Wamalwa, @ejstorm53 e.t.c as 
a software engineer based in Holly wood, Texas and could unblock and activate 
blocked tiktok account 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 defendant pleaded not guilty, which set the stage for the commencement of trial. 

Similarly, at the resumed hearing of the case, the defendant through his counsel 
H. M Dauda prayed the court to change his plea.

Thereafter, the charge was read to him and he pleaded “guilty” to all the count 
charges preferred  against him by the EFCC.

Justice Dagat thereafter, convicted and sentenced Dzarma on count one to four years 
imprisonment with an option of fine of  N200,000.00 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira only)  
and on count two he was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of fine 
of N200,000.00.

The Judge further ordered the forfeiture of iPhone 14 pro max, Android phone Redmi 
4C model, used Toyota Corolla 2008, five pieces of Blink necklace and one blink 
penchant to the Federal Government of Nigeria that were recovered from him in the 
course of investigation.

The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by 
operatives of Maiduguri’s Zonal Directorate of the EFCC for internet-related offences.  
He was charged to court and convicted.

In another development, one Amuda Ayuba was arraigned on Monday, November 18, 2024, 
before Justice Jude Dagat of the Federal High Court, on a one-count charge for the 
offence of Money Laundering to the tune of N 401,006.98 (Four Hundred and One Thousand, 
Six Naira, Ninety-eight kobo).

The lone count reads: “That you Amuda Ayuba sometime in 2021, in Maiduguri, within 
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst being a POS Operator did accept the 
transfer of a total sum of N 401,006.98 (Four Hundred and One Thousand, Six Naira, 
Ninety-eight kobo) into your first and second POS account No. 1040660023 and 1040906053, 
account name Amuda Ayuba domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc from a customer whose identity 
you fail to verify and undertake due diligence of the customer before carrying on 
transaction of electronic money transfer and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 4(1)&(2) and Section 19(1)(F) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and 
Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against him.

Counsel to the prosecution Faruk Muhammad prayed the court for a trial and date and 
to remand the defendant in prison custody.

Justice Dagat adjourned for the commencement of trial and remanded the defendant 
in prison custody.

The defendant’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by 
operatives of Maiduguri’s Zonal Directorate of the EFCC for failing to verify and 
undertake due diligence before carrying on the transaction of electronic money 
transfer.

The press re;ease contains a photo of each 419er:

court-jails-internet-fraudster-one-other-for-n9-4m-in-maiduguri
**********************************************

23 NOV 2024

Court Jails Four Internet Fraudsters in Calabar

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Calabar has convicted and 
sentenced the quartet of Itoro Eno Akpan, Abasifreke Uwem, Elisha Asuquo Nnah 
(a.k.a Jong Seck) and Ezinwa Emmanuel Ikenna to various jail terms for internet  
fraud.

The convicts were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 
EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate on two-count charges bordering on cybercrime, 
money laundering and impersonation.

The charge against Akpan reads: “That you Itoro Eno Akpan, sometime in 2024 in 
Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honorable court did take possession of 
the sum of $400 (Four Hundred Dollars) which you reasonably ought to have known 
forms proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: cybercrime 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.”

That of Nnah reads: "That you, Elisha Asuquo Nnah (a.k.a Jong Seck) sometime in 
2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court took possession 
of $300 (Three Hundred US Dollars) knowing that the money formed 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".

They all pled “guilty” when the charges were read to them, prompting prosecution 
counsel, Kharmis Mahmud to review the facts of the cases, tendered the statements 
of the defendants, print out fictitious and misleading information from their 
communication devices, all of which were admitted in evidence and prayed the court 
to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Ojukwu convicted and sentenced Akpan and Uwem to one year jail term on each 
of their two counts, which is to run concurrently. Furthermore, Akpan is to restitute 
the sum of $400 USD to his victim and Uwem to restitute $200 USD to his. Nnah and Ikenna 
were convicted and sentenced to two years jail term each on either of the two counts. 
In addition, Nnah is to restitute the sum of $300 to his victim while Ikenna is to 
restitute the sum of $800 to his. Furthermore, all their mobile devices are to be 
auctioned and the proceeds deposited into the federal government’s Treasury Account, 
while all the restitutions from the convicts would be lodged in the federal government 
treasury if the victims were not located.

The convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives of the 
EFCC for internet fraud.  They were charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains a photo of each of the 419ers:

court-jails-four-internet-fraudsters-in-calabar
*********************************************

21 NOV 2024

Court Jails 15 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Justice A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City between 
November 18 and 20 convicted and sentenced 15 internet fraudsters to various 
jail terms

The convicts are Egbai Jude, Diamond Aliza, Ugochukwu Chijindu, Oboh Isaac, 
Olabode Bright, Ngbakor Godstime Oghechi, Agbi Paul, Amadin Samuel and Imade 
Nelson Ikponwonmwosa.

Others are Osasenge Eguavoen Daniel, Emeka Ebube, Friday Edosa Elijah, Alfred 
Stanley Godbless, Ifeanyi Amadi Omote and John Ogheneyole.

They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining 
by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent 
documents by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission.

The charge against Egbai reads: "That you Jude Egbai (m) on or about the 30th 
of October, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in 
your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false 
pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 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 charges when they were read to them, 
prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, I.M Elodi, K Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai,  
Ibrahim Faisal 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, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.

On Wednesday, November 20, Osasenge Eguavoen Daniel, Emeka Ebube, Friday Edosa 
Elijah, Alfred Stanley Godbless, Ifeanyi Amadi Omote and John Ogheneyole were 
convicted and sentenced by Justice Erhabor to two years imprisonment or a fine 
of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira).

On Tuesday, November 19, Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Imade Nelson 
Ikponmwosa to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

Justice Erhabor on Monday November 18 convicted and sentenced Egbai Jude, Diamond 
Aliza, Ugochukwu Chijindu, Oboh Isaac, Olabode Bright, Ngbakor Godstime Oghechi, 
Agbi Paul, to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand 
Naira) each while Amadin Samuel bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

The judge ordered the forfeiture of one Red Lexus 2005 ES350 recovered from Ugochukwu 
Chijinda, one Lexus RX350 2010 model recovered from Emeka Ebube, one Mercedes Benz 
Glk 350 2010 model from Friday Edosa Elijah, one Mercedes Benz C300 2012 model from 
Alfred Stanley Godbless and one RX350 2010 model from Omote John Ogheneyole being 
proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptops, and balances in their respective 
bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria as proceeds of crime and to 
undertake in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts’  journey to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest by 
operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC through a sting operation owing 
to their involvement in fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers:

court-jails-15-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*******************************************

20 NOV 2024

EFCC Arrests 35 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abia State

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, 
on Wednesday November 20, 2024, arrested thirty five (35) suspected internet 
fraudsters comprising thirty-four male suspects and one female.

They were arrested in an early morning sting operation in Aba, Abia State.

The arrested suspects are: Emmanuel James, Ukaomo Jefferson, Felix Onyema, 
Daniel Chimaobi, Chukwuemeka John, Prince Ogbonna, Charles Daniel, Emmanuel 
Igboanugo, Eric Uke, Emmanuel Ogechukwu, Chibuike Prosper, Obi Victor, Emmanuel 
Onwuchekwa, Price Kingsley, Uchechi Awo, Chinonso Callistus, Edward Wisdom, 
Ejiogu Justice, Precious Edward, Moses Meshael and Kalu Victor.

Others are: Ujoatu Goodluck, Ikeh Sochima, Obinna Prosper, Onyekachi Christian, 
Christopher Chris, Precious Smart, Clinton Ifeanyi, Daniel Obuzoma, Chukwuebuka 
Promise, Cjay Ekeamaka, Ejiogu Price, David Favour, Okechukwu Emmanuel and Nwigwe 
Joy.

Items recovered from them include: 48 sophisticated mobile phones, nine laptops, 
three exotic cars as well as a wristwatch and  international passport.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-35-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abia-state
***********************************************

19 NOV 2024

Olukoyede to Nigerian Youths: Replace Cybercrimes with Cyber values

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged youths across the country to shun cybercrimes 
by replacing them with values obtainable on the internet . 

He gave this charge in Abuja on Tuesday, 19 November, 2024 at the Federal Capital 
Territory, FCT’s Next Generation Engagement forum. According to him, value creation 
through the internet is a potent alternative to cybercrimes which youths can explore.

“I want to see a generation that will lead a new fight against corruption through 
value creation.  If we have youths heating up the polity by their criminality, we 
should also have youths challenging them by their integrity.  Let us eliminate 
cybercrimes through cyber values”, he said.

The EFCC boss, who was represented by the Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation 
Unit of the Commission,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 11 Aisha Muhammed, 
also stressed that youth are losing their sense of values and dignity to internet 
fraud. “Nigeria has lost considerable financial and reputational wealth to cybercrimes.  
In 2022 alone, Nigeria lost about $500m to the crime.  The reputation issues we are 
having across the world are hideous. Besides, our youths are losing sense of values 
and dignity to internet fraud. No world outlook that is focused on criminality can 
stand the test of time. Youths should redirect their focus to wealth creation through 
optimal use of their talents, acquired skills, useful emulation of strides of other 
youths around the world and development of novel innovations that can turn the world 
around,” he said.

Olukoyede called on Nigerian students to have a “Can-Do-It Philosophy,” adding 
that having a positive belief in themselves will help them make a difference in 
their endeavours.  “I charge you all to have a “can-do-it philosophy”.  Believe 
that you can make a difference in a positive sense.  Follow models that have 
impacted the world positively.  Cultivate friendship with peers that have good 
vision.  Use the internet to develop your good dreams.  Don’t be attracted to 
easy wealth and always follow the instructions of the EFCC

 Continuing,  Olukoyede disclosed that,  “at the EFCC, we have opportunities for 
 value-driven youths through  Integrity Clubs in Primary, Secondary Schools and 
 Zero Tolerance Clubs in Tertiary Institutions.  These platforms are value-building 
 opportunities for youth.  I urge all of you to join any of these clubs,” he said. 
 He also  urged them to take the ‘Next Generation Project’ as a personal project, 
 calling on them to embrace it.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola 
Abiola, in his remark on the theme of the event, said the aim of the project was 
to offer mentorship and leadership development opportunities to young people in 
the next generation.

“As we all know, our young people are the future generation of this country, and 
we must work hard to nurtuMr. re their potential and offer them guidance. We must 
support them with the resources that they need to develop into model citizens, who 
positively impact their communities and grow academically and professionally with 
the right value system and personality traits,” he said.

 Also commenting, representative of the Director General, National Orientation 
 Agency, NOA, FCT Directorate, Mrs.  Agbanusi Ijeoma said Nigerian youths should 
 be given front seats in the polity, explaining that the exigency of the time demands 
 such because they are the leaders of tomorrow.

“Youths, as the leaders of tomorrow, should always be given the driver’s seats in 
leadership roles towards the attainment of national goals and  make them understand 
that they are the agents of the desired change and transformation that Nigerians 
have been yearning for

“I strongly believe that at the end of this programme, a positive impact would have 
been made, and the aim of our gathering today achieved”, she said.

The press release contains photos:

olukoyede-to-nigerian-youths-replace-cybercrimes-with-cyber-values
**************************************************

19 NOV 2024

Calabar Court Jails Five Internet Fraudsters

Justice Rosemary Dugbo-Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar,  
Cross River State on Monday,  November 18, 2024 convicted and sentenced five 
internet fraudsters to various jail terms.  

The convicts: Michael Aregbesola (a.k.a Amin Deera), Adeleke Toba Richard(Alias 
Jason Avtandil), Mkpoikanke Emmanuel Udoh (a.k.a Tom Jones), Gideon Mishell Effiong 
(a.k.a Gianluca Jinoble) and Momodu John Modupe (a.k.a George Woods), were charged 
to court by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 
EFCC, for criminal impersonation, fraudulent messaging and money laundering.

One of the charges read: 'That you, Adeleke Toba RIchard (Alias J AVTANDIL), on 
or February, 2024  in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, 
fraudulently took possession of the sum of Five Hundred US Dollars ($500), being 
property of Ms Bella, a United State Woman, which you reasonably ought to have 
known that it was a proceed of unlawful act to wit; Impersonation and thereby 
committed an Offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Act, 
2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act'.

Another count reads: 'That you  Gideonn Mishell Effiong (a.k.a Gianluca Jinoble) 
sometime in September, 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
court did take possession of the sum of Five Hundred Euros (500 Euros) which you 
reasonably ought to have known forms proceed of an unlawful act to wit: Cybercrime 
and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2Xd) of the Money laundering 
(Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same 
Act'.

While Effiong  and  Richard each pleaded guilty to the two -count charges preferred 
against them, Aregbesola,  Udoh and Modupe also pleaded guilty to the one- count charge 
levelled against them by the Commission.

In view of their guilty pleas, Prosecution Counsel Kharmis Mahmud urged the court 
to convict the defendants and sentence them accordingly.  

While reviewing facts of the case,  Mahmud tendered the following exhibits which the 
court admitted in evidence: The defendants' statements and fraudulent documents printed 
from their various gadgets. The defence team:  Francis Ezeike, Samson Awuje and Emmanuel 
Sabe did not oppose the prosecution.

Justice Dugbo-Oghoghorie then convicted the defendants  and sentenced them as follows;

Effiong bagged four years jail term on each of the two counts, with an option of  fine 
of €2, 500  and  restitution of €500  to his victim; Richard got seven years on each 
count with the option to pay a fine of $2, 500 and restitution of $500 to his victim. 
The jail terms are to run concurrently.

Also, the court convicted and sentenced Aregbesola and Udoh to seven years jail term 
each or pay the sum of N5,000,000( Five Million Naira) each as option of fine,  Modupe 
bagged four years jail term with a fine option of N5million.

The convicts commenced their journey to the Correctional centre when investigators 
of the Uyo Directorate of the Commission investigated them for their suspicious online 
presence and lifestyle. They were eventually  charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

calabar-court-jails-five-internet-fraudsters
******************************************

16 NOV 2024

Court Jails 13 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Justices  W.l Aziegbemhin and A.N Erhabor of Edo State High Court sitting 
in Benin City between November 11 and 14  convicted and sentenced 13 internet 
fraudsters to various jail terms

The convicts are Evbayakha Daniel, Goodness Esiuke, Joshua Edobor, Omorodion 
Bright, Afisi Nurudeen, Oviabor Aisosa Wellington and Evbayekha Desmond.

Others are Nosakhare Evbuomwan, Osemwengie Miracle, Osawe Kluvert, Wisdom Adolor, 
Onyebuchi Goodness and Promise Omoru

They were prosecuted on one-count separate charge bordering on obtaining by false 
pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents by 
the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission.

The charge against Evbayakha Daniel reads: "That you Daniel (m) on or about the 
30th of October, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have 
in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false 
pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 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 charges when they were read to them, 
prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, K Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, 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, stating that 
they have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Erhabor on November 11 convicted and sentenced Evbayakha Daniel, Goodness 
Esiuke, Joshua Edobor, Omorodion Bright and Afisi Nurudeen, to two years imprisonment 
or a fine of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each.
 
On Wednesday, November 13, Justice Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Oviabor Aisosa 
Wellington and Evbayakha Desmond to three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

On Thursday, November 14, the quartet of Nosakhare Evbuomwan, Osemwengie Miracle, Osawe 
Kluvert and Promise Omoru were convicted and sentenced by Justice Aziegbemhin to two 
years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) while the duo of 
Wisdom Adolor and Onyebuchi Goodness bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

All the convicts  forfeited their phones, laptops, and balances in their respective bank 
accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria as proceeds of crime and to undertake in 
writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest by operatives 
of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC through a sting operation owing to their involvement 
in fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos:

court-jails-13-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
************************************************

14 NOV 2024

EFCC Arraigns Company’s MD for alleged N9m Visa Scam in Port Harcourt

The Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, has arraigned Echendu Ndubuisi Endy, Managing Director of Echendu GPC Limited 
before Justice E . A . Obile of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt,  
Rivers state, for allegedly defrauding his victims to the tune of N9,000,000 (Nine 
Million Naira only)  in the guise of  procuring travel visas for them.  

He was arraigned on three-count charges bordering on visa scam and obtaining money 
under false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) a & b of the Advance Fee Fraud and 
Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the 
same Act".

One of the count charge reads:

"That you, Echendu Ndubuisi Endy while being the Managing Director of Echendu GPC 
Limited between 23rd day of April 2024 to 2rd May 2024 in Port Harcourt, within the 
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud did obtain the total 
sum of (Four Million Naira) N4,000,000.00 only from Mr Darlington Abuchi under the 
pretense that you had the capacity to procure United Kingdom work permit visa to 
enable him work and stay in United Kingdom which pretense you knew to be false and 
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) a & b of the Advance Fee Fraud 
and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section|1(3) of the 
same Act"

Another count reads:  "That you, Echendu Ndubuisi Endy while being the Managing 
Director of Echendu GPC Limited between 16th day of August 2023 to 14th September 
2023 in Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent 
to defraud did obtain the total sum of (Three Million Naira) N3,000,000.00 only from 
Mrs. Ngozi Nzechukwu under the pretense that you had the capacity to procure United 
Kingdom work permit visa to enable her work and stay in United Kingdom which pretense 
you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) a & b 
of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act. 2006 and punishable 
under Section 1(3) of the same Act".

He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when they were read to him, following which 
prosecution counsel, K. A. Yunus, prayed the court to fix a date for commencement 
of trial and for the defendants to be remanded in the custody of Nigeria Correctional 
Service (NCS), while the defence counsel, P. U. Alikor informed the court that he 
has applied for the bail of the defendant. He therefore prayed the court to grant 
the defendants bail to enable him prepare for his trial.

In his ruling,  Justice Obile ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Port 
Harcourt Correctional Centre while the matter was adjourned to November 28, 2024 
for hearing of bail application. 

Endy was arrested sometime in October, 2024 for alleged visa scam and obtaining 
money under false pretence, reported to the Commission by three separate petitioners. 
He allegedly collected a total sum of N9million from the three petitioners for the 
purpose of procuring travel visa and care giver jobs for them in the United Kingdom.  
He neither procured the visas nor returned their money to them.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arraigns-companys-md-for-alleged-n9m-visa-scam-in-port-harcourt
************************************************

13 NOV 2024

Calabar and Uyo Courts Jail Four Internet Fraudsters

Justices  Ijeoma Ojukwu  and M. A. Onyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, 
Cross River State and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State respectively have convicted and sentenced four 
internet fraudsters to various jail terms.

The convicts are: Abasiama Edet Ukana and Oko John Inya, Chidiebere Favour Onwukwu and 
Onyekachi Elisha Madubuike.

Ukana and Inya were arraigned on Tuesday,  November 12, 2024 by the Uyo Zonal Directorate 
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on  two and one count charges 
respectively, for offences bordering on criminal impersonation with intent to defraud 
and obtaining by false pretence, using the internet. 

When the charges were read to them, they pleaded 'guilty' to all counts. 

One of the counts against Ukana reads: "That you Abasiama Edet Ukana (aka Lucas Pace), 
sometime in 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did directly take 
possession of the sum of $100 (One Hundred United States Dollar), which money you 
reasonably ought to know formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: 
Cybercrime 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."

While the lone charge against Oko reads: “That you, Oko John Inya Sometime in 2024 
in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court fraudulently presented 
yourself. as Sarah Wesley on Facebook social media platform with intent to gain 
advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) 
(b)() of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2024 and punishable 
under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the same Act."

After listening to their pleas, Justice Onyetenu convicted the defendants and sentenced 
them.  Ukana was sentenced to three months jail term on each of the two counts preferred 
against him by the Commission, with an option of fine of  One Hundred Thousand Naira 
(N100,000) on each count. He was also ordered to forfeit the IPhone 13 mobile device 
used in committing the crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria, and to also restitute 
the sum of $100 US Dollars into the Consolidated Account of the Federal Government.

Inya was convicted, cautioned and discharged by the court, on the grounds that he was 
an unemployed graduate who showed remorse and did not waste the time of the court. The 
court, however, ordered  forfeiture of his Infinix  Smart 5 mobile phone to the Federal 
Government of Nigeria.

Justice Ojukwu on the other hand, convicted and sentenced Onwukwu and Madubuike on Friday 
November 8, 2024 for offences bordering on criminal impersonation and identity theft aimed 
at defrauding innocent citizens.    

One of the charges against them reads: ''That you Chidiebere Favour Onwukwe  a.k.a. Chest 
Dutch sometime in October, 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court 
did take possession of the sum of Two Hundred Dollars (200 Dollars) which you reasonably 
ought to have known forms proceed of an unlawful act to wit: Cybercrime 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'.

Another count reads: ''That you Onyekachi Elisha  Madubuike a.k.a AXEL SHIV sometime in 
November, 2023 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did take possession 
of the sum of Three Hundred Dollars (300Dollars) which you reasonably ought to have known forms 
proceed of an unlawful act to wit: Cybercrime and thereby committed an offence contrary to 
Section l8(2Xd) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable 
under Section 18(3) of the same Act'.

They both pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

Based on their pleas, Justice Ojukwu sentenced them to six months jail term each, with an 
option of fine of Five Hundred Thousand Naira only (N500,000) each.

While Onwukwu was ordered to restitute the sum of Two Hundred United States Dollars ($200), 
Madubuike was ordered to restitute Three Hundred United State Dollars ($300) to their victims.

They also  forfeited all gadgets used in committing the crimes to the Federal Government 
of Nigeria.

All the four convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet-related 
offences. They were subsequently charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos:

calabar-and-uyo-courts-jail-four-internet-fraudsters
**********************************************

13 NOV 2024

EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged N72.6m, £31,200 Visa Scam in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, arraigned one Heart Chidozie Obum on a 
five-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing 
to the tune of N72,689,000 (Seventy-Two Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Nine 
Naira) and £31,200 (Thirty-one Thousand, Two Hundred Pound) before Justice 
Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

Obum allegedly promised to help the petitioner get a certificate of sponsorship 
to travel abroad.

He, however, allegedly reneged on his promise after collecting money from the 
petitioner.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Heart Chidozie Obum, sometime in 2023, and 
in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence, 
and with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of £31,200 (Thirty-one Thousand, 
Two Hundred Pounds) from Peace Asonye Udochukwu as payment for certificate of 
sponsorship.”

Another charges reads: “ That you, Heart Chidozie Obum, sometime in 2023, and 
in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly took 
the sum of N72,689,000 (Seventy-Two Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Nine Naira) 
from Peace Asonye udochukwu as payment of certificate of sponsorship.”

He pleaded "not guilty" to the charge preferred against him.

In view of this, the prosecution counsel, T.J. Banjo, prayed the court for an 
adjournment to enable the prosecution prove its case against the defendant.

He also urged the court to remand the defendant at a Correctional facility 
pending his trial date.

The defence counsel, O. Oluwashewu, however, informed the court of a pending 
application for bail for his client.

Consequently Justice Oshodi adjourned till December 3, 2024, for hearing of the 
bail application and also February 19 and 20, 2025 for trial.

The Judge ordered the custodial remand of the defendant pending his trial date.

The press release containa a photo:

efcc-arraigns-man-for-alleged-n72-6m-gbp31-200-visa-scam-in-lagos
**********************************************

12 NOV 2024

EFCC Arraigns Syndicate Impersonating Olukoyede for $700,000 Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   has arraigned two members 
of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim for impersonating and 
attempting to blackmail the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede.

They were arraigned on Wednesday, November 13, 2024  before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie 
of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja.

The suspects allegedly contacted Mohammed Bello-Koko, former Managing Director 
of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, claiming to have access to a phony investigation 
involving him by the EFCC. They demanded $1 million, promising that Olukoyede would 
ensure a “soft landing” for them. They also threatened him with arrest and prosecution 
should he fail to play along with them.

The EFCC filed a four-count charge against the duo for impersonation and attempted 
fraud.

Count two of the charge reads: “That you, Ojobo Joshua (aka PA to Chairman EFCC) and 
Aliyu Hashim, on or about September 28, 2024, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this 
Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, attempted to obtain the sum of $700,000 (Seven 
Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) by false pretence from Mohammed Bello-Koko. You 
falsely represented to him that there was a pending EFCC petition against him, which you 
could influence the Executive Chairman to halt. This act is contrary to Section 8(b) and 
punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences 
Act No. 14, 2006.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to them. 

Following their pleas, EFCC’s counsel, Elizabeth Alabi, requested the court to remand 
the defendants in a Correctional facility pending the commencement of the trial. She 
said, “Having pleaded not guilty, my Lord, we ask for a date to begin calling our 
witnesses and request the defendants be remanded in custody.”

Obinna S. Nwosu, counsel to the first defendant, applied for his client’s release on 
liberal bail terms, while counsel for the second defendant, Peter Oriobe, made an oral 
request for bail. Justice Onwuebuzie, however, directed Oriobe to formally submit the 
bail application in writing.

Alabi opposed the bail applications, referencing a 22-paragraph counter-affidavit and 
Exhibit EFCC 1 and urging the court to deny the defendant bail and grant an accelerated 
hearing.

After reviewing the applications, Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to the first defendant 
in the sum of N100 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must not be less 
than level 16 officers in the civil service. The sureties are also required to submit their 
appointment and promotion letters, valid identification, and a written undertaking to bring 
the defendant to every court sitting. The first defendant must also surrender his international 
passport to the court.

The court ordered that the first and second defendants be remanded at Kuje Correctional 
Centre until bail conditions are met and adjourned the matter till November 18, 2024, for 
the hearing of the second defendant’s bail application.

Joshua and Hashim are members of an alleged four-man syndicate impersonating  Olukoyede. 
They were arrested on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Gimbiya Street, Garki and Apo legislative 
quarters.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arraigns-syndicate-impersonating-olukoyede-for-700-000-fraud
**************************************************

12 NOV 2024

EFCC Arrests 11 Suspected Currency Racketeers in Port Harcourt

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the  Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday,  November 11, 2024, arrested 11 ( eleven)
suspected currency racketeers and internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers 
State.

They were arrested around Apara Street, New  Government Reservation Area, GRA,  
Port Harcourt based on credible intelligence on their suspected involvement 
in naira abuse and internet fraud.

The suspects are: Rafael Obi, John Daniel, Dominion Sambo, Solomon Nwoke, 
Solomon Daniel, Stanley Uche, Micheal Markson, Chima Fred Onwra, Arinze Damian, 
Vizor Richard and Chidera Orji.

Items recovered from them include, cash totalling  N1,485,000.00 (One Million 
Four Hundred and Eighty-five Thousand), five luxury vehicles smartphones and 
several  incriminating documents 

They will be charged to court as soon as the investigations are concluded. 

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-11-suspected-currency-racketeers-in-port-harcourt
********************************************************

8 NOV 2024

Olukoyede Charges Students on Good Role Models

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola 
Olukoyede, has called on students across the country to  identify and emulate good models 
in the country in order to steer clear of internet fraud and other financial crimes.

The EFCC boss made the call in Abuja on Thursday, November 7, 2024, when students of Val 
De Mauris Academy, Abuja, visited the Commission’s headquarters on a study tour.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the EFCC,  
Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE11 Aishat Mohammed, pointed out that, having good role 
models would imbue in students the right values which would insulate them from indulgence 
in internet fraud. 

“Have good role models. This is necessary to draw you to the right contacts and influence 
for integrity.  This way, you will be removed from any form of internet offence.  Integrity 
is what you do when no one is watching you. Our hope is on you. Be focused. The future is 
bright as the sky will be your starting point,’’ she stated.

The Head, Communication and Creative Unit, Assistant Commander, ACE I, Chris Oluka, advised 
the students to always engage their minds in honest endeavours so as to be able to discern 
the good from the bad.

He asked them to deploy their creative minds to more rewarding positive careers by using 
the social media and internet to more creative ventures in furtherance of their education 
for a brighter future.

According to Oluka, students and youths should be mindful of what they do online, stating 
that the internet was meant for the good of  humanity, research, academics, studying, 
information gathering and accurate data and not for crime and fraud.

“If found guilty by the law, the EFCC will not spare anyone of the crime committed. Every 
crime is a crime, irrespective of who is involved, and the EFCC will fight you to the very 
last. Whatever you do that you are not supposed to do and is against the law is corruption.

Also in his remark, Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, ASE I Ogunjobi Olalekan, stressed 
the importance of being  hardworking students and determined and focused, stating that 
these qualities are imperative for students to attain excellence in their careers.

“For our dear students, you can be whatever you want to become by hard work and sheer 
determination. There’s a lot in the computer space. You can think and come up with creative 
inventions and make the best of it. You can be programmers, forensic analysts, financial 
analysts, investigators, developers, change makers and as nation builders,” he said.

Two students, Odimba Ikenna Ugochukwu and Sunday Aneke Sophia emerged winners in the EFCC’s 
Quiz competition and were gifted with a mobile phone each for their exemplary efforts while 
Khadijah Kabiru Bakan and Faheem Goodluck Hussein were crowned EFCC’s Ambassadors.

The press release contains a photo:

olukoyede-charges-students-on-good-role-models
******************************************

8 NOV 2024

Court Jails Seven Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  
between November 6 and 7, 2024 secured the conviction and sentence of seven internet 
fraudsters before Justice A.N Erhabor of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are Johnson Matthew Ebosa, Marvelous Osayenma, Imoniwe Joshua, Michael 
Agbowemeh San, Alvin Nosakhare Osareni, Procoius Imoniwe and Mike Ajufo.

They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false 
pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents.

The charge against Johnson Matthew Ebosa reads: "That you Johnson Matthew Ebosa (m) 
on or about the 30th of October, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court 
did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained 
false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 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 charges when they were read to them, prompting 
the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, K Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, to pray the court to convict 
and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court 
to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Erhabor on Thursday November 7, convicted and sentenced Michael Agbowemeh San 
and Alvin Nosakhare Osareni to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000 (Two Hundred 
Thousand Naira) each while the trio of Johnson Mathew Ebosa, Marvelous Osayenma and Imoniwe 
Joshua bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

On Wednesday, November 6, Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Precious Imoniwe to 
three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) while Mike 
Ajufo bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptops, and money in their respective bank 
accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria,  being proceeds of crime. They are also 
to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts’  journey to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest by 
operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC through a sting operation owing 
to their involvement in fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

court-jails-seven-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
***********************************************

7 NOV 2024

Lagos Court Jails Man One Year for Possession of Fraudulent Documents

ustice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, on Thursday, 
November 7, 2024, convicted and sentenced one Miracle Leleji  Tega to one year and 
two months imprisonment for possession of fraudulent documents.

Tega was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on an amended one-count charge bordering on possession 
of documents containing false pretence, contrary to Section 320 of the Criminal 
Law of Lagos State 2015.

The count reads: "Miracle Leleji Tega, on or about the 19th day of April, 2024, 
in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this  Honourable Court, had in your possession 
a document titled "Google Account Personal info", printed from your Email: 
sofianrique2001@gmail.com, containing a false pretence that you are Sofia Enriquez, 
a female American citizen, which from the circumstances of this case you knew or 
reasonably ought to have known to be false.”

He pleaded "guilty" to the charge when it was read to him.

Following his guilty plea,  prosecution counsel, D. I. Oluseyi, gave a review of 
the facts of the case to prove the guilt of the defendant.

According to him, “Sometime in April 2024, the Lagos Directorate of the EFCC 
conducted a raid around Victory Estate Ajah, Lekki area of Lagos State.

“The defendant was arrested with one Iphone 11 and one Tecno Spark 9.

“ His device was analysed in his presence and bundles of documents were printed 
out in his presence.

“The documents were alleged conversations, where he fraudulently represented himself 
as a white woman from the United States of America to his victim, Cheri Briddle, an 
American man.”

Continuing, he said: "The defendant has benefitted the sum of $100USD from his 
criminal activities.

“However, he has restituted the sum of N100,000.00 out of all he benefited from his 
criminal activities.”

The prosecution then tendered, in evidence, the statements made by the defendant 
and the fraudulent documents obtained from his devices, with Iphone 11 and one 
Tecno Spark 9.

There was no objection from the defence counsel, Bukola Niniola; hence, they were 
all admitted by the  court as evidence against the defendant.

In view of this, the prosecution urged the court to convict the defendant as charged 
and to order the forfeiture of the devices recovered from him to the Federal Government.

Justice Oshodi declared him guilty as charged.

The defendant who was given an opportunity to address the court pleaded for mercy.

Justice Oshodi sentenced him to one year and two months imprisonment.

lagos-court-jails-man-one-year-for-possession-of-fraudulent-documents
******************************************

7 NOV 2024

EFCC Arrests 21 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 arrested 21 suspected 
internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City.

The suspects were arrested based on actionable intelligence on their 
alleged involvement in internet related fraud.

Items recovered from them include 10 exotic cars, laptops and phones

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are 
concluded.

efcc-arrests-21-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*****************************************************

6 NOV 2024

Court Jails Internet Fraudster for N12m Fraud in Maiduguri

Justice Jude Dagat of the Federal High Court, Maiduguri has convicted and 
sentenced one Habila Dzarma Ishaku to nine years imprisonment.

Ishaku was re-arraigned on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, by the Maiduguri Zonal 
Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on two-count 
charges bordering on money laundering and cybercrime to the tune of N12,000,000.00 
(Twelve Million Naira).

Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Habila Dzarma Ishaku between 2023 
and 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
court did directly take possession of aggregate sum of N12, 000,000.00 (Twelve 
Million Naira) into your Opay Digital Services Ltd Account No. 8146406944, Habila 
Dzarma Ishaku , being the naira equivalent value for the Cash App, Pampay, and 
Gift Cards denominated in United States of America Dollars that you fraudulently 
received, which sum you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds 
of your fraud or form part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: your false 
representation of unsuspecting foreign nationals like; Ilyase; Ilyase with 
social media account @ilyase.­_.red and Adrea Velasco@.net_texthz etc. that 
you are a software engineer based in Los Angeles, California, United State of 
America and that you could unblock and activate blocked tiktok account 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 defendant pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to him. 

Based on his plea, counsel to the prosecution, Faruku Muhammad prayed the 
ourt to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly

Justice Dagat thereafter, convicted and sentenced Ishaku on count one to four 
years imprisonment with an option of fine of  N200,000.00 ( Two Hundred Thousand 
Naira only)  and on count two he was sentenced  to five years imprisonment with 
an option of fine of  N200,000.00.

The Judge further ordered the forfeiture of iPhone 13 pro max, iPhone XR, iPhone 
11, Samsung Galaxy A32, Toyota Camry 2008 model and the sum of $1,500.00 (One 
Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars) to the Federal Government of Nigeria 
that recovered from him during the investigation.

The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by 
operatives of the Maiduguri’s Zonal Directorate of the EFCC for internet-related 
offences.  He was charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains a photo:

court-jails-internet-fraudster-for-n12m-fraud-in-maiduguri
*********************************************************

6 NOV 2024

Olukoyede to Students: “Don’t Allow Internet Crimes Abort your Education”

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
Ola Olukoyede, has called on students across the country to be very careful 
while using the internet  and not allow indulgence in internet fraud to abort 
their educational dreams .

Olukoyede made the call when students of Funtaj International School Limited, 
Abuja  visited the EFCC’s headquarters on an excursion.

Speaking on “How You Can Be Better Nigerian Students”, the EFCC boss, who spoke 
through Head, Public Interface, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I, Tony 
Orilade stated that the EFCC has been consistently fighting internet crime since 
its inception in 2003 and students should be discreet about their activities on 
the internet for their educational aspirations to be achieved.

“The only way you can become what you want to become is to avoid any crime, 
particularly economic and financial crimes, and cybercrime. Avoid them so that 
you can complete your education and become what you want to become, because if 
you fail to study very well, and complete your education,  you may be drawn 
into internet crimes and when the EFCC comes after you,  you will be prosecuted 
and may be  sent to prison. The implication is that once you go to prison, you 
become an ex-convict.

He  also called on the students to always embrace and project positive values, 
maintaining that right values would move them forward in their careers and 
ambition.

Head, Enlightenment and Re-orientation, ACE II Aisha Muhammed urged the students 
to be ready to serve as foot soldiers of the  Commission adding that they must 
be of good moral values.

 “From today onward, you are EFCC’s foot-soldiers. What you are doing right now 
 has an effect later, if you want to be a good person, you can start now and that 
 is why the EFCC is building you to tell you that you can be among people of integrity.

“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. We want you to be 
people of integrity.  We have an Integrity Club and what we do there is to prepare 
you for corruption-free lives. Your voices matter, you are a very special and important 
stakeholder in this fight against corruption and that is why we want to catch you 
young”, she said.

Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, ASE I Ogunjobi Olalekan stated that  hard work 
and determination are imperative for students to attain excellence and climb higher 
in their career.  

“For our dear students, you can be whatever you want to become by hard work and 
sheer determination. We need you as programmers, forensic analysts, financial analysts,  
investigators, developers,  change makers and as  nation builders”, he said.

Halima Zakari and Kenechukwu Nlodiogu were crowned EFCC’s Ambassadors after 
winning the EFCC’s Quiz contest. They won a mobile phone each for their exemplary 
efforts. 

The press release contains a photo:

olukoyede-to-students-dont-allow-internet-crimes-abort-your-education
**************************************************

31 OCT 2024

Olukoyede Gives One Year Scorecard, Restates Resolve against Corruption

This is a very long press release, only portions of which are directly related
to 419 Advance Fee Fraud crimes.  We have reproduced only those portions here.
For the full article, go to the link below.  Here are the 419 related sedctions:

In the area of convictions, the EFCC in Olukoyede’s one year secured 3455 convictions 
across all categories of financial crimes and corruption. In monetary assets, recoveries 
in Naira hit N 248,750,049,365.52 (Two Hundred and Forty-Eight Billion, Seven Hundred 
and Fifty Million, Forty-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Naira, Fifty-Two 
Kobo).

In foreign currencies,  recoveries of the Commission in the one year of Olukoyede’s 
leadership are: $105,423,190.39 (One Hundred and Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty
-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety Dollars, Thirty-Nine Cents); £ 53,133.64 (Fifty-
Three Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty-Three Pounds, Sixty-Four Pence; €172,547.10 (One 
Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Seven Euros, Ten Cents); T1,300.00 
(One Thousand, Three Hundred Indian Rupees); CAD $ 3,400.00 (Three Thousand, Four Hundred 
Canadian Dollars);  ¥74,859:00 (Seventy-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Nine Chinese 
Yuan);  AUS $ 740:00 (Seven Hundred and Forty Australian Dollars); 170:00 UAE DIRHAM (One 
Hundred and Seventy United Arab Emirates Dirham); 73,000:00 KOREAN WON (Seventy-Three 
Thousand Korean Won); CFA7,821,375:00 (Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-One Thousand, 
Three Hundred and Seventy-Five West African CFA) and R50:00 (Fifty South Africa Rands.

The Commission also successfully saw to the return of some of the recovered assets. On 
September 6, 2024, the EFCC boss handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) 
the sum of $180,300 (One Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Three Hundred Dollars) and 53 vehicles, 
being assets recovered for Canadian victims of Nigerian fraudsters. One Hundred and Sixty-
four Thousand US Dollars ($164,000) of the recovered cash assets was for a victim, identified 
as Elena Bogomas, while $16,300 (Sixteen Thousand, Three Hundred US Dollar) belonged to a 
victim, known as Sandra Butler. The recovered 53 vehicles were stolen over a period of time 
in Canada, freighted to Nigeria and distributed to multiple locations in Nigeria by criminal 
elements. Representing the Canadian authorities and the RCMP in the handover ceremony were 
Robert Aboumitri, First Secretary, Deputy High Commission of Canada and Nasser Salihou, 
Liaison Officer and Programme Manager, RCMP.

On September 20, 2024, Olukoyede handed over €5,100 (Five Thousand, One Hundred Euros) 
proceeds of crime to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Juan Ignacio Sell, 
being the sum recovered from a Nigerian romance fraudster for Heinz Burchard Einhaus 
Uchtmann, a Spanish victim by the EFCC in collaboration with the Spanish Police.

The press release contains photographs:

olukoyede-gives-one-year-scorecard-restates-resolve-against-corruption

419 Coalition comment:  While we are always glad to hear of recoveries and repatriations
of stolen funds to 419 victims, our view is that total recoveries of 419ed monies are minimal
given the huge amounts stolen, and that repatriations of monies to victims of 419 are only
a small amount of the minimal monies recovered.  So, to put the best possible spin on this
matter, we say thanks to the EFCC for all they have done regarding recovery and repatriation
of 419ed monies to date, and urge the EFCC to massively ramp up their efforts in such matters 
going forward.
********************************************************

30 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 25 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 arrested 25 
suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City, 
Edo State.

The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence on their alleged 
involvement in internet related fraud.

Items recovered from them include eight exotic cars, laptops and phones

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-25-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*******************************************

30 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 55 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 arrested fifty-five
(55) suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Offa, Offa Local 
Government Area of Kwara State.

They were arrested in a sting operation in their hideouts following credible 
intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.

Items recovered from the suspects include nine exotic cars, two bikes, laptops,  
smart phones as well as charms.

The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-55-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-ilorin
*******************************************

30 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 25 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 arrested 25 suspected 
internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City, Edo State.

The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence on their alleged 
involvement in internet related fraud.

Items recovered from them include eight exotic cars, laptops and phones

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-25-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
***********************************************

30 OCT 2024

Undergraduate Bags 14 Years Jail Term in Port Harcourt

Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers 
State,  has convicted and sentenced a final year student of the University of Port 
Harcourt, Henry Nathaniel Ekanem fourteen(14) years imprisonment for internet fraud.

He was jailed on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 upon arraignment by the Port Harcourt 
Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on seven-count 
charges bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and impersonation. 

One of the counts reads:

"That you, Henry Nathaniel Ekanem on or about 17th September, 2024, at Choba in Port 
Harcourt, Rivers state, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent 
to defraud, did obtain the sum of Twenty Two United states of America dollars ($22)  
from Diana Roskov by fraudulently representing yourself as Coran Capsha, manager of 
the singer, Chris Stapleton, a pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed 
offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance 
Fee Fraud and other Fraud- Related Offences Act 2006.

He pleaded guilty when the charges were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, A. Abubakar called witnesses, tendered 
some documents as evidence which were admitted by the court and marked as exhibits. 
He thereafter prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.

Counsel to the defendant, F. T. Fred-Boufini did not oppose the prayers by the 
prosecution. She rather prayed the court to temper justice with mercy stressing 
that the defendant was a first time offender with no previous criminal records.

Justice Mohammed convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment 
on each of the seven -count or an option of fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira 
(N200,000) payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Government 
of Nigeria. 

The judge also ordered that all the phones recovered from the convict be forfeited 
to the government,  being proceeds of crime.  The convict shall also depose an 
affidavit of good behaviour before the court.

Ekanem started his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was arrested by operatives 
of the Commission sometime in September, 2024 at Choba, Port Harcourt, for internet fraud 
and other fraud-related  activities. The convict successfully defrauded one Diana Roskov,  
among others, by fraudulently representing himself as Coran Capsha, manager of the singer, 
Chris Stapleton through WhatsApp and Instagram chats.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

undergraduate-bags-14-years-jail-term-in-port-harcourt

419 Coalition comment:  So, according to this press release, the 419er got 14 years
for stealing $22 (which is massive overkill even for us), and then all 14 years went
away if he pays a few thousand dollars fine?  Sorry, but the whole thing seems a bit
off to us.... there may be more to it than is in the report.  Maybe the other 6 counts
not reported on had something to do with the decisions in the case.
*********************************************

29 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests Seven Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja

Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested seven suspected internet fraudsters.

They were arrested on Tuesday, October 29, 2024  at the Kubwa axis of the 
Federal Capital Territory, FCT, following credible intelligence about their 
suspected involvement in internet-related fraud.

Items recovered from them include 13 phones of different brands and one car.

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-abuja
**************************************************

29 OCT 2024

Two Internet Fraudsters bag Four Years Jail Term in Port Harcourt

Justice S. Pam of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state 
has convicted and sentenced two internet Fraudsters: Emmanuel Wisdom and Donald 
Etege to two years imprisonment each for impersonation and obtaining money under 
false pretence.

They were jailed on Tuesday , October 29, 2024 upon being arraigned by the Port 
Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
on one -count separate charge  bordering on obtaining money under false pretence 
and impersonation. 

The lone count against Eteg's reads:

"That you Donald Etege sometime in 2024 in Port Harcourt Rivers State within 
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with the intent to defraud obtained 
the total sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars Only ($1,500) from one Lisa

Ricks under the pretence that you are a Bitcoin Trader, a pretence you knew to 
be false 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 said Act.

The count against Wisdom reads;

That you, Emmanuel Wisdom [a.k.a Sam Freidrich] between the 10th day of August 
and the 1st day of October, 2024, in Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of 
this Honourable Court, obtained the sum of One

Thousand, Two Hundred United States of America Dollars ($1,200) from one Tony 
Grozdan, as investment in cryptocurrency trade, which you claimed to have the 
capacity to manage and yield profit thereon, which pretext you  knew to be false 
and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (b) of the Advanced 
Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 
1(3) of the Same Act.

They both pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them separately.

In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel:  K. W. Chukwuma-Eneh and E. K. Bakam 
called witnesses, tendered some documents as evidences which were admitted by the 
court and marked as exhibits. They prayed the court to convict and sentence the 
defendants accordingly.

Counsel to the defendants: O. F. Nwogu and C. Christopher did not oppose the prayers 
by the prosecution. They rather prayed the court to temper justice with mercy stressing 
that the defendants are first time offenders with no previous criminal records.

Justice Pam convicted and sentenced the defendants to two years imprisonment each 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 judge also ordered that all the phones recovered from them should be forfeited to 
the government,  being  proceeds of crime. They should  also depose an affidavit of 
good behaviour before the court.

Etege and Wisdom started their journey to the Correctional Service when they were both 
arrested by operatives of the Commission sometime in October, 2024 for internet fraud 
and other fraud-related  activities. They were charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains a photo of each 419er:

two-internet-fraudsters-bag-four-years-jail-term-in-port-harcourt
*************************************************

28 OCT 2024

Awka Court Sends 34 Internet Fraudsters to Jail

Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra 
State, have convicted and sentenced 34 internet fraudsters to various jail 
terms

The convicts are; Kelly Maduabuchi Muonagu,  Nwokwu Chibuike Valerian, Chinonso 
Stanley Boniface, Nnamani Makuo Paschal, Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley, Kalu Odeghe Olu, 
Ikenna Onyebor Maxwell, Fimber Chinedu Ifewuka, Ekeh Callistus Uche, David Chibuike, 
Chidera Emmanuel Eze, Eberechukwu John Amuka, Okafor Nelson Chinedu, Opara Ifeanyi 
Nathaniel, Joel Chukwuemeka Amechi, Nnazoba Daniel Ekene, Ikechukwu Prince Gerald, 
Shedrack Chibueze Ngene and Darlington Odom Oruta.

Other include; Ifeanyi Celestine Akunwafor, Chinagorom Ifeanyi Destiny, Nwaugo 
Ifesinachi Paul, Somtochukwu Peter Ogbuefi, Emesurum Chinedu Stanley, Innocent 
Ikegbunem, Chidiukor Nnamani, Emmanuel Johnson Nwafor, Amuche Solomon Christopher, 
feanyi Blessed Ikechineke, Eze John Ekene, Akubuogu Henry Kizito, Nwokeji Cosmas 
Uche, Eze Victor Chigadi and Egah Onyedikachi.

They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation, 
possession of proceeds of crime and obtaining by false pretence.

The charge against Kingsley reads; “That you, Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley, sometime in 
October 2024, at Onitsha, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
Court, fraudulently impersonated Erica Clark, a foreign national by means of your HP 
Elite book 820G3 with serial number 5CG7201TP6 via a fake Facebook account with intent 
to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed 
an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, 
Prevention, Etc) Act, 2024 as amended and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of 
the same Act”.

The charge against Olu reads; “That you, Kalu Odeghe Olu, sometime in October 2024, 
at Onitsha, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently 
presented yourself as a foreign shipping agent, by means of your Infinix Smart 5 via a 
fake email account; orbitglobalexpresstopofficial@gmail.com with intent to gain advantage 
for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 
2024 as amended and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (IV) of the same Act”.

The convicts pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them separately. In view 
of their pleas,  prosecution counsel, Raymond Edozie prayed the court to convict and 
sentence them accordingly.

However, defence counsel; Benard Okeke, James Nwatarali and Ifeanyi Odoh pleaded for 
leniency in sentencing the convicts, adding that the convicts were remorseful.

After listening to both sides, Justice Anyadike sentenced the convicts to eight months 
Imprisonment each with an option of fine of N70,000 (Seventy Thousand Naira) except for 
Valerian and Boniface who were given two months community service, which will be 
supervised by the Deputy Court Registrar.

The  judge ordered that mobile phones and laptops recovered from the convicts be auctioned 
and proceeds paid into the Single Treasury Account of the Federation.

The convicts bagged their imprisonment  when they were arrested on October 11, 2024 at 
different locations of Onitsha in Anambra State for internet-related offences. Investigations 
revealed that while some of the convicts specialized in impersonating foreign shipping agents 
using numerous fake email addresses, others employed fraudulent skills to scam vulnerable 
women abroad.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

awka-court-sends-34-internet-fraudsters-to-jail
************************************************

22 OCT 2024

Court Jails 43 Internet Fraudsters in Awka

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  
EFCC,  has secured the conviction and sentencing of forty-three (43) internet 
fraudsters before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting 
in Awka, Anambra State.

The convicts are; Momoh Victor Abdulkareem, Paul Emmanuel, Adibe Henry, Okoroafor  
Abuchi Gospel, Ikechukwu Ezra, Oduu Emmanuel Eyinna, Obasi Chibuike, Chimaobi 
Ogbonna, Nwankwo Emmanuel Ikechukwu, Aluma Chetachukwu Israel, Emeka Umendu, Ebuka 
Uka, Chikaodili Michael, Oramulu Nwabufor Michael, Obiajulu Philip Sorpuluchukwu, 
Iwu Ikedichukwu Emmanuel, Akachukwu Temple Odo, Ifeanyi Samuel, Kyrian Chikodili 
Ugwu and Nathaniel Oforbuike Nwoba.

Others include; Chimezie Stephen Obianaso, Kingsley Chukwuebuka Mmadu, Ebuka Eric 
Uka, Simon Uchenna, Godswill Francis Blessed, Donatus Chinwendu Anya, Aluma Ogochukwu 
Michael, Nwankwo Stephen Chijioke, Emmanuel Chijioke Okogwu, Ariwodo Ezemdi Lucious, 
Chidiebere Uwa, Okeke Joshua Okechukwu, Chinemelu Clinton Ugwu, Tochukwu Sunday Ewa, 
Iburu Nelson Onyeoma, Nwoko Samuel, Nwokwu Victor Izuchukwu, Benjamin Obiajulu, 
Kelechi John, Moses Chukwuka Ugwueke, Obinna Christian, Ubagu Daniel Chukwuebuka 
and  Chukwu Emmanuel Nnamdi.

They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges each, bordering on personation, 
retention of proceeds of crime, possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining 
by false pretence.

The charge against Ikechukwu Ezra read: “That you, Ikechukwu Ezra, sometime in 2024, 
in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently 
impersonated the identity of Shirley Fang, a male foreigner and citizen of United 
Kingdom, through a fake Whatsapp account, via your Redmi 12C with IMEI 861906061467102, 
with intent to obtain money from unsuspecting foreign nations and in order to gain 
advantage of yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (3) 
(a) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and punishable 
under Section 22 (4) of the same Act”.

The charge against Paul Emmanuel reads: “That you, Paul Emmanuel, sometime in the year 
2024 at Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, 
fraudulently impersonated one Chen Dong from China by means of your Tecno 8i phone with 
IMEI number 353030167612761 via fake google account with the intent to gain advantage 
of yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prevention, Prevention, etc.) Act, 
2015 (as amended 2024) and punishable under 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act”.

They pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to them separately. In view of their 
pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Michael Ikechukwu Ani prayed the court to convict and sentence 
them accordingly.

However, the defence counsel; Ifeanyi Michael Odoh, James Nwatarali, Bernard Okeke and 
O. C. Abalu prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that the convicts who 
are first-time offenders, have become  remorseful.

After listening to both sides, Justice Anyadike sentenced the convicts to eight months 
imprisonment each with an option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each 
except for Nwankwo, Izuchukwu, Eyinna and Ikechukwu who were given two months 
Community Service, which will be supervised by the Deputy Court Registrar.

Furthermore, the court ordered that items recovered from the convicts which include mobile 
phones and laptops be auctioned and proceeds paid into the account of the Federal Government.

The suspects were arrested in Abakaliki and Awka following credible intelligence linking 
them to online criminal activities. Upon arrest, investigations revealed that the convicts 
impersonated foreign nationals using several social media accounts and duped unsuspecting 
victims.

The press release contains photos of many of the 419ers:

court-jails-43-internet-fraudsters-in-awka
****************************************

22 OCT 2024

EFCC Unveils Cybercrime Rapid Response Service

Determined to break the criminal networks and damage associated with   internet 
fraud across the country, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on 
Tuesday,  October 22, 2024  unveiled a 24- hour Cybercrime Rapid Response Desk.

The unveiling,  which was done at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja by 
Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 
is meant to bring up  digital and accelerated information transmission on internet 
fraud from the public and un-impeded response from the Commission. It is provided 
with both local and international telephone numbers through which the EFCC can be 
reached on a 24-hour basis on matters relating to cybercrime in Nigeria and across 
the globe. The unveiling was part of the highlights marking the National Cybercrime 
Summit organized by the EFCC with support of  the Rule of Law and Anti- Corruption, 
RoLAC, Programme, European Union  and International IDEA.

The Summit was themed: “Alternatives to Cybercrime: Optimizing Cyber Skills for 
National Development.”  Highlights of the programmed  include panel discussions 
on alternative frameworks to insulate youths from cybercrimes,  presentation of 
award to winners of EFCC 2024 Essay Competition organized for  students in secondary 
and tertiary schools in the country, with cash prizes ranging from N350, 000 to 
N800,000 and a documentary on the activities of the EFCC in the last one year of 
Mr. Ola Olukoyede’s resourceful leadership.

The documentary, featuring the period between October 2023 and September, 2024 
showed that the EFCC secured  3455 convictions and  made monetary recoveries of 
N 248,750,049,365.52 (Two Hundred and Forty-Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and 
Fifty Million, Forty-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Naira, Fifty-Two 
Kobo); $105,423,190.39 (One Hundred and Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty-Three 
Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety Dollars, Thirty-Nine Cents); £ 53,133.64 (Fifty-Three 
Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty-Three Pound Sterling, Sixty-Four Pence;€172,547.10 
(One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Seven Euros, Ten Cents); 
T1,300.00 (One Thousand, Three Hundred Indian Rupees); CAD $ 3,400.00 (Three Thousand, 
Four Hundred Canadian Dollars);  ¥74,859:00 (Seventy-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and 
Fifty-Nine Chinese Yuan);  AUS $ 740:00 (Seven Hundred and Forty Australian Dollars); 
170:00 UAE DIRHAM (One Hundred and Seventy United Arab Emirates Dirham); 73,000:00 
KOREAN WON (Seventy-Three Thousand Korean Won); CFA 7,821,375:00 (Seven Million, 
Eight Hundred and Twenty-One Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-Five West African 
CFA) to R 50:00 (Fifty South Africa Rands). 

Speaking in a keynote address following the unveiling, Mrs Tinubu noted that the 
theme of the summit resonated deeply with the current challenges cybercrime posed 
not only in Nigeria but across the globe. According to her, “Cybercrime is not a 
crime against individuals and businesses. It is an assault on our collective integrity, 
economic stability and the future of our youth”. She praised the EFCC for devotedly 
seeking solution to the lingering menace.

She stated that Nigeria was confronted with the reality of the dangers and new 
vulnerabilities the digital age are posing to humanity. “It is therefore crucial 
that we address these challenges head on and explore not only the harmful consequences 
of cybercrimes but also the sustainable alternatives that can redirect our youths 
towards productive and positive endeavours. With young people accounting for more 
than 60 per cent of our population, the involvement of youths in cybercrime is a 
threat to the nation’s quest for economic stability,” she said

Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede observed that “the menace of cybercrimes, 
like most economic and financial crimes, is a burning challenge that we cannot deny, 
ignore or wish away.” The national discourse on cybercrime, the EFCC boss said, was 
necessitated by “the overarching need for us to articulate opinions and build greater 
strength against the scourge of cybercrimes.  This time around, we are not only 
interrogating the problem, we are aggregating workable solutions to it.”

Further in his speech, he observed that “The enormity of challenges posed to us as 
individuals and nation by cybercrimes are grievous.  As individuals, youths’ involvement 
in these crimes is distorting and corrupting acceptable family values. The tendency towards 
quick riches no longer positions our young people for enterprise, resourceful intellectual 
aspirations and technological innovations.”

In financial terms, Olukoyede stated that 2,328 (Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty
-eight) cases of cybercrime occur daily globally with a global loss projected to hit $10.5 
trillion by 2025. “Projections by multiple sources show that the global loss to cybercrimes 
may reach a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025, with approximately 2,328 (Two Thousand, 
Three Hundred and Twenty-eight) cases occurring daily.  The implication of all these is 
that, if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world. These are 
the realities stoking the Commission’s fight against these crimes.” 

Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande while commending the EFCC 
in its fight against cybercrime stated that “The Commission has done so well in planning 
and engaging the youths in every state that will give them the platform to do so. As youths, 
as a body, we are promising the EFCC that we will do everything in our power, everything 
we can do to make sure that Nigerian youths are with the EFCC and that we are ready to work 
with it. We will make sure that we will go to every nook and cranny of the 774 local 
government areas to spread the anti-cybercrime message”, he said.

The Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum, and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq 
commended  the EFCC for organizing the summit and pledged his support to the Commission in 
its efforts to redeem the youth from the path of cyber criminalities. “You have our support 
in this regards. We commend you on their efforts in putting this gathering together. I am 
sure that after this summit, we will all leave here better informed on our perception of 
cybercrime.”

A lot more goodwill messages came from His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sadd Abubakar 111, 
the Sultan of Sokoto, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Ugochukwu Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, His 
Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (The Ojaja 11), Ooni of Ife,  Danladi Plang, 
Head of Programme, IDEA, among others.

The press release contains several photos:

efcc-unveils-cybercrime-rapid-response-service

419 Coalition Comment:  Since the press release fails to mention the phone numbers for this
new 24/7 365 hotline "with both local and international telephone numbers through which the EFCC 
can be reached on a 24-hour basis on matters relating to cybercrime in Nigeria and across the 
globe" (which omission seems, shall we say, rather stupid to us), here is the contact information 
currently given on the EFCC main page:  Hotline / Central Email +234 8093322644 +234 (9) 9044751 
info@efcc.gov.ng

Also, in the convictions mentioned above, we'd be interested in knowing exactly how many of those
mentioned above actually represented actual incarceration or at least community service time.  A stat
on how many 419ers got off by simply payign a fine, and to where those fine monies went, would also
be of interest. And, in terms of the monies recovered we'd be interested in the actual amounts that 
were repatriated to the victims of 419, and what percentage that is of the total monies recovered.  
We'd also be interested in an  official estimate of the total amount of monies stolen by 419 operations, 
both annually and totally.

For the record, 419 Coalition is opposed to the release of any 419er simply by paying a fine.
We believe all convicted 419ers should serve at lease some time incarcerated or performing
community service, in addition to any fines paid.  We also believe it would be an interesting
idea to require that all convicted 419ers who are incarcerated or performing community service 
be required to wear unforms with a Large "419" printed on the front and back of their uniform
shirts, and be required to perform work in public (roadwork jobs, janitorial jobs etc.) 
inthat uniform, to show the general public what happens to those who commit 419 offenses, 
in order to serve as a deterrent to current and future 419 criminals.
*********************************************"

21 OCT 2024

Two Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Kaduna

Justice R.M Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna has convicted and jailed 
one Olayinka Abdulraheem Saidu( a.k.a Lily Bright) and Adams Shedrack (a.k.a 
Kellie Hamza) for fraud.

The convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on one-count separate charges, bordering 
on impersonation, cybercrime and money laundering.

Saidu’s charge reads: “That you Olayinka Abdulraheem Saidu (a.k.a Lily Bright)
(M) sometime in 2022 at Minna, Niger State,within the jurisdiction of this honorable 
court, with intent to defraud, converted the total sum of $100.00(One Hundred US 
Dollars)from one Chad Beatty, living in the United States of America, which you 
reasonably ought to have known that such fund forms part of the proceeds of an 
unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (B) of 
the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under 
Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

That of Shedrack reads: “That you Adams Shedrack, (a.k.a Kellie Hamza), sometime 
in September, 2024 in Minna, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, 
fraudulently impersonated one Hamza Topchvev (a German citizen) on Facebook, 
a social media platform and fraudulently gained advantage for yourself, the 
total sum of $200 (Two Hundred USD only) and you thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 22(2)(B)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention 
Etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Subsection 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.”

They pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, prompting the 
prosecution counsel, K.S Ogunlade to pray to the court to convict and sentence 
them accordingly.

Justice Aikawa, afterwards convicted and sentenced, Saidu to five years imprisonment 
or to pay a fine of N700,000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) and convicted and 
sentenced Shedrack got two years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five 
Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition to their prison terms, they forfeited their 
communication gadgets, being instruments of their crimes to the federal government.

Both convicts were arrested in Minna, Niger State, following credible intelligence 
on their fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos of the two 419ers:

two-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-kaduna
******************************************

21 OCT 2024

Court Jails Eight Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Justice A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin has convicted 
and sentenced eight internet fraudsters to various jail terms.

The convicts are: Akhigbe Andrew Okhaifoh, Collins Osagie, Wisdom Imaduerehie, 
Imade Destiny, Chibueze Onyeji, Edubi Favour, David Precious, and Michael Osas 
Iguma.

They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charges, bordering on impersonation, 
obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of 
fraudulent documents.

The charge against Osagie reads: "That you Collins Osagie (m) on or about the 30th 
of September, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your 
possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, 
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 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 charges when they were read to them, 
prompting the prosecution counsel, I.M Elodi, K Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, A.A Ibrahim 
Faisal, A. S. Bala- Ribah and Ahmed Salihu to pray the court to convict and sentence 
them accordingly, while counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper 
justice with mercy, stating that his clients have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Okhaifoh, Imaduerehie, Osagie, Onyeji, 
Favour, Precious and Destiny to two years imprisonment each or to pay a fine N200,000 
(Two Hundred Thousand Naira), respectively, while Iguma bagged three years imprisonment 
or to pay a fine of N200,000.

All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptop computers and money in their bank 
accounts to the federal government and undertook in writing to henceforth be of good 
behaviour. Osagie in addition, forfeited a Lexus 2007 RX 350 being proceeds of his 
crime to the federal government.

Their journey to the Corectional Centre began with their arrest by operatives of the 
Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following their involvement in fraudulent internet 
activities.

The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers:

court-jails-eight-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*********************************************

17 OCT 2024

Gombe Courts Send 10 Fraudsters to Jail

The Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  
EFCC,   has secured the conviction and sentence of ten fraudsters into various 
jail terms for offences bordering on internet fraud, impersonation and employment 
fraud.

The convicts are Emmanuel Cyriacus , Nelson Yustus , Gabriel Victor Shindu, Daniel 
Gambo , Miracle Bukar , Mighty Awarri , Jonathan James , Mathias Adams ,  Sani 
Safiyanu ,  and  Muazu Shira Mutari.

Shindu , Awarri , Gambo,  Bukar , Adams, Yustus , Cyriacus  and James  were arraigned 
on October 16, 2024 before Justices Hammed Isha and  Benjamin M.Lawal of the Gombe 
State High Court sitting in  Yola , Adamawa State.  Safiyanu was arraigned on October 
14, 2024 on two count - charges of intent to defraud and possession of fraudulent 
document  before Justice Mushkur  Salisu of the Federal High Court Jalingo, Taraba 
State , while Muazu Shira Mutari was arraigned for intent to defraud on October 8,2024   
before Justice Muazu Abubakar of the  Bauchi State High Court,  Bauchi.  

The charge against  Yustus reads: “That you Nelson Yustus sometimes in September 2024  
in Yola Adamawa State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to 
defraud did impersonate by using your iPhone 11 mobile device to chat on Zangi private 
messenger application with one Art – huff,  a foreign national while presenting as Jake's 
from Philadelphia USA and in the process gained to your advantage the total sum of $150
( One Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars)  and also chatted with Cawzia and Pierre 
on Signal impersonating as a white lady called Comfyprincess from USA and thereby committed 
an offence of cheating by impersonation contrary to Section 314 of Penal code law of Adamawa 
State 2018  and punishable under Section 315 of same law”.

One of the charges against  Safiyanu reads: “That you Sani Safiyanu, male, adult, sometime 
in 2022 at Taraba within the judicial division of this honorable court did had in your 
possession documents containing false pretense to wit: Appointment and Congratulatory 
messages telling people that, they gotten employment with; National Home Grown School 
Feeding Programme of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Independent National 
Electoral Commission and Nigeria Police Force via your email addresses; Safiyanusani670@gmail.com, 
abusafiyanusanikarofi@gmail.com, nschoolfeedingprogram@gmail.com, nigerianinec5@gmail.com, 
forceheadquartersabuja2020@gmail.com, which you knew to be false and thereby committed an 
offence contrary to Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act 2006 
and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act. 

Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges prompting the 
prosecution counsel, Saad H. Saad to ask  the court to convict  and sentence the defendants  
accordingly. However,   counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice 
with mercy as their defendants were remorseful of their actions.

Justice  Isha convicted and sentenced Shindu , Awari,   Bukar and Gambo to ten (10) years 
imprisonment or a fine of  N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira only) each.

Justice Lawal convicted and sentenced Yustus , James , Cyriacus to Ten years imprisonment 
with an option of  N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine each.   However, Adam bagged 
five years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.             

Justice Salisu  convicted and sentenced Safiyanu to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 
on  count one and one year imprisonment or a fine of  N50,000 on count two. The sentences are 
to run concurrently.

Justice Abubakar convicted and sentenced Mutari to two years imprisonment with an option of 
N200,000.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet fraud, 
impersonation and examination fraud.  They were charged to court and convicted.

In another development,  EFCC has arraigned Solomon Yohanna , Shedrach Naphtali, Hassan 
Mohammed and Abdullahi Abubakar  before Justice Hammed Isha  for impersonating the EFCC by 
forging its documents to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians

They were arraigned on nine- count charges of forgery, aiding to commit crime and impersonation 
by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the EFCC

One of the charges reads: “That you Solomon Yohana, Shedrach Naphtali, Hassan Mohammed, Abdullah 
Abubakar, sometimes between 2023 and 2024 in Yola, Adamawa State within the jurisdiction of this 
honourable court did forge the signature of the Commission (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) 
on the following documents; Letter of Authority on EFCC letter head dated 5th August, 2024, Investigation 
Approval letter dated 1st April, 2024 on EFCC letter, letter of Team Approval dated 6th December, 2023 
on EFCC letter head, letter of Team Approval dated 29th April, 2024 on EFCC letter head bearing the name 
of the 1st defendant on each document with intent to support the claim that the 1st defendant is a staff 
of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission sent to Guyuk Local Government to audit and supervise all 
the projects of the Local Government awarded by the Federal, State and Local Government, which you knew 
to be false and thereby committed an offence of forgery contrary to Section 349 and punishable under 
Section 351 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa state, 2018 

Upon arraignment on October 15,  2024 ,  the first defendant , Solomon Yahanna pleaded guilty to the 
crimes while others pleaded not guilty.

In view of the first defendant’s plea of guilt, prosecution counsel,  Saad .H.Saad prayed the court 
to allow him to bring up witnesses to review the facts of the case.   However,  counsel to the defendant,  
C. Karamuel told the court he wasn't ready to take any witness.

Justice Isha,  having heard both prosecution and defence counsels granted each of the defendants ( 2nd , 
3rd and 4th defendants ) bail in the sum of N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) with one surety in like sum 
who must be resident in Yola and a family man. The sureties shall deposit their identity cards and sign  
bail bonds.

The judge thereafter remanded Yohanna at Yola Correctional Centre Adamawa State and adjourned the matter 
to November 15, 2024 for both trial and review of facts .

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

gombe-courts-send-10-fraudsters-to-jail>
*****************************************

16 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 36 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Onitsha

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission, EFCC have arrested thirty-six (36) suspected internet fraudsters 
at different locations of Onitsha, Anambra State.

The suspects were arrested on October 11, 2024 following actionable intelligence 
linking them with suspected online criminal activities.

Upon arrest, preliminary investigations showed that the suspects impersonated 
foreign nationals using social media platforms to defraud unsuspecting victims.

Items recovered from them include eight luxury vehicles, sophisticated brands 
of mobile phones and laptops.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-36-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-onitsha
********************************************

16 OCT 2024

Court Jails Three Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna

Justices Hawaa Buhari and R.M Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna have 
convicted and sentenced Owoyale Shuaib (a.k.a Mary Lisa Goklool), Oluwafemi 
Moses Oluwatosin (a.k.a Douglas Chiater) and Wisdom Sambo Sammy (a.k.a Prudent 
Jameson) to various jail terms for fraud.

The trio were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on one-count separate charges, bordering on 
impersonation and cybercrimes. 

The charge against Shuaib reads: “That you, Owoyale Shuaib (a.k.a Mary Lisa 
Goklool), Male, sometime in 2024 in Minna, Niger State, within the jurisdiction 
of this honourable court, fraudulently made use of Mary Lisa Goklool unique 
identification feature to one R.r.r (a Spanish Citizen) on Facebook chat (an 
online social media application) and in that assumed character gained advantage 
to yourself in the total sum of $20 USD (Twenty United States Dollar) from him, 
which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 
22 (2) (a) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act, 2015 and 
punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the same Act.” 

That of Sammy reads: “That you Wisdom Sambo Sammy (a.k.a Prudent James) (M) 
Sometime in 2024 at Minna, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this honourable 
court, fraudulently impersonated one Prudent James, on facebook, (an online social 
media application) with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed 
an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, 
Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (IV) of the 
same Act.”

They all pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, upon 
which prosecution counsel M.J Argungu prayed the courts to convict and sentence 
them accordingly. 

Justice Buhari sentenced Shuaib and Oluwatosin to four and two years imprisonment 
respectively or to pay a fine of N 500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) each, 
while Justice Aikawa sentenced Sammy to five years imprisonment or to pay a fine 
of N 500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira).

In addition to their prison terms, they forfeited their phones, being the tools o
f their crimes to the federal government.

The convicts were arrested in their Minna hideout, following credible intelligence 
on their fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos of the three 419ers:

court-jails-three-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna
*****************************************

16 OCT 2024

Kwara Courts Jail Six for Internet Fraud in Ilorin

The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, on Monday, October 14, 2024 secured the conviction of six persons for 
offences bordering on internet fraud before Justices Sulaiman Akanbi and Adebayo 
Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin.

The convicts are Idris Muhammed, Ismail Temitope Mustapha, Oyekola Odunayo, 
Anthony Slyvester Stephen, Timilehin Adeniyi and Olayiwola Ayomide Abdulmalik.

Justice Akanbi jailed Idris, Ismail, Oyekola and Anthony while the duo of Timilehin 
and Olayiwola were convicted by Justice Yusuf.

The charge against Idris reads:

“That you, IDRIS MUHAMMED on or about the 13th day of July 2024 to 13th of August 
2024 in Ilorin within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did cheat by 
personation, when you pretended to be one Dorothy Onanewlevel Palmer and fraudulently 
deceived one Lavergne Adriana Racheal to send $600 (Six Hundred Dollars) to you via 
cash app and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code 
and punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code.

The charge against Ismail reads:

“That you, Ismail Temitope Mustapha (Alias: Myre Roddy) sometime between the year 
2022 and 2023 within the Judicial division of the High Court, did cheat by personation, 
when you pretended to be one Myre Roddy vide Tik Tok account @roddy0s3 and induced one 
Ron Woldron to part with the gross sum of $500 (Five Hundred Dollars)  vide apple gift 
cards; and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code and 
punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code.

The defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.

Upon their pleas, Prosecution counsel, Andrew Akoja and Victoria Igodo tendered the 
extra-judicial statements of the defendants, items recovered from them at the point 
of arrest and monies that they benefited from the illegal activities, which the court 
admitted in evidence.

Consequently, Justice Akanbi sentenced Idris to two years imprisonment with an option 
of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira only) and ordered the forfeiture of his iphone 
13, and the sum of $300 (Three Hundred Dollars), which he raised as restitution to the 
Federal Government.

The court sentenced Ismail to one year imprisonment with an option of fine of N100,000 
(One Hundred Thousand Naira only), while ordering the forfeiture of his iphone 11 promax 
and $300USD to the Federal Government.

Oyekola also bagged one year imprisonment on count one with an option of N100,000 (One 
Hundred Thousand Naira only), two years imprisonment on count two with an option of 
N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira only) and two weeks community service on count 
three and a fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira only).  The sum of $300 and N34,900 
recovered from him be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Similarly, the court sentenced Anthony to one year imprisonment with an option of N50,000 
(Fifty Thousand Naira only) and ordered that the iphone 12 and the sum of $25 which he 
benefited from the unlawful activities be forfeited to the Federal Government.

In a similar fashion, Justice Yusuf sentenced the duo of Timilehin and Olayiwola to six 
months imprisonment with an option of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira only) each. 
The convicts’ phones and the monies they brought as restitution were forfeited to the 
Federal Government.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet-related 
offences.  They were later prosecuted and convicted.

The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers:

kwara-courts-jail-six-for-internet-fraud-in-ilorin
***************************************************

16 OCT 2024

Court Jails 15 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC has secured the conviction and sentence of 15 internet fraudsters before 
Justice A. N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are: Nosa Gift, Igbinosa Eghosa, Nosazee Nosakhare, Imumonlen Jude, 
Promise Ogheneghere, Osadiaye Osasenaga Perfect, Ugiagbe Miracle, David Julius, 
Nosakhare Godswill and Ajayi Precious.

Others are Idowu Olumayokun Omotoyo, Amina Kabiru, Martins Onos Iboyirode, 
Benson Amengbeivie Blessing and Alabi Etinosa.

They were prosecuted on separate one-count charges bordering on obtaining by 
false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, impersonation and possession 
of fraudulent documents.

The charge against Gift reads: "That you Gift (m) on or about the 30th of September, 
2024 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your possession, 
documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby 
committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and 
other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same 
Act.”

They  all pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, prompting 
prosecution counsel, I.M Elodi, A.A Ibrahim Faisal, A.S. Bala- Ribah and Ahmed Salihu 
to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel 
prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful 
for their actions.

Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Omotoyo, Kabiru, Iboyirode, Blessing, Etinosa, 
Gift, Eghosa, Nosakhare, Jude, Ogheneghere, Perfect, Julius, Godswill and Precious to 
two years imprisonment respectively or to pay a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand 
Naira) each, while Miracle bagged three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N200,000 
(Two Hundred Thousand Naira).

All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptops, and money traced to their bank accounts 
to the federal government and further undertook in writing to be of good behaviour going 
forward.

The press release contains photos of several of the 419ers:

court-jails-15-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*********************************************

16 OCT 2024

EFCC Sets up Public Complaints Unit

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has directed the establishment of a Public 
the Corporate Headquarters.

The Desk, designed to be manned by specially trained officers, will 
Commission’s activities. It is also planned to bridge the interface 
gap between the EFCC and the larger public to enhance quick resolution 
of complaints by the public. 

The EFCC’s boss urged members of the public with any complaint about 
the Commission’s operational activities to take advantage of this 
initiative to ventilate their grievances, assuring that all issues 
would be addressed.

Information on the telephone number of the Public Complaints Desk  
can  be accessed on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

efcc-sets-up-public-complaints-unit
*********************************************

14 OCT 2024

Alleged £1million Fraud: Court Overrules Defence Counsel’s  
Objection  in Trial of Seven Suspects>

Justice R.A. Osodi  of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, 
Lagos, on Friday, October 11, 2024, overruled the objection raised 
by the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN to seven suspects facing 
trial over an alleged £1m fraud and also admitted in evidence a flash 
drive containing the video recording of the sixth defendant tendered 
by the prosecution.

The Lagos Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, had on February 3, 2022 arraigned Morufu Adewale, (a.k.a Gbegunleri 
Adelana), Abayomi Alaka(a.k.a. Dauda Usman Alashe), Omitogun Ajayi and 
Ajisegiri Abiodun before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences 
Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.  

Three other defendants, Taiwo Ahmed, Raufu Raheem and Sanlabiu Teslim, 
had initially been listed to be at large.

However, the trial could not be concluded before the retirement of Justice 
Taiwo.

This, therefore, prompted the re-assignment of the case file to Justice 
Oshodi, 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 
on an amended three-count charge.

The offences border on obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 
1(1)(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 
2006, and conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence contrary to Section 410 
of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

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 
ivision obtained the total sum of £1,000,000.00 (One Million GBP) 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 pleaded "not guilty" to the charges. 

At the last adjourned sitting on September 23, 2024, the prosecution counsel, 
N.K. Ukoha, had sought to tender in evidence a flash drive through the sixth 
witness, Giwa Wasiu, an Assistant  Superintendent of the Police, ASP, who had 
told Justice Osodi how the sixth defendant was apprehended in the Ikorodu area 
of Lagos.

He had testified that the sixth defendant, in the said video, confessed that he 
and some others duped one Dr. (Mrs.) Bello of the sum of N675 million.

He had also testified that the said video contained in the flash drive was handed 
over to the EFCC, which was investigating the alleged crime.

However, when Ukoha sought to tender the flash drive as evidence, the defence 
team led by Olalekan Ojo, SAN had raised an objection , thereby prompting the 
court to adjourn till Friday, October 11, 2024( today )for ruling. 

At today's proceedings, Justice Oshodi overruled the objection by the defence 
and also admitted the flash drive containing the video recording of the sixth 
defendant in evidence as Exhibit E.

Thereafter, the prosecution applied that the video clip of the confessional 
statement be played in the open court, which was granted by the court. 

The case was subsequently adjourned till December 18 and 19, 2024 for continuation 
of trial. 

alleged-gbp1million-fraud-court-overrules-defence-counsels-objection-in-trial-of-seven-suspects
*****************************************************

14 OCT 2024

Kwara Courts Jail Bureau de-change Operator, Two Others for Fraud

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin has 
sentenced one Yakubu Aminu  to 200 (Two Hundred) hours community service for 
carrying out bureau de change businesses  without a valid licence.

Similarly, a Kwara State High Court presided over by Justice Hammed Gegele 
also jailed the duo of Abdulalahi Abdulrasaq Omotosho and Akeem Ibrahim 
Salaudeen for involvement  in internet fraud -related crime.

The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC had on Wednesday October 9, 2024 arraigned the trio before the courts on 
separate charges.

The charge against Yakubu reads:

“That you, Yakubu Aminu sometime in July 2024, at Chikanda Market, Yashikira 
District, Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court did carry on, other financial business, to wit: Bureau 
De Change Business without a valid licence issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria 
contrary to Section 15 (5) of the Banks and other Financial Institutions Act, 
2020 and punishable under Section 57 (5) (B) of the same Act”

The charge against Akeem reads:

“That you, Akeem Ibrahim  Salaudeen between 3rd December 2018  and 8th November 
2024, in Ilorin, Kwara State within the jurisdiction  of Honourable Court, did 
knowingly had under your control  the sum of N4,069, 000.00 (Four Million, Sixty 
Nine Thousand Naira Only) in your bank account number 2104916025  with the name 
Akeem Ibrahim  Salaudeen with the United Bank of Africa Plc which you knew to be 
proceeds of criminal conduct and thereby committed an offence contrary to and 
punishable under Section 319 (a) of the Penal Code Laws of Northern Nigeria”

The defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them.

The court thereafter convicted and sentenced the defendants to various jail terms 
relying on the credibility of the cases presented before it and the unchallenged 
evidence of the prosecution.

Justice Awogboro sentenced Aminu to 200 (Two Hundred) hours community service 
without an option of fine.  The judge also ordered that the sum of 50,000cfa 
and N368,500 (Three Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Naira Only) 
recovered from him at the point of arrest be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Justice Gegele on his part sentenced the duo of Akeem and Abdullahi to six months 
imprisonment each with an option of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira 
only). The sum of N4,069, 000.00 (Four Million, Sixty Nine Thousand Naira Only) 
recovered from Akeem alongside his iphone 11 and $600 (Six Hundred Dollars) recovered 
from Abdulahi together with iphone 11 pro max,  being proceeds of their crimes were 
forfeited to the Federal Government.

The convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet-related 
fraud.  They were investigated, charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

kwara-courts-jail-bureau-de-change-operator-two-others-for-fraud
***********************************************

10 OCT 2024

BOLAJI HENRY AKINDURO

This appears to be a wanted poster for this person put out 
by the EFCC.  But there appears to be some problems with the
programming of it so it may not display properly. 

bolaji-henry-akinduro
*******************************************

10 OCT 2024

Olukoyede Charges Youths to Shun Internet Crimes

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on youths across the country to shun 
the allure of internet crimes and resist the get-rich-quick syndrome 
associated with it to safeguard their future and wellbeing.

He made the call recently in Abuja at an event organized by the “Child 
Protection Initiative against Cybercrime”.

The EFCC boss who was represented by Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC 
ASE1 Ogunjobi Olalekan emphasized that there is honour in hard work and 
uprightness rather than in earning money through fraud and at the risk of 
going to prison. "You can become whatever you want to be, but don't yield 
to peer pressure or quick gains from cybercrime," he said.

While highlighting the challenges posed by internet fraud, Olukoyede cautioned 
that concerted efforts should be taken to break the negative hold of the fraud 
on nations.   

He identified cybercrime enablers among Nigerian youths to include: high rate 
of unemployment, internal and external pressures to acquire material possessions 
and overly supportive parents and guardians. The latter according to him may be 
well-intentioned, but “inadvertently foster a lack of self-control and discipline 
in children,” adding that the toxic mix of societal and familial influences can 
lead vulnerable youths down a dangerous path of cybercrime, including online 
scams, identity theft, and other malicious activities.”

He identified research and development, dedicated support systems, promotion 
of positive online behaviour and parental involvement (controls and monitoring, 
family workshops) as effective measures against the allure of cybercrime.

Speaking earlier, the organizer of the event, Delmwa Gogwim said the mission of 
the “Child Protection Initiative against Cybercrimes”  was to ensure the safety 
of children and teenagers in the digital space in their quest for education, 
entertainment, self-development, and 21st Century skill building and to enable 
young people to be able to express and promote themselves in the society.

“Cyber security is not just for your safety, but the safety of your loved ones. 
With over 140 million Nigerians connected to the internet, and more than half of 
them being young people, our focus is on tomorrow’s leaders. Their exposure to 
and utilization of the internet can be a transformative force, not only for 
themselves but for the entire nation,” she stated.

Similarly, the representative of the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, 
Gabriel Dewan urged youths to be productive and shun cybercrimes and other forms 
of criminality

olukoyede-charges-youths-to-shun-internet-crimes
*************************************************

9 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 32 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Minna

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC has arrested 32 suspected internet fraudsters in Minna, the Niger State 
capital. The arrests followed an intelligence-driven raid on their hideout.

Items recovered from them include, nine high-end automobiles, 44 mobile phones, 
20 laptop computers and internet modems. 

They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The pres release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-32-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-minna
***************************************************

9 OCT 2024

Court Jails Three Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna

Justices R.M. Aikawa and Hauwa'u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna have 
convicted and sentenced the trio of AbdulFatai Ismail Alade (a.k.a hismaheel 
asiwaju), Audu Ishida and Elisha Smith for fraud.

They were prosecuted by Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation 
and money laundering. While Justice Aikawa sealed Alade’s fate, Ishida and Smith 
were convicted and sentenced by Justice Buhari.

Alade’s charge reads: “That you,Abdulfatahi Ismaeel Alade(a.k.a Hismaheel Asiwaju) 
sometime between 2023 and 2024, at Minna, Niger State within the jurisdiction of 
this honorable court, retained the total sum of $95.00 (Ninety five Dollars) when 
you knew such fund forms part of 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.”

That of Smith reads: “That you Elisha Smith (m), sometime in May, 2024 in Jos South, 
Plateau State, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, retained the total 
sum of N808,234.02(Eight Hundred and Eighty Thousand Two Hundred And Thirty Four 
Naira Two Kobo) only in your account no.9030090284 domiciled in Palmpay Bank Ltd 
with account name: Elisha Smith Anzaina which you knew that such fund forms part 
of 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.”

They all pleaded “guilty” to their charge when they were read to them, prompting 
prosecution counsel, M.E Eimonye and M. Lawal to urge the court to convict and 
sentence them accordingly.
 
Justice Aikawa convicted and sentenced Alade to five years imprisonment or to pay 
a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, he forfeited an 
iPhone 11 Pro mobile phone with IMEI No:353248109724490 to the federal government, 
while Justice Buhari convicted and sentenced Smith to four years imprisonment or 
to a pay  of fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and Ishida to two 
years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira). 
In addition, Smith and Ishida forfeited one Samsung Galaxy S10e mobile phone with 
IMEI 35603232102690016 and one Oppo F1s with IMEI No: 862784037953334 respectively 
to the federal government.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

court-jails-three-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna
***********************************************

8 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 13 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo

Operatives of  the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have apprehended 13 suspected internet fraudsters 
in Nwaniba area of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

They were arrested on Monday, October 7, 2024  in a sting operation following 
credible intelligence on their fraudulent internet activities.

Items recovered from them include, Lexus 350 saloon car with registration 
number BGK 698 SU Abia,  Lexus 350 saloon car  with registration number ABC 
573 BC,  Toyota Camry V6 car with registration number, UYY 888 HR Akwa Ibom, 
Toyota Corolla car with registration number, KTM 613 AA  Akwa Ibom, six 
laptop computers and 20 smartphones.

They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-13-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo
***********************************************

8 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 15 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Fifteen suspected internet fraudsters were on Monday, October 7, 2024 arrested 
by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission, EFCC, in Benin City.

The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on their suspected 
involvement in computer-related fraud.

Items recovered from them include four exotic cars, laptops and phones.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-15-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*********************************************************

8 OCT 2024

Lagos Court Jails Man One Year for Possession of Fraudulent Documents

Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, 
on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, convicted and sentenced one Nonso Joseph Ekeocha to 
one year imprisonment for possession of fraudulent documents.

Ekeocha was prosecuted by the Lagos Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge bordering on possession of fraudulent 
documents used to perpetrate romance scam.

The count reads: "Nonso Joseph Ekeocha, on or about the 27th June, 2024 in Lagos, 
within the judicial division of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, had i
n your possession, 'Instagram Profile Account', wherein you represented yourself 
as Ronald Gregory, and other related documents for an online dating scam, which 
you knew or ought to know to be false,”

He pleaded "guilty" to the charge.

Following his guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, I. G. Akhanolu, prayed the 
court to call his witness,  Ismail Saifullahi, an operative of the Commission, 
to give a review of the facts.

Saifullahi said the defendant was arrested alongside others who engaged in computer
-related fraud in Lagos on June 29, 2024.

"Upon his arrest, he was brought to the EFCC office. Items recovered from him at 
the point of arrest were iPhone 12 pro max and Samsung S-10 phones, which were 
analysed through a forensic examination.

“The analysis revealed fraudulent documents about the defendant’s involvement 
in an online dating scam, where he represented himself as a male American bearing  
Ronald Gregory.

"He informed the Commission that he usually carried out the fraudulent activities  
by sending love messages randomly online to members of the public and that those 
who showed interest in having a relationship were asked for financial assistance.”

Akhanolu further applied to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s extrajudicial 
statement as well as the bundle of fraudulent documents printed out from his 
mobile phones.

Justice Fadipe admitted them as exhibits and convicted him as charged.

When he was given the opportunity to address the court, Nonso pleaded with the court 
to “temper justice with mercy”, promising never to engage in internet fraud again.

Consequently, Justice Fadipe sentenced him to one-year imprisonment, with an option 
of N500,000.00 and 50 hours community service.

The judge also ordered that both the Iphone 12 pro max and Samsung S-10 recovered 
from him be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

lagos-court-jails-man-one-year-for-possession-of-fraudulent-documents
***********************************************

5 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 44 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ebonyi, 
Anambra States

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested Forty-four (44) suspected internet 
fraudsters at different locations of Enugu and Anambra States.

They were arrested in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday, September 
28 and 29, 2024 following actionable intelligence linking them to suspected 
online criminal activities.

Upon arrest, preliminary investigations showed that the suspects took advantage 
of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to defraud unsuspecting 
victims. Specifically, while some of the suspects specialized in using fake 
identities to engage foreign nationals in romantic affairs with intention to 
defraud them, others were found with fraudulent documents in their devices.

Other items recovered from them include laptops and different brands of 
sophisticated mobile phones.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-44-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-ebonyi-anambra-states
*************************************************

4 OCT 2024

Court Jails 39 Internet Fraudsters in Abakaliki

A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, presided over by 
Justices H. I. O. Oshomah and M. T. Segun-Bello has convicted and sentenced 
thirty-nine (39) internet fraudsters to different jail terms.

The convicts were jailed after pleading guilty to a one-count separate 
charges bordering on obtaining by false presence, personation and possession 
of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of 
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The convicts are, Udeh Chimuanya John, Nnadi Raphael Ogomegbunam, Ani Mmesoma 
Emmanuel, Benjamin Obinna Ezema, Onoja Chukwuemeka Miracle, Frank Egesionu, 
Nze Uchenna Divine,ss  Ikegwu Matthew Chukwuma, Ugwu Henry Izuchukwu, Chidiobi 
Kelechi Sylvester, Erozona Emmanuel Omeya, Aruma Chidiebere Emmanuel, Amaechi 
Shiloh Chukwuelotam, Ajibo Sunday Chiweokwu, Amadi Mbakaogu, Emeka Ogwa, Miracle 
Ezema Ebube, Nwobodo Joel Obinna, Eze Emmanuel, Raymond Ugochukwu Emmanuel and 
Amah Matthew Olumachi.

Others include; Oparaukwu Udoka Justice, Philip Nnabuike Ozoani, Chukwueze Emmanuel 
Onuh, David Emeka, Henry Chinenyerem Ogbodo, Ebube Testimony Omeje, Emmanuel Stanley 
Odoh, Terzungwe Isaac Utor, Tersoo Stanley Ukume, Ugwu Christian Tochukwu, Omeje Favour 
Chimdalu, Henry Abara Ekom, Ajibo Kingsley Ebube, Nuka Christian Lucky, Obioha Chidiebube 
Gratus, Eze Marcel Uchenna, Enwu Stephen Chimdindu and Chinedu Nelson.

The charge against Ezema reads: “That you, Benjamin Obinna Ezema, sometime in September, 
2024 in Nsukka, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, fraudulently 
impersonated one Patricia Lambert, a foreign national, through a fake Telegram account 
via your IPhone 14 Pro mobile phone, with intent to gain advantage for yourself from 
your unsuspecting victims and you thereby committed an offense 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”.

The Charge against Chidera reads: “That you,  Ezeh Emmanuel Chidera, sometime in 2024 
in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently 
impersonated the identity of Wei Yiming, a male foreigner and citizen of United Arab 
Emirates who works as a Chief Medical Officer, via your Tecno Spark 7, with intent to 
obtain money from unsuspecting foreign nationals and in order to gain advantage for 
yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) (b) of 
the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 
22 (4) of the same Act”.

The convicts pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them separately and in view 
of their pleas, Michael Ikechukwu Ani prayed the court to convict and sentence them 
accordingly.

However, the defence counsel; Wisdom Ogbonna, B. E. Enyiagu, C. C. Osi-Ogbonna, Remy 
Agu and E. C. Chinenyeze pleaded for leniency and to temper justice with mercy, adding 
that the convicts were remorseful, as they have learnt their lessons.

Justice H. I. O. Oshomah, on Monday, September 23, 2024, convicted and sentenced 30 
of the convicts to two years imprisonment each with an option of fine of N150,000 
(One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) except Ukume who was given an option of fine 
of N200,00( Two Hundred Thousand Naira) while on Friday, September 27, 2024, Justice 
M. T. Segun-Bello, convicted and sentenced Tochukwu, Ebube, Lucky, Gratus, Uchenna, 
Chimdindu, Nelson, Ekom and Chimdalu to three years imprisonment each with an option 
of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira)

Justice Oshomah further made the following orders;

Odoh was ordered to forfeit to the Federal Government, his three plots of land located 
at Sweetvilla Phase 3 in Tagbati, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State;

Ukume was ordered to forfeit the sum of N2,873,295.00 (Two Million, Eight Hundred and 
Seventy-three Thousand, Two hundred and Ninety-five Naira) to the Federal Government 
and Utor was ordered to forfeit the sum of N1,000,000(One million naira to the Federal 
Government).

The Justices also ordered that their mobile phones be auctioned by the Deputy Court 
Registrar of the court and proceeds paid into the Treasury Single Account of the 
Federation. Convicts were also ordered to submit their Bank Verification Numbers 
and their National Identification Numbers to the court which will also be verified 
by the Deputy Court Registrar after which they will swear to affidavits of good 
behavior and another affidavit, showing that they have complied with the submission 
of their particulars.

The convicts were remanded at the Abakaliki Correctional facility, until they comply 
with the conditions.

The convicts were arrested on September 9, 2024 in Nsukka and Enugu metropolis by 
operatives of the Commission, following actionable intelligence linking them to 
cybercrimes activities.

The press release contains photos of many of the 419ers:

court-jails-39-internet-fraudsters-in-abakaliki
********************************************

4 OCT 2024

Court Jails Internet Fraudster in Uyo

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, has secured the conviction of one Moses Emmanuel Elemi before Justice 
M.A. Oyetenu  of the Federal High Court, Uyo.

Elemi was arraigned by the EFCC on Thursday, October 3, 2024 on a two-count 
charge, bordering on criminal impersonation and intent to defraud. 

One of the charges against him reads: “That you Moses Emmanuel Elemi 'M'  
(a.k.a Marie, sissy_ sugarbiscuit), sometime in 2024 in Nigeria within the 
jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to obtain property and 
gain advantage for yourself, fraudulently presented yourself as Araina Marie 
on social media platform (Instagram) and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 22 (2)(b) ) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Amendment 
Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(b) (iv) of the same.”

He pleaded “guilty” to the charge, following which prosecution counsel Enobong 
Ubokudom presented the statement of the defendant, his iPhone 11 Pro and printouts 
of fraudulent documents from his iPhone as exhibits before the court, and prayed 
the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while the defence counsel M. 
Ette Udo pleaded with the court for leniency on the ground that the defendant was 
a first time offender and has become remorseful.

Justice Onyetenu afterwards convicted, cautioned and discharged him.

Elemi was arrested on June 27, 2024 at Shelter Afrik area of Uyo following credible 
intelligence that linked him to fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

court-jails-internet-fraudster-in-uyo
*******************************************

4 OCT 2024

Court Jails Man for $22,297.97 Fraud in Benin-City

Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, 
has convicted and sentenced one Ofure Prince Akpolo to three years 
imprisonment for retention of proceeds of crime.

The convict was prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission 
on September 24, 2024 on one-count charge bordering on retention of proceeds 
of crime.

The charge against Akpolo reads:  That you Ofure Prince Akpolo (m) on or 
about the the 3rd day of June. 2024 in Benin City, Edo State within the 
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did without lawful authority take 
possession of the sum of $22, 297.97 (Twenty-Two Thousand, Two Hundred 
and Ninety-Seven United States of America Dollars, Seven cent) in your 
domiciliary account number: 5436344024 domiciled in First City Monument 
Bank knowing that the money represent proceeds of your criminal conduct 
to wit: Cybercrime and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 
18 (1) (a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) 
Act 2004 and punishable under section 18 (2) of the same Act..

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him in 
court, prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, to pray the court 
to convict and sentence him accordingly. However, counsel to the defendant 
pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, claiming that his 
client has become remorseful for his actions.
 
After listening to the submission of the counsel, Justice W.I Aziegbemhin 
convicted and sentenced Akpolo to three years imprisonment with an option 
of N500,000 fine.

The court ordered the convict to forfeit his phone, balances in his various 
bank accounts, being instruments and proceeds of crime to the Federal Government 
of Nigeria. He is to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour afterwards

The convict’s  journey to the Correctional Centre began following his arrest 
by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission regarding his 
fraudulent activities. He was thereafter prosecuted and convicted.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

court-jails-man-for-22-297-97-fraud-in-benin-city
********************************************

3 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 43 Suspected Internet Fraudsters 
in Port Harcourt

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 43( Forty three) 
suspected internet fraudsters  in a sting operation.  

They were arrested on   Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Rumuekeni and 
Iwofe axes of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

They were arrested for alleged internet fraud following actionable 
intelligence surveillance on their suspected involvement in computer
-related  offences.

Items recovered from them include different brands of mobile phones, 
laptops, international passports and Automated Teller Machine, ATM 
cards of different banks,  five vehicles, two motorcycles and a Point 
of Sale, POS,  machine.

The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-43-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-port-harcourt
***********************************************

2 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 33 Suspected Internet Fraudsters,  
Fake Dollars in Port Harcourt

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested 33( thirty-three) 
suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

They were arrested in their hideouts around Iwofe and Ogboro axes of 
Port Harcourt in a sting operation, based on credible intelligence on 
their suspected involvement in internet fraud.

Items recovered from the suspects include various mobile phone devices,  
laptops,  boxes of fake United States Dollars, fake Federal Bureau of 
Investigation, FBI stamps, Customs stamps, airport clearance stamps, 
DHL and FedEx stamps and two cars

The suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-33-suspected-internet-fraudsters-fake-dollars-in-port-harcourt
*************************************************

2 OCT 2024

EFCC Arrests 21 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Yola

Operatives of the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC,   have arrested 21( twenty one) suspected internet 
fraudsters in Yola, Adamawa state.  

They were  arrested on  Tuesday,  September 24 , 2024  at different locations 
around Modobo Adamawa University , Yola.

Items recovered at the points of arrest include 13 iphones, 12 Android phones, 
one laptop and one tablet phone.

The suspects would soon be charged to court.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-21-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-yola
*******************************************

30 SEP 2024

EFCC Arrests 24 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday September 30, 2024 arrested 24 suspected 
 fraudsters at different locations within Benin City.

The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence of their 
suspected involvement in computer-related fraud.

Items recovered from them include 11 exotic cars,  laptops and phones. 
The sum of N160,000 ( One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira) was also 
recovered from one of the suspects. 

The suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court as 
soon as investigations are completed.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-24-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*******************************************

28 SEP 2024

EFCC Arrests 13 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Sokoto

Operatives of the Sokoto Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested thirteen(13) suspected internet 
fraudsters in Sokoto, Sokoto State.

They were arrested on Saturday,  September 28, 2024  at Gidan Yaro and 
Dandima areas of Sokoto based on actionable intelligence on their suspected 
involvement in internet-related offences.  

All the suspects claimed to be students of  Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto .

They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The press release includes a photo:

efcc-arrests-13-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-sokoto"
***************************************************

26 SEP 2024

Court Jails Two for Internet Fraud in Kaduna

Justice Hauwa'u Bubari of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna has 
convicted and sentenced the duo of Audu Ishida and Elisha Smith to six 
years imprisonment  for fraud.

They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on a separate-count charge, bordering on 
impersonation, retention of proceeds of fraud and money laundering.

Smith’s charge reads: “That you Elisha Smith (m) sometime in May, 2024, in 
Jos South, Plateau State, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, 
retained the total sum of N808,234.02(Eight Hundred and Eight Thousand, Two 
Hundred and Thirty-four Naira Two Kobo only), in your account no.9030090284, 
domiciled at Palmpay Bank Ltd with account name: Elisha Smith Anzaina which 
you knew that such fund forms part of 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.”

That of Ishida reads: “That you Audu Ishida (Baddie Kylemili) on or about 
the 2nd of June, 2024 in Jos, within the jurisdiction of this honorable 
court, retained the total sum of $50 U.S  from your victim, which you 
reasonably ought to have known forms parts of proceeds of an unlawful act 
and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 20(a) of the Money 
Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition)Act,2022 and punishable under Section 
20(b) of the same Act.” 

They pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, prompting 
prosecution counsel, M.E Eimonye to urge the court to convict and sentence 
them accordingly. 

After listening to the plea of the defence counsel, the judge convicted and 
sentenced Smith to four years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N500,000.00 
(Five Hundred Thousand Naira), while he convicted and sentenced Ishida to 
two years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand 
Naira). 

Beside their prison terms, they forfeited their mobile phones, a Samsung 
Galaxy S10e and one Oppo F1s.

Both convicts were arrested in Jos, Plateau State, following intelligence that 
linked them with fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

court-jails-two-for-internet-fraud-in-kaduna
*********************************************

24 SEP 2024

From CBS News (US):

Inside the "hustle kingdom," where overseas scammers prey 
on Americans online

CBS news has done an excellent piece on West African Advance Fee Fraud
with embedded videos etc.  It is based on investigations done in Ghana,
and one should keep in mind that while locals there also participate in
419 operations, many such operations in Ghana or eleswhere are often in 
fact Nigerian operated, staffed, or managed.  The article is too long 
to be reproduced here, so here is a link to the piece, for as long as it 
is good:

Inside the "hustle kingdom
**********************************************

20 SEP 2024

Lagos Court Jails Businessman Four Years  for  Issuance 
of False Documents

Justice R. A. Osodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, 
on Friday, September 20, 2024, convicted and sentenced a businessman, Bernard 
Okechukwu Nzenwa, to four years and 11 months imprisonment over issuance of 
false documents.

Nzenwa, alongside his company,  Omega Maritime and Energy Ltd. was arraigned 
on December 7, 2022 by the Lagos Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge bordering on issuance of false documents.

The count reads: "Bernard Okechukwu Nzenwa, Omega Maritine and Energy Limited, 
and Dr. Oluchi Nzenwa, (now at large), sometime on the 9th March, 2011, within 
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, issued a false document titled, "BOND 
FOR THE RE-EXPORTATION OF IMPORTED GOODS DELIVERED WITHOUT 
PAYMENT OF IMPORT DUTIES”, which you purported to have emanated from 
Guaranty Trust Bank Plc".

The defendant, however, pleaded “not guilty” to the charge, thereby leading to 
his full trial.

In the course of the trial, the prosecution counsel, G. C. Akaogu, called six 
witnesses, through whom several documentary evidence were presented to prove the 
case against him and his company.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution effectively 
proved the case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubts.

“I find the defendant guilty of false bond, false documents and fraudulent intent,“ 
he said.

Justice Oshodi sentenced him to four years and eleven months in prison, with an 
option of fine of N50m, while the company was fined N50 million to serve as a 
punishment and deterrent to others.

The journey to the Correctional Centre began for  Nzenwa when he issued false 
documents titled: “bond for the re-exportation of imported goods delivered without 
payment of import duties to exporters”.   He was charged to court and found guilty 
of false bond, false document and false intent.

The press release contains a photo:

lagos-court-jails-businessman-four-years-for-issuance-of-false-documents
*****************************************************

20 SEP 2024

EFCC Hands over Recovered Monetary Asset to Spanish Ambassador

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
Ola Olukoyede on Friday, September 20, 2024 handed over €5100 (Five Thousand, 
One Hundred Euros) proceeds of crime to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, 
His Excellency, Juan Ignacio Sell.

The sum was recovered from a Nigerian romance fraudster for Heinz Burchard 
Einhaus Uchtmann, a Spanish victim by the EFCC in collaboration with the 
Spanish Police.

While handing over the deed of release on behalf of the Nigerian government, 
the EFCC boss expressed appreciation to the Spanish counterpart for its support 
to Nigeria over the years, noting that the asset recovery and handover lent 
evidence to the cordial relationship and collaboration between both countries 
and their law enforcement agencies.

“I would like to thank you for all the support over the years on behalf of 
your country that you have been giving to Nigeria and also for finding Nigeria 
a conducive place to carry out your diplomatic work and encouraging investors 
from Spain to come to Nigeria and invest. On our part as a law enforcement 
agency, the event here today is a testament of the collaboration between 
Nigeria and Spain and also between the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria 
and those in Spain,” he said.

While noting that the borderless nature of internet crimes has made collaboration 
and partnership among countries and law enforcement compelling, he stated the resolve 
of the EFCC to make the country unconducive for the corrupt and the fraudulent.

“It has become very imperative for us to understand that financial crimes have 
become a borderless crime. Sometimes you will discover that they operate from 
a different country and get their victims in another country and the proceeds 
of crime go to a different country. On our path,  we are resolute to ensure that 
Nigeria is not made a safe haven for financial criminals and corrupt people. We 
do it to cleanse our system in collaboration with our partners across the world. 
We are much more ready to continue to do that. In the interest of both countries 
we must do what we have to do. There must be mutual trust, mutual support for us 
to ensure that we cleanse the global financial ecosystem from being destroyed,” 
he said.

According to the EFCC boss, the resources criminals control across the world 
outstrip the wealth in the technology industry, adding that “That is why it has 
become imperative for all governments across the world to come together much more 
than ever before to collaborate in order to sanitize the global financial ecosystem 
and ensure that the activities of these criminals do not thrive. And that was what 
informed our determination in ensuring that anybody who perpetrates whatever is 
called romance scam or sextortion would not get away with it.

Speaking further, Olukoyede stated that “With the investigation in this romance 
scam, we were able to make some recoveries for one of your citizens, Heinz Burchard 
Einhaus Uchtmann who became a victim of romance scam. And we are happy to inform 
you that we have been able to recover €5100 (Five Thousand, One Hundred Euros) for 
him and we have evidence that the money has also been transferred to him. So what 
we are doing here today is just to formalize the transfer of the proceeds of crime 
and to ensure that we strengthen our collaboration and relationship and even take 
it to a higher level. I want to let you know that what we are doing here is on behalf 
of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which has given us the mandate to do this work.”

A happy Ambassador Sell in his response, lauded the collaboration between the EFCC 
and Spanish Police and pledged the commitment of the Spanish government to strengthen 
and take it higher.

“Many times you work on processes and you will never see the end result of your 
endeavours but what has made this special is the fact that we have seen the results 
of the efforts of the collaboration of two countries that are friends for the benefit 
of the citizens. Indeed this is a joyful moment for all of us: those who were involved 
in the investigation and those who supervised it and made it happen,” he said.

Similarly, Sell noted that “International crimes call very clearly for stronger 
collaboration between agencies and between countries. I am a witness that this is 
happening between Nigeria and Spain and specifically between the EFCC and Spanish 
Police. Beyond the operational collaboration you have with our police, we will also 
look at other avenues of collaboration in training and exchange of information. We 
are more than willing and more than ready to increase that cooperation between the 
EFCC and its sister institutions in Spain. So let us congratulate ourselves for what
 we are witnessing today. I am happy for the victim. Romance scams are particularly 
 heinous in the sense that they thrive on the goodwill and good heart of the victims.”

Witnessing the event were top management staff of the EFCC and a delegation of 
Spanish Police Attache from the Spanish Embassy.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-hands-over-recovered-monetary-asset-to-spanish-ambassador

419 Coalition comment:  We love reporting on recovery and repatriation of 419ed monies
and look forward to reporting on many more stories like this one in the future.
****************************************************************

19 SEP 2024

EFCC Arrests 10 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja

The operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC 
on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 arrested 10 suspected internet fraudsters 
in Abuja.

The suspects were arrested in a pre-dawn operation at the River Park Estate 
in Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Items recovered from them include a Range Rover, two Lexus cars, a Toyota 
Camry, laptop computers and iPhones.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

efcc-arrests-10-suspected-internet-fraudster-in-abuja
*****************************************************

19 SEP 2024

EFCC Arrests 29 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja

Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 arrested 29 
suspected internet fraudsters.

They were arrested at several locations in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal 
Capital Territory, FCT following credible intelligence about their suspected 
involvement in internet fraud. 

32 phones of different types were recovered from them.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are 
concluded.

efcc-arrests-29-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
**********************************************

17 SEP 2024

Court Jails 22 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  
between September 5 and 13, 2024 secured the conviction of 22 internet fraudsters 
before Justice Igho Braimoh of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are Emmanuel Osakpolor Bright, Omoigui Kelvin, Isaac Jonathan, 
Edem Progress, Philip Desmond, Eharevba Destiny, Emmanuel Joseph, Abdulrasheed 
Ayatudeen, Desmond Nosakhare, Ani Micheal Chukwuemeka, Antony Oluchukwu Okocha, 
Abdulhafiz Abdulmumin Yamah, Eke Silver Miracle, Godstime Obasuyi and Nzubechukwu 
Godswill.

Others are Aliyu Tijani Ayomide, Stephen Odafe, Anderson Tega Obodo, Abijan 
Mudiaga Sagin, Job Samuel, Favour Nasiru and Omogaga Precious.

They were prosecuted on a separate one-count charge bordering on obtaining by 
false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent 
documents.

The charge against Emmanuel Osakpolor Bright reads: "That you Osakpolor (m) 
on or about the 5th of September, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
Court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have 
known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 
6 and 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 charges when they were read to them, 
prompting the prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, I.M Elodi, K. Y. Bello, I.K. 
Agwai, Ibrahim Faisal and Ahmed Salihu to pray the court to convict and sentence 
them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to 
temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their 
actions.

Justice Braimoh afterwards convicted and sentenced Anthony Okocha, Abdulrasheed, 
Omoigui, Egharevba Destiny, Eke Miracle, Jonathan, Nosakhare and Godswill to two 
years imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each, while  
Desmond, Edem Progress, Joseph Emmanuel, Chukwuemeka, Abdulhafiz, Godstime 
Obasuyi and Osakpolo Bright bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 
(Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each.

On Friday, September 13, Justice Braimoh convicted and sentenced the trio of 
Ayomide, Odafe and Obodo to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two 
Hundred Thousand Naira) each, while the quartet of Sagin, Samuel, Nasiru and 
Precious bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two hundred 
thousand Naira) each.

The judge ordered the forfeiture of two Lexus cars recovered from Eke Miracles 
and Omogaga Precious being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

All the convicts are to forfeit their phones, laptops, and money in their respective 
bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria and to undertake in writing to be 
of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest by 
operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC through a sting operation 
owing to their involvement in fraudulent internet activities. They were subsequently 
charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos of many of the 419ers:

court-jails-22-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*********************************************

11 SEP 2024

Court Jails  American Businessman, Marco Ramirez 68 Years 
for $1.6m Visa Fraud in Lagos

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, 
on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, convicted an American businessman, Marco Antonio 
Ramirez, for $1.2 million EB-5 visa scam .

The Judge also convicted him for a separate $368,698.24 fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, prosecuted Ramirez alongside 
his companies, USA NOW LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP and USA Now Energy 
Capital Group LP, for an alleged $1,235,000 EB-5 visa scam.

The defendant allegedly obtained the money from his victims as processing fees 
for their investments in his company, USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, in the 
Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) United States of America Investor 
Programme, which would qualify them to be eligible for the issuance of USA 
Green Card.

The defendant, however, allegedly reneged on his promise.

He was initially arraigned on  a 12-count charge, to which he pleaded "not guilty".

He was also re-arraigned by the EFCC on June 24, 2022 on an amended 16-count charge.

Count 13 of the amended  charge reads: "Marco Antonio Ramirez, USA NOW LLC, Eagle 
Ford Instalodge Group LP, and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, between 5th February 
2013 and 18th April 2013 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, 
dishonourably converted to your personal use the aggregate sum of $545,000 property 
of Godson Onyemaechi Echegile."

Count 14 reads: "Marco Antonio Ramirez, USA NOW LLC, and USA Now Energy Capital 
Group LP, between 12th July 2012 and 7th November 2012 at Lagos, within the 
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court , dishonourably converted to your personal 
use the aggregate sum of $314,800 property of Abubakar Umar Sadiq."

Count 15 reads: "Marco Antonio Ramirez, USA NOW LLC, and USA Now Energy Capital 
Group LP, between 19th February 2013 and 18th April 2013 at Lagos, within the 
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonourably converted to your personal 
use the aggregate sum of $230,000 property of Abubakar Umar Sadiq."

The prosecuting counsel, M.S. Owede, tendered several documentary evidence and called 
witnesses to substantiate the allegations against him.

Ramirez had also been taken to the dock to defend himself of the alleged fraud.

In the course of the trial,  he secured the services of Lawal Pedro, SAN.

The matter, however, suffered several adjournments at the stage of adoption of final 
written addresses.

The adoption finally took place on May 8, 2024.

Subsequently, Justice Dada adjourned till today, September 10, 2024 for judgment.

At the resumed on Tuesday,  Justice Dada held that the prosecution proved its case 
against Ramirez beyond reasonable doubts.

He was, thereafter, found guilty as charged and sentenced to 10 years each on counts 
one to 12 bordering on obtaining by false pretence, and 10 years each on counts 13 to 
16 bordering on stealing.

Also, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 Justice Dada found Ramirez guilty on separate 
amended nine-count charge bordering on an alleged $368,698.24 fraud filed against 
him by the EFCC.

One of the counts reads: "Marco Antonio Ramirez, USA NOW LLC, and USA Now Energy 
Capital Group LP, on or about the 26th day of July, 2013 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of  $250,000 from Gabriel 
Ogie Edeoghon under the false representation that the sum was his investment in your company: 
USA NOW Energy Capital Group LP in the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) United States 
of America Investor Programme, which investment would qualify him to be eligible to a USA 
Green Card, and which representation you knew to be false."

Another count reads: "Marco Antonio Ramirez, on or about the 5th day of March, 2014 at 
Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained 
the sum of $50,281.33 from Oludare Talabi, under the false representation that the said 
sum is to procure United States of America L1 VISA programme for him, which representation 
you knew to be false."

He also pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when they were read to him.

The prosecuting counsel, S.O. Daji, also tendered several documentary evidence against 
him and called witnesses to testify against him.

The proceedings had also suffered several adjournments occasioned by the absence of the 
defence counsel, Lawal Pedro, SAN, and the inability of the defence to file its own final 
written addresses in good time, even after the  prosecution counsel, M.S. Owede and S.O. 
Daji, had filed theirs for the separate charges, respectively.

After the adoption on May 8, 2024, Justice Dada also adjourned till Tuesday for judgment.

Delivering judgment, Justice Dada held that the prosecution proved its case against Ramirez 
beyond reasonable doubts.

Consequently, Justice Dada sentenced him to eight years each on counts one to six and 10 
years each on counts seven to eight.

court-jails-american-businessman-marco-ramirez-68years-for-1-6m-visa-fraud-in-lagos
************************************************

10 SEP 2024

Abuja Court Jails Man for Internet Fraud

The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC on September 9, 2024 secured the conviction and sentence of one Nelson 
Solomon before Justice I. Nwosu of the FCT High Court Maitama, Abuja.

Solomon was prosecuted on a two-count charge, bordering on impersonation, 
cheating and obtaining by false pretence.

Count one of his charges reads: “That you Nelson Solomon, sometime in 2024 
in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court committed the 
offence of cheating by impersonation when you fraudulently induced one Webbi 
J.W. Mary to deliver the sum if $100 (One Hundred United States Dollars) to 
you by pretending to be one John Scott, an American engineer and you thereby 
committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Act Laws of 
the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 324 of the same Act.”

Count two reads: “That you Nelson Solomon sometime in 2024 in Abuja within 
the jurisdiction of this honourable court committed the offence of cheating 
by impersonation when you fraudulently induced one Miguela Okayama to deliver 
the sum of $100 (One Hundred United States Dollars) to you by pretending to 
be one William Fernando, an American and you thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Act Laws of the Federation 2004 
and punishable under Section 324 of the same Act.”

He pleaded “guilty” to the charges, prompting prosecution counsel G.I. Ushie 
to pray the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

Justice Nwosu thereafter convicted and sentenced him to a one year imprisonment  
or to pay N50, 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his 
Iphone to the federal government.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

abuja-court-jails-man-for-internet-fraud
*****************************************

10 SEP 2024

Court Jails Internet Fraudster in Enugu

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, sitting in Independence 
Layout, Enugu has convicted and jailed one Okwudili Joseph for fraud.

He was prosecuted on one-count-charge bordering on impersonation and cybercrime 
by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC.

The charge reads: “That you, Okwudili Joseph, on or about the 5th day of June, 
2024 at Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court 
of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated one Jim Warren, a gas detection specialist 
from United States of America with intent to gain advantage for yourself and 
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) of the Cybercrimes 
(Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) 
of the same Act.”

He pleaded “guilty” when the charge was read to him, following which prosecution 
counsel, Mohammed Shehu reviewed the facts of the case and prayed the court to 
convict and sentence him accordingly, while the defence counsel, G. C. Ugwele 
prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, arguing that her client has become 
remorseful of his action and has learned his lesson as well.

After listening to both sides, Justice Umar convicted and sentenced Joseph to two 
years imprisonment with hard labour or to pay a fine of N200, 000. 00 (Two Hundred 
Thousand Naira).

The convict’s road to jail began with his arrest by EFCC operatives on June 5, 2024 
in Nike, Enugu, following credible intelligence that linked him to fraudulent internet 
activities. He admitted to commission of the crime upon arrest and willingly tendered 
his confessional statements.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

court-jails-internet-fraudster-in-enugu
***************************************

9 SEP 2024

EFCC Arrests 46 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Warri

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Sunday, September 8, 2024 arrested 46 
suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Warri, 
Delta State.

They were arrested following credible intelligence on their alleged 
involvement in internet- related fraud.

Items recovered from them include 13 exotic cars, laptops and phones.

The suspects  will be charged to court as soon as investigations are 
concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-46-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-warri
***************************************

9 SEP 2024

Court Jails 17 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Justice Igho Braimoh of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City has 
convicted and sentenced 17 internet fraudsters to various jail terms.

The convicts are: Oserei John Vianny, Osaro Moses, Desmond Okoduwa, Obi 
Isaac, Joshua Omoruyi, Iyabosa Omoruyi, Jeffery Omoruyi, Odion Alex Idada, 
Aisosa Aiyeki, Prosper Aimiomwona.

Others are: Cherish Omoruyi, Kelly Omoruyi, Victor Osaze, Obobor Moses, 
Timothy Ogie, Osemuahu Godspower, Bonny Stephen.
 
They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge bordering 
on obtaining by false pretence and possession of fraudulent documents.

The charge against Oserei John Vianny reads: "That you Oserei John Vianny 
(m) on or about the 10th of June, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this 
Honourable Court did have in your possession documents which you knew or 
ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 6 and 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 charge when they were read 
to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, I.K. Agwai, Ibrahim Faisal 
and Ahmed Salihu to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. 
However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice 
with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Braimoh afterwards convicted and sentenced Vianny, Idada, Cherish 
Omoruyi, Kelly Omoruyi, Aiyeki, Obobor Moses and Osaro Moses to two years 
imprisonment or to pay a fine of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) 
each, while Iyobosa Omoruyi, Joshua Omoruyi, Aimiomwona, Ogie, Godspower, 
Stephen, Jeffery Omoruyi, Osaze and Isaac bagged three years imprisonment 
or to pay a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each. Desmond 
was handed three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N500,000 (Five 
Hundred Thousand Naira).
 
Furthermore, the judge ordered the forfeiture of a Toyota Camry, Mercedes 
Benz 350, Rav4 Toyota, Mercedes Benz C300 recovered from Desmond Okoduwa, 
Isaac, Aiyeki being proceeds of their crime to the federal government. In 
addition, all the convicts forfeited their phones, laptops, and money 
in their respective bank accounts to the federal government and undertook 
in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began with their arrest 
by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following credible 
intelligence on their involvements in fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

court-jails-17-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*******************************************

9 SEP 2024

EFCC Arraigns Fake NNPCL Director for N100m Fraud

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC has arraigned one Ibrahim Nuhu Shuaibu before Justice Darius Khobo of the 
Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State for fraud.

Shuaibu is being prosecuted on a seven-count charge bordering on criminal breach 
of trust, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N100 million. 

Count one of his charge reads: “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak) 
(M) and lIya Garba (now deceased) sometime in 2017 in Kaduna within the judicial division 
of this honorable court did conspire between yourselves to do an illegal act, to wit: 
obtaining money under false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 
8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable 
under Section 1(3) of the same Act."

Another reads: “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak)(M) sometime 
in 2018 at Kaduna within the judicial division of this honorable court, with intent to 
defraud, obtained the total sum of N47,050,000.00(Forty Seven Million and Fifty Thousand 
Naira) from one Faisal Safiyanu, when you claimed to supply him petroleum products, which 
pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)
(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act 2006 and punishable 
under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting 
the prosecution counsel, M. Lawal to urge the court to fix a trial date. His counsel, 
AbdulKareem Audu failed to file a bail application. 

Justice Khobo afterwards ordered the defendant to be remanded in the custody of 
the EFCC.

Shuaibu's journey to prosecution started  sometime in 2017 when he presented himself 
to his victim as NNPCL's  Group Executive Director and promised to assist him procure 
over 2000 litres of petroleum products for which the victim transferred the agreed 
cost to his bank accounts in tranches. Shuaibu failed to fulfil his own part of the 
bargain after receiving payment and failed to refund his victim his money.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arraigns-fake-nnpcl-director-for-n100m-fraud
************************************************

9 SEP 2024

Court Jails Two Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna

Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna has 
convicted and sentenced the duo of Nathaniel David Akogun (a.k.a T.D Jakes 
Official) and Samuel Oduma (a.k.a Loius Tomlinson) to prison for fraud. 

They were prosecuted on separate one-count charge each, bordering on internet 
fraud, impersonation and intention to defraud by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate 
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The charge against Oduma reads: “That you Samuel Oduma (a.k.a Loius Tomlinson)
”M”, sometime in January 2023 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honorable 
court, impersonated one Loius Tomlinson from United Kingdom on Instagram by presenting 
yourself as a celebrity with intent to defraud unsuspecting persons and in such assumed 
character as Loius Tomlinson, committed impersonation, an offence contrary to Section 
142(1) of the Penal Code Law,2017 of Kaduna State and punishable under same law.”

Akogun’s charge reads: “That you Nathaniel David Akogun (a.k.a T.D Jakes Official) 
on or about the 11th of August 2024 at Rabah Road, Badarawa, Kaduna State, within 
the jurisdiction of this honorable court, impersonated one T.D Jakes Official on 
Facebook (an online social media platform) and in such assumed character, posed 
as a foreigner interested in online dating to the unsuspecting members of the 
public and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under 
Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017.”

They all pleaded “guilty” when their charges were read to them, prompting the 
prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka to urge the court to convict and sentence them 
accordingly.

Justice Khobo, afterwards convicted and sentenced, Oduma to three years imprisonment 
or to pay a fine of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira ). In addition, he forfeited 
his Iphone 11 Pro  to the federal government of Nigeria, while Akogun was convicted and 
sentenced to one year imprisonment or to pay a fine of N350,000.00. (Three Hundred and 
Fifty Thousand Naira). He also forfeited his Iphone 7 Plus  and one Huawei P30 Lite to 
the government.

The two fraudsters bagged their imprisonment when they were charged to court by the 
EFCC for internet fraud.  The court found them guilty and sentenced them accordingly.

The press release contains a photo of each 419er:

court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna
********************************************

7 SEP 2024

Recovery of Illicit Assets:  Olukoyede Seeks Collaboration of 
Global Anti- Graft Agencies

Bothered by the issues of illicit financial flows and assets, the Executive Chairman 
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called 
for greater collaboration among law enforcement agencies across the world,  not only 
to trace but also to recover and reintegrate illicit assets into the rightful financial 
systems. 

He made the call on Friday,  September 6,  2024 while leading discussions at Session 
16 in the ongoing International Symposium on Economic Crime at the University of Cambridge, 
United Kingdom.   He pointed out that navigating the challenges in recovering illicit assets 
and blocking Illicit Financial Flows IFFs is indeed a multifaceted endeavour that demands 
collaboration and shared responsibility. 

He particularly threw a responsibility at destination countries where stolen funds and 
assets are being warehoused,  stressing that no recovery of illicit assets can succeed 
without their readiness to expose and block all avenues for illicit flow of funds.

“In our pursuit of asset recovery, we advocate for a more concerted effort by destination 
countries to prevent the entry of illicit funds’, he said. In this context,  he pointed at 
the need for due diligence processes, improved regulatory frameworks and closer cooperation 
among origin and destination countries. 

Olukoyede,  who spoke through the Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution 
of Economic Crimes,  Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo,  SAN,  explained further that legal and moral 
obligations are imperative to build a financial system that is resistant to the infiltration 
of illicit funds.

To achieve this,  he sued for effective mutual legal assistance, information sharing 
and joint initiatives to address the root causes of illicit financial flows. 

He intimated the audience with what Nigeria has been doing in its asset recovery efforts 
especially the integration of key principles of the Common African Position on Asset Recovery,  
CAPAR, into it. 

“These principles include promotion of transparency and accountability in financial institutions, 
alignment of legal and taxation systems with international standards,  advocacy for simplified 
legal procedures in destination countries, and holding facilitators of illicit financial flows 
accountable”, he said. 

In another presentation by Oyedepo on the efforts of Nigerian government in the areas of asset 
forfeiture, he clearly stated that no stone is being left unturned in the country to recover 
illicit assets. 

“Legal frameworks being used in Nigeria are yielding robust benefits”,  he said.  He spoke 
about Non Conviction- based Asset Recovery and Conviction- based Asset Recovery and 
submitted that considerable successes have been achieved through the two modalities.  “We 
need the collaboration of every nation to offer us assistance and responses whenever we seek 
such, especially in our efforts to recover illicit assets stashed overseas”, he said. 

The 41st International Symposium on Economic Crime holding in Cambridge will come to 
an end on Sunday,  September 8,  2024.

The press release contains a photo:

recovery-of-illicit-assets-olukoyede-seeks-collaboration-of-global-anti-graft-agencies

419 Coalition comment:  We of course support cooperation in recovery and repatriation of
stolen monies and assets to the citizens of all nations.  However, we expect the cooperating
governments and agencies to expend as much effort in recovering monies and assets stolen
from the citizens of other nations as they do in recovering monies and assets stolen from
its own citizens.  And of course recovered monies and assets must be promptly repatriated 
to the victims of financial crimes from all nations.
********************************************************

6 SEP 2024

EFCC Hands over Recovered  53 Vehicles, $180,300 to Canadian Royal Mounted Police

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola 
Olukoyede on Friday, September 6, 2024 handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted 
Police (RCMP) the sum of $180,300 and 53 vehicles,  being assets recovered for 
Canadian victims of Nigerian fraudsters.

One Hundred and Sixty-four Thousand US Dollars ($164,000) of the recovered cash 
assets belong to a victim, identified as Elena Bogomas while $16,300 (Sixteen 
Thousand, Three Hundred US Dollar) belong to another victim known as Sandra Butler. 
The recovered 53 vehicles were stolen over a period of time in Canada, freighted 
to Nigeria and distributed to multiple locations in Nigeria by the criminal elements.

Representing the RCMP in the hand over ceremony which was performed at the Chairman’s 
Conference Room, EFCC corporate headquarters, Jabi, Abuja were Robert Aboumitri, First 
Secretary, Deputy High Commission of Canada and Nasser Salihou, Liason Officer and 
Programme Manager, RCMP.

Olukoyede who was elated by the successes of EFCC’s collaborations with the RCMP noted 
that the efforts that led to the recoveries and the hand over ceremony spoke strongly 
to the fact that the Nigerian government was intolerant of fraud and corruption.

“We are here today to witness the handing over of assets recovered on behalf of the 
Canadian victims of cybercrime. What the EFCC is doing today is on behalf of the Federal 
Government of Nigeria. This is to demonstrate that the government of Nigeria will never 
and for whatever reason  tolerate any act of financial crime. It is a demonstration of 
the fact that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed has given us the mandate to extend our hands 
of fellowship and collaboration with you to ensure that this particular problem is resolved. 
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP has been collaborating with us and that commitment 
has resulted in a lot of recoveries.

“The operation took a couple of years and eventually it resulted in substantial recoveries. 
So we deem it necessary to let our colleagues and our friends from the Canadian Royal Mounted 
Police know that as an agency, EFCC, and as a country, we are always ready to fight financial 
crimes. Nigeria is not, shouldn’t necessarily be seen as a hub, it’s a transit camp, the way 
Canada is a transit camp and most countries across the world because they move from one 
jurisdiction to another,” he said.

The EFCC boss noted that the fluid and intricate nature of transnational crimes and the 
challenges they pose have made synergy and collaboration among law enforcement agencies 
more compelling. “It is common knowledge that financial crimes have taken a new turn all 
cross the globe and have become a global problem. What affects one country in a matter of 
time ends up affecting several other countries. The people who perpetrate these crimes do 
it in such a way that their activities are borderless and boundless and they employ all 
kinds of means, tactics while moving across various jurisdictions.

“That is why it has become very necessary and imperative for us to collaborate with all 
our friends across the world, that is, people who share the same objectives and mandate 
with us. Most of the countries across the world are collaborating with us in the area of 
fighting financial crimes. We investigate, pursue, recover, prosecute and ensure that 
victims of fraud are restituted,” he said.

Salihou in his remarks expressed appreciation and averred that the success of the EFCC’s 
endeavor testified to the Commission’s diligence and professionalism.

“I would like to on behalf of the RCMP extend our warm greeting and thank you for all the 
work that has been done and I am pretty sure the victims will hear and they will say the 
same. This is a testimony of your professionalism and your commitment to combat crime. I 
would not conclude my statement without thanking the government of Nigeria as well. With 
your permission Mr. Chairman, all other countries will be jealous of you. This shows that 
you are our key partner in West Africa in combating crimes. So thank you very much. We value 
this partnership and we will like to take it to the highest level possible,” he said.

Aboumitri who shared similar joy revealed that the need to confront borderless crimes 
was the primary motivation of the Canadian government to establish the RCMP in Nigeria. 
“The RCMP decided to open an office in Nigeria in September 2021 because there was a 
recognition that while we are bound by jurisdictions, criminals are not and in order 
for us to fight crimes we need to actually go beyond jurisdiction and this is why we 
are here. And we have found out that in Nigeria one of our best partners is, has been 
and hoping it will continue to be is the EFCC. We never knocked EFCC’s door without them 
answering. It has been a great partnership and the culmination of the partnership is the 
result that we are seeing. We would like to thank you. We would like to thank the government 
of Nigeria and I will be amiss if I don’t thank the people we work with everyday in your 
team in Lagos", he said. 

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-hands-over-recovered-53-vehicles-180-300-to-canadian-royal-mounted-police

419 Coalition Comment: Now, this is kind of EFCC press release we love to see.
And we also commend the RCMP for maintaining an office and presence in Nigeria.
******************************************************

5 SEP 2024

From the Associated Press (US) by way of Yahoo (US) News:

2 Nigerian brothers sentenced for sextortion that led to teen's death

MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) — Two brothers from Nigeria were sentenced to 17 1/2 
years in federal prison Thursday after pleading guilty to sexually extorting 
teenage boys and young men across the U.S., including a 17-year-old from 
Michigan who took his own life.

A federal judge sentenced Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, after hearing 
emotional testimony from the parents and stepmother of Jordan DeMay, who was 17 
when he killed himself at his family's home in Marquette, in Michigan’s Upper 
Peninsula.

The Ogoshis, both from Lagos, Nigeria, had previously been extradited from Nigeria 
to stand trial. The brothers each pleaded guilty in April to conspiring to sexually 
exploit teenage boys.

They were accused of running an international sextortion ring in which they posed 
as a woman, a scheme which resulted in DeMay's March 2022 suicide. The siblings 
were accused of inducing DeMay to send a naked picture of himself and then extorting 
him. Federal prosecutors said their sextortion schemes targeted more than 100 victims, 
including DeMay.

“Today’s sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message,” U.S. 
Attorney Mark Totten said in a statement. “To criminals who commit these schemes: 
you are not immune from justice. We will track you down and hold you accountable, 
even if we have to go half-way around the world to do so."

Sexual extortion, or sextortion, involves persuading a person to send explicit 
photos online and then threatening to make the images public unless the victim 
pays money or engages in sexual favors. The offense has a mandatory minimum sentence 
of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years.

U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker, who also sentenced the Ogoshis to five years 
of supervision following their release, said he would decide what restitution the 
brothers must make once he receives additional information.

Before sentencing the brothers, Jonker said the case called for long sentences. 
He said both of the defendants had shown a “callous disregard for life," while 
noting that the siblings had continued their sextortion scams even after learning 
that DeMay had killed himself.

“The continuation of the overall scheme even after there was certain knowledge 
that one individual, the individual in this case, took his own life points to the 
need for a high sentence,” the judge said during Samson Ogoshi's sentencing hearing.

DeMay’s mother, Jennifer Buta, told the court during Samuel Ogoshi's sentencing that 
her son's death had left her “shattered to the core, infuriated and trapped in grief.” 
She said the last text her son sent her was “Mother I love you” — a text she awoke 
to and thought was endearing until she learned that Jordan had killed himself in his 
bedroom.

“What I thought was an endearing message from Jordan was his goodbye and his reassurance 
of his love for me,” Buta said. “I would never have imagined that while I was asleep 
both of the defendants hid behind their screens and tortured Jordan for hours while he 
was alone.”

DeMay's stepmother, Jessica DeMay, said during her tearful testimony that she and 
Jordan's other relatives will “never again experience pure joy” because every happy 
moment would be tainted by “a small cloud of sadness around it” that comes from 
Jordan's death.

The teen's father, John DeMay, told the court he is haunted by the image of "my son 
laying on his bed dead with a gunshot wound to his head."

“Jordan was an amazing young man. He was resilient, he was smart, he was educated, 
he was an athlete. He was my only son. And you got to talk to him for the last time 
in his life. That's horrifying to me,” he said.

Samuel Ogoshi’s attorney, Sean Tilton, said his client has cooperated with authorities 
and has written a letter of apology. He said Samuel Ogoshi is remorseful “and feels a 
tremendous sense of guilt of the loss of life in this case.”

Samson Ogoshi’s attorney, Julia Kelly, said during his sentencing that her client is 
“very remorseful” and that he was 18 when he began taking part in extortion and scam 
attempts. She said such scams are common in Lagos, Nigeria, and he saw those as a quick 
way to make money.

Kelly wrote in a court filing that “hundreds of people just like him were involved 
in similar scamming.”

“He was told who could get him a hacked account, how to make a fake profile, how to 
boost accounts and, because English is not his first language, was given a script of 
what to say," she wrote.

The article contains a photo of the deceased teen:

53-000-scam-court-jails-graduate-two-years-for-impersonating-singer-flavour
**********************************************

4 SEP 2024

39 Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Ibadan

The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC 
has secured the conviction and sentence of 39 internet fraudsters from Justices 
O.S. Adeyemi, Bayo Taiwo and Ladiran Akintola, all of the Oyo State High Court, 
sitting in Ibadan.

They were prosecuted on a separate one-count charge each, bordering on impersonation, 
cheating, possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining by false pretence.

The convicts are: Fasanya Abdulqudus Gbolahan, Nkiri Oluchukwu Destiny, Fakoya Tobi 
Samuel, Owolabi Qudus Damilare, Isiaka Olajide Adebayo, Olawoyin Wasiu Olasunkanmi, 
Olawale Owolabi Abideen, Olayiwola Tunde Waheed, Kehinde Pelumi Abdulrauf, Okunlola 
Taoreed Abidoun, Okunlola Dolapo Mujeeb, Ademeso Raphael Olamide, Lawal Olajuwon 
Ridwan, Femi Dogo Oluremi, Ehinmowo Jeremiah Damilola, Joseph Isaac Justice, Enitan 
Tolulope John, Kolawole Toluwani Josaiah, Alo Ayokunnumi Emmanuel, Adetola Opeyemi 
Idris and Joshua Imole Shiyanbola.

Others are: Idowu Ezekiel David, Salau Abeeb Ayomide, Adeyemi Samuel Adeleke, Philip 
Olabode Olatunde, Fasanya Gbenga Tunde, Seun Ayomide Babatunde, Ogoayo Alabi Sijuola, 
Akanji Timothy Bidoun, Quadri Salami Oyindamola, Samuel Adeyemi Oluwatobi, Ogunyemi 
Gbolahan Opemiposi, Olabanjo Oluwafemi Olatunbosun, Paul Nneji Uche, Ayomiposi Clement 
Akinyimika, Abdullahi Mustapha Adisa, Ajetunmobi Azeez Olashile, Oluwaseun Adeyeye 
Adeniran and Onah Austine Ayomide.

The charge against Austine Ayomide reads: “That you, Onah Austine Ayomide ‘M’ on or 
about 28th March, 2024, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, 
fraudulently impersonated by representing yourself to be a white woman by the name 
Linda Mary from United States of America, through your Facebook account (Linda Mary) 
to one Clifton Deininger, from United States of America, with intent to gain advantage 
for yourself and thereby commited an 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, following which 
prosecution counsel reviewed the facts of the cases, tendered incriminating documents 
and prayed the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Adeyemi convicted and sentenced Austin Ayomide to one year community service or 
to pay a fine of N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira), Tunde got one month jail term 
or to pay a fine of N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), while Abeeb Ayomide, 
Adeleke, Babatunde, Biodun, Oyindamola, Oluwatobi, Olatunbosun, Uche, Akinyimika, Adisa, 
Olashile and Adeniran bagged six months community service each and to pay N50, 000.00 
(Fifty Thousand Naira) each in addition to their sentence, besides Abeeb Ayomide who was 
slammed with N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in addition to his sentence. He 
slammed Sijuola with one month community service or to pay a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred 
Thousand Naira). Olatunde and Opemiposi were handed three months community service without 
an option of fine.

Justice Taiwo on his part convicted and sentenced Taoreed Abidoun to three months imprisonment, 
Mujeeb to four months jail term, while Olasunkanmi and Abideen bagged six months community 
service each and were further ordered to pay a fine of N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty 
Thousand Naira) each in addition their sentences.

He convicted and sentenced Gbolahan, Damilare, Adebayo and Abdulrauf to five months community 
service each and gave the latter a fine option N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira). Waheed  
and Samuel got four months community service, and a fine of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand 
Naira), while Destiny bagged two months community service.

Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Olamide, Oluremi, Damilola, Justice, Josaiah, Emmanuel 
and Shiyanbola bagged one year jail term each or  to pay a fine of N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand 
Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N75, 000.00 (Seventy-five Thousand Naira), N75, 000.00 
(Seventy-five Thousand Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N120, 000.00 (One Hundred and 
Twenty Thousand Naira) and N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) respectively.

Damilola forfeited a green-coloured Nissan Micra car with registration number: LSD – 464 – GU 
with Chassis Number: SJNFBAK11U3001751; Emmanuel forfeited a black-coloured Lexus IS 250 car 
with registration number: MUS – 158 – JHS and Justice forfeited a black-coloured Toyota Corolla  
car with registration number: FST – 607 – GN.

Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Idris and David to six months community service each 
or to pay fines of N60, 000.00 (Sixty Thousand Naira) and N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty 
Thousand Naira) respectively. Ridwan and John bagged three months community service each or to 
pay fines of N25, 000.00 (Twenty-five Thousand Naira) and N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) 
respectively.

The convicts forfeited all items recovered from them to the Federal Government.

All the convicts began their journey to prison when they were arrested in a sting operation 
for fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

39-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-ibadan
***********************************************

3 SEP 2024

EFCC, Global Anti- Graft Experts Tackle Suspect Assets in Cambridge

Top officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC are among 
a galaxy of global anti- corruption experts attending a weeklong International 
Symposium on Economic Crime in Cambridge, United Kingdom. 

The Symposium, 41st in the series at Jesus College, one of the oldest Colleges 
within the University of Cambridge, is themed: “Suspect Assets” and is designed 
to offer insightful and explorative discourses and interventions in dealing with 
assets tracing, recovery, forfeiture and associated issues. 

The EFCC’s team, led by Commission’s Secretary, Mohammed Hammajoda, is immersed 
in deep peer review of complex frameworks needed to address threats posed to nations 
by fraudsters, proceeds of their crimes and legal reprisals to foreclose the enjoyment 
of their criminal gains. 

Professor Barry Rider, Founder, Executive Director and Co- Chairman, Jesus College, 
Cambridge, says that the Symposium focuses “ on a raft of concerns relating to the 
identification, interdiction, and control of suspect wealth, whether this constitutes 
criminal property, unexplained wealth or wealth possessed by those we don’t like! And, 
perhaps for the stability and security of our economies, rather more importantly, the 
impact- direct and indirect of such interventions on the rest of us- and in particular 
our financial institutions and their advisers”. 

Issues pertinent to assets acquisition by fraudsters are scheduled for analyses. They 
include: “The nature and character of suspect wealth; Why attack assets in the first 
place?;  Asset removal- an aspect of interdiction or a punishment;  Identifying suspect 
wealth;  Pursuing suspect wealth in cyber space and Unexplained wealth- a concept or 
a tool?”

Others are, “Tracing suspect wealth through the civil law;  Freezing suspect wealth;  
Laundering suspect wealth-how can we make it more risky for those involved;  Sanctions 
and suspect wealth;  FATF grey listing;  A practical update on corruption, AML & Financial 
Crime and Prosecuting Prime Ministers and other “ big beasts” for corruption”, among others.  

Explaining the “Problems of identifying suspect wealth in the financial system",  Dr. Umar 
Bello, Head, Strategic Intelligence Analysis Unit, EFCC,  says “the major problems are third- 
party money laundering, trade- based money laundering, concealment of beneficial ownership, 
and excessive use of cash transactions to obscure  illicit sources of funds". To break these 
jinxes, Bello recommended that effective case management principles should be adopted to 
identify suspects' wealth in the financial system. He also stressed the over-aching need for 
multi- lateral collaboration among agencies involved in assets tracing to strengthen their 
officials in dealing with the complexities of suspect assets

Justice John Tosho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Nigeria, shared with the global 
audience efforts being made through the Nigerian criminal justice system to trace, recover 
and reintegrate suspect assets into the national treasury. “ We  are making considerable 
efforts to ensure that fraudsters don’t get away with the proceeds of their crime’," he 
said. He explained the processes and procedures of forfeiture of assets and the appreciable 
successes attendant to them. 

The Symposium parades a rainbow gathering of academics, judges, lawyers, investigators, 
public affairs experts, government officials, policy makers, law enforcement officers across the globe.  

The press release contains photos:

efcc-global-anti-graft-experts-tackle-suspect-assets-in-cambridge

419 Coalition comment:  Of course, 419 Coalition expects equal dilgence from the EFCC in
recovering and repatrating monies and assets stolen by Nigerian criminals from citizens of
other nations to that it dispays in recovering and restoring monies and assets stolen by
Nigerian criminals from its own citizens...  In short, the rest of the world expects that
as we help You, in return you help all of US.  Quid pro Quo.
************************************************

2 SEP 2024

Stay Away from Internet Crimes, Olukoyede Charges Youths

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Cr Commission, EFCC, 
Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged youths across the country to stay away from  
internet crimes and thread the paths of integrity, transparency, and accountability 
for the sake of their future and progress of the nation.

He gave the charge recently while delivering a Goodwill Message at the Grand 
Finale of the Reality House's "Head-to-Head" debate at Universal Basic Education 
Commission, (UBEC) Training Facility, Abuja.

Olukoyede who spoke through  the Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of 
the EFCC, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE11, Aisha Mohammed told the youths that 
“Corruption is not just someone else's problem, it is yours, mine, and ours. It 
is all about unfair advantages, the bribes the lies and the cheating. It is also 
the silent bystander, the ignored warning sign, and the compromised value. You 
have a choice: to accept the statusquo or challenge it; to be part of the problem 
or part of the solution. You are the future, and the future is now. Let's create 
a Nigerian society of integrity, transparency, and accountability that we can be 
proud of.”

He noted that the debate’s goal of instilling good morals in school children 
aligned with the EFCC’s policy of “Catching Them Young,” which is geared towards 
raising an ethical youth population. He urged the students to recognize their 
special place as future leaders and stand against corruption and financial crimes, 
both as a personal and collective resolve.

While inducting the students as anti-corruption foot-soldiers of the EFCC, he charged 
them to always embody and exhibit the values of probity and hard work, promoted by the 
EFCC and to speak out against corruption and incidences of financial crimes.

In her remarks, the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory,  FCT,  Mariya 
Mahmud, who was represented by Grace Adayilo noted that the debate was a strong 
tool for developing critical thinking and deep understanding of complex issues 
involved in corruption.  She commended the students for their ability to engage 
in insightful comparison of thoughts with their peers.

On his part, the Acting Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Alhassan 
Sule, emphasized the importance of education in the society and lauded the students 
for their superlative performances.

The Grand Finale of the debate featured Junior Secondary School, JSS Kubwa against 
JSS Dutse Alhaji 11 on the topic “Poverty: A Threat to School Population,” in which 
the latter carried the day.

Awards were presented to the students who made outstanding performances, while all 
those who made meaningful contributions on EFCC’s lecture on cybercrime were presented 
with souvenirs and decorated as the Commission’s Ambassadors.

The press release contains photos:

stay-away-from-internet-crimes-olukoyede-charges-youths
*******************************************

2 SEP 2024

Court Convicts Man for Internet Fraud in Kaduna

The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC has secured the conviction and sentence of one Manasseh Hamza Bello 
(a.k.a Domingos Pereira) before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State 
High Court, sitting in Kaduna.

Bello was prosecuted on a one-count charge bordering on impersonation. The 
charge reads: “That you Manasseh Hamza Bello (a.k.a Domingos Pereira) (M), 
sometime in 2024 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, 
committed an offence, to wit: falsely presenting yourself as Domingos Pereira 
(a white man) on Facebook (an online social media application), 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.”

He pleaded “guilty” to the charge upon which prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka 
prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. 

The judge consequently convicted and sentenced him to five years imprisonment 
or to pay a fine of N 500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition to his 
jail term, he forfeited iPhone 13 Pro Max mobile phone with IMEI NO: 352569485316820, 
a Tecno PoP 8 mobile phone with IMEI No: 356514734081920, a golden-coloured Toyota 
Camry car with chassis no: 4T1BE46K770153516 and registration number: GWA-434-BQ 
and the sum of N2,127,000.00 (Two Million, One Hundred and Twenty Seven Thousand 
Naira) to the federal government.

Bello was arrested and prosecuted following intelligence on the fraudulent 
activities of  a cybercrime syndicate operating within Barnawa, Kakuri and 
Television Garage axis of Kaduna metropolis.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

court-convicts-man-for-internet-fraud-in-kaduna
***********************************************

31 AUG 2024

EFCC Arrests 48 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Umudike

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission EFCC, have arrested forty eight  (48) suspected internet fraudsters  
in Umudike,  Abia State.

They were arrested on Friday,  August 30, 2024 at different locations within 
Umudike,  following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in i
nternet fraud.

Items recovered from them include 12 exotic cars,  15 different brands of 
laptops and 68  expensive smart phones.

They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-48-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-umudike
*****************************************

29 AUG 2024

$1million Fraud: EFCC Arrests Syndicate Impersonating Olukoyede

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have 
arrested a four-man syndicate of alleged fraudsters impersonating and 
blackmailing the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede 
in a $1million deal.

The fraudsters: Ojobo Joshua,  Aliyu Hashim,  Thomas Oduh and Paul Ogiji 
were arrested on Wednesday,  August 28, 2024 at Gimbiya Street, Garki and 
Apo Legislative Quarters,  Abuja.

The alleged fraudsters contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigeria 
Port Authority, NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko claiming his indictment in some 
phony investigative activities of the EFCC during his tenure as the MD of NPA. 

They alleged that Olukoyede was ready to give him a soft landing for $1million 
or risk being arrested and prosecuted.

On receipt of intelligence regarding the moves of the impersonators, operatives 
of the Commission were deployed to play along with the alleged fraudsters. They 
were successfully arrested and in custody of the Commission.

They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

1million-fraud-efcc-arrests-syndicate-impersonating-olukoyede
*******************************************

28 AUG 2024

EFCC Arrests 24 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday August 28, 
2024 arrested 24 suspected internet fraudsters at different 
locations within Benin City.

The suspects were arrested based on actionable intelligence regarding 
their suspected involvement in internet- related fraud.

Items recovered from them include 11 exotic cars, laptops and phones

They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-24-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
**************************************

27 AUG 2024

EFCC Quizzes Fake Staff in Gombe

Investigators of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
Gombe Zonal Directorate have commenced investigation of one 
Solomon Yohana for allegedly impersonating staff of the Commission. 

The suspect was arrested sometime in August 19,  2024 in Guyuk 
Local government area of Adamawa State by the Department of State 
Service , DSS and handed over to the EFCC. 

Items recovered at the point of   arrest include : one Fake EFCC 
ID Card, some fake EFCC letter-heads, one fake EFCC polo shirt and 
a fake special Control Unit aganst Money Laundering, SCUML shirt.

He  will  be charged to court as soon as investigation are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-quizzes-fake-staff-in-gombe
**********************************

23 AUG 2024

EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Fraudsters in Makurdi

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
Makurdi Zonal Directorate on  Wednesday August 21, 2024 arrested 
14 suspected  internet fraudsters in a sting operation along Federal 
Lowcost Housing Estate Makurdi, Benue State. 

Their arrest followed actionable intelligence about their suspected 
involvement in internet fraud. 

The suspect are: Austine Okwori, Osita Idoko Valentine, Skott King 
David, Thomas Ifebuche, Akor Kelvin Oche, Henry Adah, Scott Emmanuel 
Inalegwu, Ogbu Stephen Alpha and Samuel Moses,  Ogbonna Ckukwuaogwu.

Others include: Mustapha Nasir Adinoye, SylvanusSamuel Ogbu, Emmanuel 
Adamu and Samuel Otene.

Items recovered from the suspects include, phones,laptops and charms

They will soon be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-14-suspected-fraudsters-in-makurdi
****************************************

22 AUG 2024

EFCC Arrests Alleged Billionaire Internet Fraudster and Money Launderer 
in Abuja

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, 
August 21, 2024, arrested one Hyginus Nkwocha for alleged internet fraud and 
money laundering.

Nkwocha, 35, was arrested at Ever Green Estate, behind Millennium Estate, Lugbe, 
Abuja, following intelligence about his suspected involvement in internet fraud 
and money laundering.

Items recovered from him include  : a sum of $2,200 (Two Thousand Two Hundred 
Dollars), an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, a Samsung Galaxy 
S21 Ultra, an iPhone 13 Pro Max, a MacBook, a gold chain and pendant, a gold 
bracelet, a gold neck chain, Mercedes Benz ML 350, a Chevrolet Camaro, and a 
Mustang car.

Others include: some properties at Cookies Court 2, located in Ocean Palm Estate, 
Ajah, Lagos, Unit C8, Lugbe Airport Road, Abuja and Cookies Court 2, 2nd Avenue, 
Ocean Palm Estate, Ogombo, Lagos State.

The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-alleged-billionaire-internet-fraudster-and-money-launderer-in-abuja
*********************************************

22 AUG 2024

Abuja Court Jails Four Internet Fraudsters in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  Abuja Zonal 
Directorate on Wednesday,  August 21, 2024 secured the conviction 
and sentence  of four internet fraudsters.

The convicts:  Abdulrashid Umar, Ekemini Godwin, Anozie Emmanuel and 
Freedom John were jailed by Justice M. Adamu of the Federal Capital 
Territory, FCT High Court Maitama on a one- count separate charges 
bordering on obtaining by false pretence.

Godwin’s  count reads, “That you Ekemini Godwin sometime in 2024 at 
Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court committed the 
offence of cheating by personation when you pretended to be one Ryan 
Williams, a citizen of United States of America via Facebook social 
media account and as a result obtained the sum of $520 (Five Hundred 
and Twenty United States Dollars) from one Hae-Yun who is from Pennsylvania 
and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 and punishable 
under 324 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation 2004”

Emmanuel’s count reads, “That you Anozie Emmanuel sometime in 2024 at 
Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court committed the 
offence of cheating by personation when you pretended to be one Scammerpayback 
claiming to be a recovery person via Facebook social media account and as 
a result obtained the sum of $300 (Three Hundred United States Dollars) from 
one Ahabeb Ycehpeab who is from Krygystan and you thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 321 and  punishable under 324 of the Penal Code Act, Laws 
of the Federation 2004”

They all pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them, prompting  
prosecution counsel S.N. Robert  to pray the court to convict and sentence 
them accordingly.

Justice Adamu convicted and sentenced Umar to one year prison term or a 
N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, Godwin,  Emmanuel  and John 
were sentenced to two years imprisonment each. While Godwin was fined N800,000 
(Eight Hundred Thousand Naira), Emmanuel was fined N300, 000 (Three Hundred 
Thousand Naira) and John got a N400, 000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.

Justice Adamu further ordered that all phones which were used as instruments 
to carry out their crimes be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested 
for internet-related offences.  They were later subsequently charged to court 
and convicted.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

abuja-court-jails-four-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
*****************************************

21 AUG 2024

EFCC Arrests 22 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday August 20, 2024 arrested 22 
suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City.

The suspects were arrested based on actionable intelligence regarding 
their suspected involvement in internet- related fraud.

Items recovered from them include 10 exotic cars,  laptops and phones.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are 
concluded. 

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-22-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
******************************************

21 AUG 2024

EFCC Officers Don’t “Share” Forfeited Funds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, denounces as false, 
the report by the online news platform, Sahara Reporters, alleging that 
N54billion forfeited by some associates of a former governor of the Central 
Bank of Nigeria, CBN,  Mr. Godwin Emefiele  was “shared” among certain 
ministers and aides of President Tinubu, in collaboration with EFCC 
officials”.

No official of the Commission was, or has ever been involved in the “sharing” 
of any proceeds of forfeited assets. The notion of “sharing of proceeds of 
forfeited assets” is strange to the Commission. 

The sensational report which was promoted ostensibly to scandalise the agencies 
mentioned, betrays the author’s ignorance of the existing asset recovery and 
management framework.  Both the EFCC Act, 2004 and the Proceeds of Crime 
(Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, are unambiguous in terms of the accounts 
into which proceeds of forfeited assets are to be paid. 

There is no “platform” for the “sharing of forfeited assets”; the notion itself 
being infantile. Otherwise, Sahara reporters would not have withheld information 
about when and how the sharing took place and who got what. The TRUTH is, it 
simply did not happen!

Dishing fiction to the public as news is the height of irresponsibility and EFCC 
will not tolerate any attempt to defame its hard-earned reputation.

The public is enjoined to trash the lie told by Sahara Reporters.

efcc-officers-dont-share-forfeited-funds

419 Coalition note:  Notwithstanding the above, we want to mention that we have
found, over the years, Sahara Reporters to be a generally reliable source.
*********************************************

19 AUG 2024

EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged N600m, $50,000.00 Investment Fraud 
in Lagos

The Lagos Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
on Monday, August 19, 2024, arraigned one Ayodele Toyosi for an alleged investment 
fraud before Justice A.M. Lawal of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja.

The defendant was arraigned alongside his companies, Reaprite Global Limited 
and Agrorite Limited, on an 11-count charge bordering on obtaining by false 
pretence and stealing to the tune of N600,150,000,00( Six Hundred Million, 
One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) and $50,000.00( Fifty Thousand 
United States Dollars).

Investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly defrauded a number of persons 
on the pretence that he had an interest-yielding investment in agricultural export.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Ayodele Toyosi, Reaprite Global Limited and 
Agrorite Limited, sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this 
Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the aggregate sum of 
N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira only) belonging to one K. C. Akoson 
Investment Limited and Kenneth C. Maduakor by dishonestly representing to them 
that you will help them transfer the said money to their importers in China whereas 
you expended the money for your personal use and committed an offence contrary to 
Sections 278(1) (b) (f) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.”

Another count reads: “That you, Ayodele Toyosi, Reaprite Global Limited and Agrorite 
Limited, sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of 
N300,000,000.00 (Three Hundred Million Nara only), belonging to one K. C. Akoson 
Investment Limited and Kenneth C. Maduakor by dishonestly representing to them that 
you will help them transfer the said money to their importers in China, whereas you 
used the money to purchase a property known as Plot 17 Pinnock Beach Estate, Anyiran 
Town, Eti Osa Local Government Area, Lagos and committed an offence contrary to Section 
1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance fee Fraud and Other Fraud 
Related Offences Act, 2006.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to the offence.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, G. C Akaogu, prayed that the defendant be 
remanded in the EFCC custody for continuation of the investigations of other petitions 
pending against him.

Responding, the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, prayed the court to remand the 
defendant in the Ikoyi Correctional facility.

He also sought a date for the hearing of the bail application.

After listening to both counsel, Justice Lawal adjourned the matter till August 21, 
2024 for the hearing of the bail application and also remanded the defendant in Ikoyi 
Correctional facility.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arraigns-man-for-alleged-n600m-50-000-00-investment-fraud-in-lagos
*****************************************

13 AUG 2024

Abuja Court Jails Five Internet Fraudsters

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  Abuja Zonal Directorate, 
on August 12, 2024 secured the conviction and sentence of five internet fraudsters.  

They were jailed by Justice C.O. Agashieze of the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT 
High Court on a one -count  separate charges  bordering on obtaining by false pretense

The convicts are; Desmond Ikpefua, Oyeniji Efosa Temitope, Exiobor Raphael, Emmanuel 
Gabriel and Samuel Owoicho.

The count  against Gabriel reads, ‘That you Emmanuel Gabriel sometime in 2024 at Abuja 
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court cheat by personation when you represented 
yourself as Melsse Moore, a female celebrity and under that assumed character obtained 
the sum of Two Hundred United States Dollars ($200) from Mark Williams under the pretense 
that you are in a romantic relationship with her, a fact that you knew to be false and you 
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Law (Laws of the 
Federation, Abuja) 1990 and punishable under Section 324 of the same Law.’

Ikpefua’s count reads, “That you Desmond Ikpefua sometime in 2024 at Abuja within the 
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court attempted to commit the offence of cheating by 
personation when you created a fake Skype App and Gmail profile and pretended to be 
one Nurhaiza Johnston an Executive Director at Volvo Group which you were not and you 
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 95 and punishable under Section 324 
of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004.’

They all pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them. Prosecution Counsel M.U. 
Shariff prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Agashieze convicted and sentenced Ikpefua and Temitope to six and four months 
imprisonment respectively with no option of fine. Rapheal was given a non-custodial 
sentence to clean the police station in his Orozo axis for two hours every day for 
six months. He was also fined N50, 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira). Gabriel and Owoicho 
were fined N50, 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) while the latter will additionally sweep 
Maitama Police station for 30 days.

Justice Agashieze further ruled that all instruments used to perpetrate the crimes 
should be forfeited to the Federal Government.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet fraud 
by operatives of the EFCC.  They were subsequently charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

abuja-court-jails-five-internet-fraudsters
***************************************

9 AUG 2024

Court Jails Five Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Justices Igho Braimoh and G. O. Imadegbelo of Edo State High Court sitting 
in Benin City have convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters to various 
jail terms.

The convicts are Terry Ekhator, Sydney Momoh, Paul Obi, Celab Ndubuisi and 
Idahosa Eghosa.

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering 
on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment 
by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC.

The charge against Ekhator reads:  That you Terry Ekhator (m) on or about the 
22nd of July, 2024 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 6 and 8 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, K.Y. Bello and A. A. Al-Amin 
to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the 
defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, maintaining that 
they have become remorseful for their actions.
 
Justice Braimoh on Thursday August 8, 2024 convicted and sentenced Ekhator and 
Momoh to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000( Two Hundred Thousand 
Naira) each while Obi bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

On Friday August 9, Justice Braimoh convicted and sentenced Ndubuisi to three years 
imprisonment or a fine of N200,000

On Wednesday July 31, Justice Imadegbelo convicted and sentenced Eghosa to three 
years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

All the convicts forfeited  their phones, laptops, balances in their various bank 
accounts,  being instruments and proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of 
Nigeria. They are to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour afterwards.

The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began following their arrest 
by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission  regarding their 
involvement in computer -related fraud. They were charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

court-jails-five-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
********************************************

8 AUG 2024

Courts Jail 59 Internet Fraudsters in Oyo, Ogun, Osogbo

The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of fifty nine (59) internet 
fraudsters to various jail terms before five State High Court Judges and a 
Federal High Court Judge.

The convicts are, Adekola Mohammed Bidemi, Raheem Toheeb Olalekan, Nduneri 
Kelvin Precious, Adekola Akinsola Iyanuoluwa, Adegoke Tomiwa Olalekan, Akintade 
Isaac Temitayo, Olaolu Abdulsomad Olamide, Akanni Oluwapelumi Anuoluwapo, 
Omogbolahan Arikuyeri Joseph, Adedimeji Olaitan Ojo, Jamal Olawale Hamzat, 
Ajana Abidemi Oluwapelumi, Jamiu Quadri Abayomi, Isaac Adejare Moses, Bamidele 
Williams, Olafisoye Oluwatobi Opeyemi, Alex Mayowa Precious, Olajide Deji 
Emmanuel, Folayan Temitayo Oluwajuwon, Kolade Paul Olaseinde, Eniola Lazeez, 
Ayeni Bisola Charles, Owoyemi James Abidemi and Hammed Akolawole Yakubu.

Others are: Sunmonu Sheriff Olabanji, Michael Blessing Seyi, Adebayo Babatunde 
Benedict, Afeez Oluwaseun Abdulwahab, Azeez Folorunso Akinremi, Ariku Victor 
Olawande, Fapetu Daniel Temitope, Owoyemi Kayode Ayobami, Adekunle Toluwanimi 
Micheal, Idowu Mayowa Victor, Olaoluwa Posi Ejisun Kehinde, Olawale Ibrahim 
Boluwatife, Oreoluwa Oyeyemi Oladipo, Ayomide Sunday Owoshakin, Aare Sodiq 
Olanrewaju, Waheed Abeeb Olamilekan, Oluwatunbosun Stephen Fafore, Alamu David 
Dolapo and Ridwan Olabisi Onifade.

The rest include: Osifeso Tijesunimi David, Ogunrinde Taiwo Oluwaseun, Ogunrinde 
Idowu Ebenezer, Ayoola Olayinka Gaffar, Sodiq Alamu Olumide, Adegoke Idowu Oluwaseun, 
Adebayo Daniel Sunday, Olabode Samson Opeyemi, Alade Kehinde Matthew, Folaranmi 
Olukorede Martins, Akinola Bolarinwa, Abimbola Ayodele Olajide, Adekunle Iyanuoluwa 
Ayomide, Akinyemi Olalekan Opeyemi, Job Innocent and Okoro Justine Uzoma.

They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on impersonation, 
cheating, possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining by false pretence.

The charge against Uzoma reads: “That you, Okoro Justine Uzoma sometimes in 
February, 2023, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently 
impersonated by representing yourself to be a female as Cory Spencer Smith from 
the United States of America to one Collette, by creating a fake Facebook account 
with intent to gain an advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i)  and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) of 
the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) (Amended) Act, 2024.”

The charge preferred against Bidemi reads: “That you, Adekola Mohammed Bidemi on 
or about April 2024, at Ede, Osun State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself did impersonate one Mary Kate, 
the 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 Cybercrimes 
(Prohibition, Prevention etc.) (Amended) Act, 2024.”  

They all pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, upon 
which prosecution counsel: Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Modupe Akinkoye, Oyelakin Oyediran, 
Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsuddeen, Umar Abiso, Abiddeen 
Muhammad, Adamu Sahabi, Fatima Baba, David Olubode and Favour Adewunmi prayed the 
courts to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice M. Salisu of the Osun State High Court, sitting in Osogbo convicted and 
sentenced Temitayo and Olamide to one year imprisonment each or to pay a fine of 
N1, 000, 000.00 (One Million Naira) each. Temitayo forfeited one grey Toyota Camry 
2007 Model car while Olamide forfeited N1, 450, 000.00 (One Million, Four Hundred 
and Fifty Thousand Naira) and a grey colour Toyota Camry 2011 Model car.

Also, he convicted and sentenced Akinsola Iyanuoluwa, Tomiwa Olalekan and Toheeb 
Olalekan to one year imprisonment each or a fine of N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred 
Thousand Naira) each, Williams and Mayowa Precious to one year jail term each or 
to pay a fine of N400, 000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) each, while Joseph, 
Ojo, Bidemi, Abayomi and Moses bagged eight months jail term each or to pay a fine 
of N400, 000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira), N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand 
Naira), N400, 000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira), N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred 
Thousand Naira) and N700, 000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) respectively. 
Moses forfeited one black- coloured unregistered Lexus GS 350 to the government.

Justice Salisu also convicted and sentenced Opeyemi to seven months imprisonment 
or to a fine of N400, 000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) while Kelvin Precious, 
Anuoluwapo, Hamzat and Uzoma  bagged six months jail term each or to pay a fine 
of N300, 000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) each. Oluwapelumi was sentenced 
to three months imprisonment or a fine of N300, 000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand 
Naira).

Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Osun State High Court, sitting in Osogbo 
convicted and sentenced Oluwajuwon, Olaseinde, Lazeez, Charles, Abidemi, Yakubu, 
Olabanji, Seyi, Benedict, Abdulwahab, Olawande, Daniel Temitope, Ayobami and 
Toluwanimi Micheal to six months imprisonment each.

They were however, given option of N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand), N250, 000.00 
(Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), 
N300, 000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira), N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand 
Naira), N300, 000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira), N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred 
Thousand Naira), N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), N500, 000.00 
(Five Hundred Thousand Naira), N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), 
N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand 
Naira), N300, 000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and N300, 000.00 (Three Hundred 
Thousand Naira) respectively.

Daniel Temitope forfeited a grey- coloured Toyota Camry car ,  Benedict; one blue 
-coloured Lexus ES 350 car and Lazeez; one grey- coloured Toyota Camry 2006 Model 
vehicle.

Also, he convicted and sentenced Deji Emmanuel, Akinremi and Innocent to three 
months imprisonment or to pay a fine of N100, 000. 00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), 
N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred 
Thousand Naira) respectively.

Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan convicted 
and sentenced Onifade to one year imprisonment or to pay a fine of N100, 000.00 
(One Hundred  Thousand Naira) and forfeited a grey- coloured Toyota Rav4 Sports 
Utility Vehicle while Owoshakin bagged six months jail term or a fine N100, 000.00 
(One Hundred Thousand Naira).

Also, he convicted and sentenced Ayomide to six months community service or a fine 
of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), Fafore and Dolapo to six months community 
service each or to pay a fine of N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira) each and David to 
six months community service or to a fine of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira).                  

Justice Akintola also convicted and sentenced Boluwatife, Sodiq Olanrewaju, 
Bolarinwa, Olajide and Oluwaseun to three months community service each or to 
pay a fine of N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) each, and Olalekan Opeyemi to 
three months community service or a fine of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), 
while Oladipo and Ebenezer bagged three months jail term each or N25, 000.00 
(Twenty-five Thousand Naira) each.

Also, he convicted Abeeb Olamilekan and Martins and sentenced them to pay a fine 
of N20, 000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) each.

Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan convicted and sentenced 
Idowu Oluwaseun to five months community service, Olumide, Sunday and Kehinde Matthew 
to four months community service each without an option of fine. Also, Samson Opeyemi 
bagged two months community service.

Justice U.E. Akpan of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State convicted 
and sentenced Mayowa Victor to one year imprisonment or a fine of N500, 000.00 (Five 
Hundred Thousand Naira) and Ejisun Kehinde to six months imprisonment or to pay a 
fine of N300, 000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira).

Justice A.A. Okeke of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta convicted and sentenced 
Gaffar to one month imprisonment without an option of fine.

The convicts forfeited all items recovered from them to the Federal Government.

All the convicts began their ways to the Correctional Centres when they were arrested 
for internet-related offences. They were charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers:

courts-jail-59-internet-fraudsters-in-oyo-ogun-osogbo
********************************************************

2 AUG 2024

Two Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Gombe

Justice A.Y Yakubu of Gombe State High Court sitting in Gombe, Gombe 
State on July 31, 2024 convicted and sentenced the duo of Vanna Henry 
Nguna and Morgak Peter to two years imprisonment for fraud.

Nguna (a.k.a.Emily Enoch) and  Peter  were  prosecuted on one-count 
separate charges of personation by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of 
the EFCC.

The charges against Vanna Henry Nguna  reads: "That you Vanna Henry 
Nguna sometimes between January and February, 2024 at Gombe, Gombe 
State within the jurisdiction  of this honourable court dishonestly 
impersonate a female American national by operating a fake account 
( Emily Enoch ) and a fake Gmail account ( emily00795@gmail.com) and 
by using same to defraud unsuspecting individuals mostly men, foreign 
nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 
and punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code Law."

The charge against Morgak Peter reads: "That you Morgak Peter sometimes 
between January and February 2024 at Gombe , Gombe State within the 
jurisdiction of this honourable court  dishonestly impersonate some 
foreign nationals by pretending to be an online gamer and vendor operating 
fake Facebook account ( help zone criss Ty and TJ field) and Instagram 
account ( nunji- 000) and in the process gained to your advantage the sum 
of N40,000 and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 and 
punishable under Section 324 of the penal code Law." 

Upon  arraignment , the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective 
charges prompting the prosecution counsel , AB Kware to urge the court 
to convict and sentence the defendants as charged.  However, counsel 
to the defendants,  Jimoh.K and Yusuf. Ali pleaded with the court to 
temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first -time offenders 
who are remorseful of their actions.

Justice Yakubu convicted and sentenced Nguna and Peter to two years 
imprisonment or a fine of N40,000( Forty Thousand Naira) each. 

In addition, Peter restituted the sum of N40,000 to the victim of crime 
and the Samsung phones recovered from the two convicts in the course of 
investigation, being instruments of crime,  forfeited  to the Federal 
Government of Nigeria.

The convicts were arrested  in May , 202 for internet fraud, charged to 
court and convicted.   

In another development, the EFCC on July 31, 2023 arraigned one Mohammed 
Abubakar  before Justice AY Yakubu of the State High Court sitting in Gombe, 
Gombe State.

He was arraigned on two- count charges of obtaining by false pretences by 
the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.

One of the charges reads: "That you Muhammed Abubakar sometimes between 
May, 2023 to July 2023 at Gombe , Gombe State within the jurisdiction of 
this honourable court fraudulently induced one Hassan Shuaibu Kada to deliver 
to you the cumulative sum of N2,070,000 ( Two Million Seventy Thousand Naira)  
under the pretence that the money was for investment in grains which you never 
did and  thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 320(a) of the Penal 
Code and punishable under Section 322 of the same law."

He pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the EFCC, prompting 
prosecution counsel A.B. Kware to ask the court for a date for trial.  However, 
counsel to the defendant, Ishaku David moved an oral motion for bail stating that 
the defendant shall offer himself for trial when needed. 

Justice Yakubu granted Abubakar bail in the sum of  N2,000,000 (Two Million Naira) 
with two sureties in like sum who shall be men of good standing in the society and 
shall own landed properties in the state.

The judge thereafter adjourned the case to October 21,2024 for hearing. 

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

two-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-gombe
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2 AUG 2024

Court Sends 24 Internet Fraudsters to Jail in Benin City

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of 24 internet fraudsters to 
various jail terms by Justice G. O. Imadegbelo of Edo State High Court 
sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are : Azubuike Godwin, Ejike Prince, Ebeli Onyeishi Precious,  
Uboh Nelson, Henry Frank Aizeyosagbov, Jeremiah Osazuwa Bright, Aigbovibosa 
Osarumwense, Destiny Osagie Monday, Kindrick Ugochukwu, Daniel Kenedy Evun, 
Orobosa Elvis Nosakhare, Eleadi Nice Chibueze, Edidiong Ndifreke, Stephen 
Holiness, Iyamu Edosa David, Nosakhare Aigbovibosa.

Others are Raymond Clinton Osariemen, Uhumona Destiny Osayomwenbor, Amos Godwin, 
Odion Victor, Ayomide Michael, Elijah Akpan Effiong, Tive David Enaike and Ofuma 
Uche Bright.

They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission at different 
days in the month of July on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, 
obtaining by false pretence and possession of fraudulent documents.

The charge against Osarumwense reads: "That you Aigbovibosa Osarumwense (M) on or 
about the 25th of Day of June, 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 false pretence thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 6 and 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. M Elodi, I.K 
Agwai, K.Y. Bello and Ahmed Salihu and Bala Ribah to pray the court to convict and 
entence 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 Imadegbelo on Tuesday July 2, 2024 convicted and sentenced Godwin, Prince, 
Precious and Nelson to three years imprisonment or a fine of  N100, 000 (One Hundred 
Thousand Naira) each. On July 10, 2024,  he convicted and sentenced Aizeyosabor, Bright, 
Osarumwense,  Monday, Nosakhare, Chibueze, Holiness to three years imprisonment or a 
fine of N100,000  while the trio of Ugochukwu,  Evun and Ndifreke bagged two years 
imprisonment or a fine of N100,00 each.

Justice Imadegbelo on Thursday July 11 convicted and sentenced David to two years 
imprisonment or a fine of N100,000  while Aigbovibosa bagged five years imprisonment 
or a fine of N100,000.

On Wednesday July 17, Justice Imadegbelo convicted and sentenced the duo of Osariemen 
and Destiny to two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,00 each. On Wednesday July 24, 
2024, he convicted and sentenced Godwin, Victor, Michael, Effiong and Bright to community 
service while Enaike bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of  N200, 000 (Two Hundred 
Thousand Naira)each.

The judge ordered the forfeiture of two Mercedes Benz GLK350 recovered from Osarumwense 
and Ugochukwu being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

All the convicts  forfeited  their phones, laptops,  balances in their various bank 
accounts being instruments and proceeds of crime 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 based on actionable intelligence regarding 
their involvement in computer related fraud.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

court-sends-24-internet-fraudsters-to-jail-in-benin-city
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31 JUL 2024

Internet Fraud: We Are Working Hard to Secure Your Future-
Olukoyede Tells Youths

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC, 
Ola Olukoyede has assured youths across the country that the Commission 
is working hard and tirelessly to secure their future from the grip of
fraudsters who are bent on tarnishing the image of the country and ruin 
the future of the next generation.

He gave the assurance in Abuja, on Thursday, July 25, 2024 while receiving 
the Engineering and Computer Science Students of Citi Polytechnic, Abuja 
at the corporate headquarters of the Commission.

Speaking through the Head, Creative Communications Unit, CCU, of the 
Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC,   ACEI Chris Oluka, Olukoyede 
stressed that the anti-corruption disposition of today’s youths was the 
only thing that would open up the future for the whole nation.

“One thing we want to assure you is that EFCC is for you, the Commission 
is working very hard to secure your future because you see how things are 
today, it did not start today, the rot in the system started a long time 
ago, and so, if we can be so sure about this generation, we will be so 
sure that many years to come, Nigeria will be safer"

“The reason why you are here I believe is because of the relevance that 
the EFCC attaches to the youths. We believe so strongly that it shouldn’t 
be a mantra that is being said over the years that the future belongs to 
the youths but in reality, the future needs to belong to the youths", 
he said. 

According to him, the two major issues the EFCC is tackling are economic 
and financial crimes, explaining  that, “an economic crime is any crime 
that is against the economy of the country while a financial crime is any 
crime that you can use any financial instrument to commit and probably 
through financial institutions and designated non-financial institutions”.

The Head, Public Interface Unit of the Commission, ACEI Tony Orilade, in 
his paper titled: “How Youths Can Avoid the Temptation of Internet Fraud”, 
charged the youths to stand for the right thing and avoid temptations of 
cybercrimes and be good citizens of the country.

“Students of Citi Polytechnic, Abuja, you are the youths of Nigeria. I 
charge you to stand for the right thing always, I charge you to say no 
to cybercrime (yahoo-yahoo), say no to examination malpractices, and let 
us live a life of integrity for a better Nigeria.” he said.

Continuing, he said,  “youths particularly have a major role to play in 
promoting transparent and accountable governance, including advocacy in 
tracking budget performance. Take advantage of the whistle-blowing policy 
in Nigeria, which was launched on December 21, 2016, by the Federal Government 
through the Federal Ministry of Finance.”

He further stated that “policy is an anti-corruption programme that 
encourages people to voluntarily disclose information about fraud, bribery, 
looting of government funds, financial misconduct, abuse / embezzlement of 
government assets, and any other forms of corruption or theft against the 
Nigeria's government.”

Speaking on the menace of cybercrime, Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, 
ASE Ogunjobi Olaleke said youths are into cybercrimes because of high rate 
of internal and external pressure for possessions, get-rich- quick attitude, 
greed  and pressure to support parents and guardians, including low self-
control

Also, cyber security analyst, Deputy Director, Robert C. Okwor, says cyber 
analysis plays a crucial role in preventing data breaches and cyber threats.  
“You have to stay updated on the latest cyber security trends by adapting 
strategies to protect yourselves against potential security vulnerabilities,” 
he said.

Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Aisha Muhammed, urged the 
students to join the EFCC in its fight against internet fraud, economic 
and financial crimes and join hands with the Commission to rid the nation 
of all corrupt elements. “All of us have to put our hands together to fight 
corruption, so that we can make it and be happy. If we cannot do it for 
ourselves, let’s do it for our children and our children’s children”

Responding, the representative of the students, Veronica Christopher thanked 
the EFCC for the opportunity to see things by themselves, adding that “we will 
look forward to having you in our school for more enlightenment and whatever 
we learnt here today, we are going to enlighten others and spread the message 
about corruption.”

The press release contains a photo:

internet-fraud-we-are-working-hard-to-secure-your-future-olukoyede-tells-youths
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29 JUL 2024

EFCC Arrests Nine Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
Abuja Zonal Directorate, have arrested nine suspected internet fraudsters.

They were arrested on Monday, July 29, 2024  at Wuye axis of Abuja  
following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in 
internet-related fraud.

Items recovered from them include 19 phones, four laptops and one 
iPad.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are 
concluded.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-nine-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
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29 JUL 2024

EFCC Arrests 11 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission EFCC, have arrested eleven suspected internet fraudsters in Uyo, 
Akwa Ibom State.

The suspects, made up of nine males and two females were intercepted and 
arrested along Ikpa Road in a fleet of cars following credible intelligence 
on their suspected  fraudulent internet activities, lavish lifestyles and 
naira spraying at events in Uyo metropolis.

Cars recovered from them include: A Toyota Land Crusader Prado with Registration 
number: ABC 553 LD Abuja; a Toyota Camry LE with registration number: KKN 48 AE 
Akwa Ibom; two Honda Accord cars with registration number: LSR 754 AQ Lagos and 
LSR 475 FN Lagos respectively; a Toyota saloon registration number: RBC 1898J 
Abuja and a Lexus 300 saloon car with registration number: JJJ423 JK Lagos.

Other items recovered from them include fifteen smart phones and ten bundles 
of N200 notes.

They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-11-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo
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23 JUL 2024

Kaduna Courts Jail Four Internet Fraudsters

Justices R.M Aikawa and Darius Khobo of the Federal High Court and State 
High Court respectively, sitting in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced 
the quartet of Anthony Chukwu (a.k.a Carmelita Luna), Madaki Shamun Ismail 
(a.k.a Will Beal), Samson Aliyu (a.k.a John Dunwell) and Christopher Israel 
(a.k.a Bernie Dallas) to various jail terms for internet fraud.

They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC on one-count separate charges, bordering on impersonation, 
obtaining by false pretence and money laundering.

Chukwu’s charge reads: “That you, Anthony Chukwu (a.k.a Carmelita Luna)”M”, 
sometimes in December, 2023,in kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this honorable 
court, did directly acquire the sum of N520,000.00 (Five Hundred and Twenty 
Thousand Naira), from Nelro Balmoria and other unsuspecting persons through 
false identity,which you knew that the said funds formed part of the proceeds 
of an unlawful act, and you thereby committed money laundering, an offence 
contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition)
2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

That of  Aliyu reads: “That you Samson Aliyu (a.k.a John Dunwell), between 
January and May, 2024 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, 
committed an offence,t o wit: falsely presented yourself as John Dunwell, a white 
man and an investment broker with AZ Finance Investment Company. In that assumed 
character cheated several persons including one Lhes, the total sum of P2,000.00 
(Two thousand Philippines Pesos) via instagram (an online social media application) 
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.”

They pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, upon which 
prosecution counsel Y J. Matiyak and M. J Argungu urged the courts to convict 
and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Aikawa convicted and sentenced Chukwu to five years imprisonment or a 
fine of N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira), while Ismail bagged five years 
imprisonment or  a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, 
both convicts forfeited the sum of N520,000.00 (Five Hundred and Twenty Thousand 
Naira) and $310 (Three Hundred and Ten Dollars) respectively, being proceeds of 
their crimes to the federal government as well as an iPhone XR and Samsung S21 
mobile phones, being instruments of their crimes.

Justice Darius Khobo on his part convicted and sentenced Aliyu to three years 
imprisonment or  a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) and sentenced 
Israel to three years imprisonment or a fine of N250,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand 
and Fifty Thousand Naira). In addition, Aliyu forfeited $50, being the proceeds 
of his crime to the federal government, while both forfeited their phones, being 
instruments of their crimes to the federal government.

Chukwu, Aliyu and Israel were arrested in Kaduna, while Ismail was arrested in 
Jos following credible intelligence on their fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

kaduna-courts-jail-four-internet-fraudsters
********************************************

22 JUL 2024

Ogun Court Jails Six Fraudsters for Money Laundering, Impersonation

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of six fraudsters before Justice 
A.A.Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The convicts are: Aladeusi Korede Seun, Akande Habeeb Kunle, Aliu Faleti 
Opeyemi, Oseni Suleimon, Tobiloba Ebhodaghe Wadiale and Shedrack Obioma.

They were arraigned on  Friday, July 19, 2024 on separate charges bordering 
on money laundering, contrary to Section 18 (2) of Money Laundering (Prevention 
and Prohibition ) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same law 
and Impersonation, contrary to Section 22 (2) (iv) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition 
and Prevention) Act, 2022.

They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them.

Following their pleas,  prosecution counsel, R.A. Abdulrasheed, prayed the 
court to convict them accordingly.

Delivering judgment, Justice Okeke sentenced Aladeusi to two months imprisonment 
on each of the counts. The sentences are to run consecutively. The IPhone 12 Pro 
Max, IPhone 11 and smart wristwatch recovered from him were also ordered forfeited 
to the Federal Government.

Akande was convicted and sentenced to one-month imprisonment on each of the counts. 
The sentences are to run consecutively. The Iphone 13 recovered from him was ordered 
forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Aliu was convicted and sentenced to two months imprisonment on each of the counts. 
The sentences are to run consecutively. Justice Okeke ordered the forfeiture of his I
Phone 14 Pro Max to the Federal Government.

The judge sentenced Oseni to three months imprisonment on count one of money 
laundering and three months on count two of impersonation. The sentences are to 
run consecutively.  He also ordered the forfeiture of his Galaxy S20 Ultra and 
HP Laptop to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Tobiloba, on his part, bagged two months imprisonment on each of the counts.  The 
sentences are to run consecutively.  His Samsung Galaxy, S20 Ultra, and IPhone 14 
Pro Max were forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Also, Shedrack was convicted and sentenced to one-month imprisonment on each of the 
counts.  The sentences are to run consecutively.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

ogun-court-jails-six-fraudsters-for-money-laundering-impersonation
*********************************************

22 JUL 2024

Businessman Bags Seven Years Jail Term for Fraud

Justice (Professor) C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin 
City has convicted and sentenced one Olabinjor Ajobor, a businessman to seven 
years imprisonment without an option of fine.

The defendant was first arraigned in 2018 before being re-arraigned in July 
2023 on an amended three count charge of obtaining by false pretence.

One of the charges reads : "That you OLABINJOR AJOBOR and BISOFRANK 
INVESTMENT LIMITED on or about the 21st day of February, 2017 in Benin, 
Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable did with intent 
to defraud induced one Mr. George Ezomo to deposit the sum of N6,270,000.00 
(Six Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Naira) through Mr. Michael Ezomoghene 
into Account No: 1771641039 domiciled in Skye Bank Plc operated by you with 
the pretence that the said money was an investment in 66,000 litres supply 
of Low Pour Fuel Oil (L.P.F.O) from Petroleum Pricing Marketing Company 
(PPMC) with a share of 60% of the profit to him, which pretence you knew 
is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (c) of 
the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and Punishable 
under Section 1(3) of the same Act."

 During  trial, the prosecution called three witnesses who testified as to how 
 the defendant committed the offence and tendered several documents.

Delivery judgment on the matter, Justice Obiozor held that the Prosecution 
counsel,  I. M. Elodi proved her case beyond reasonable doubt, convicted and 
sentenced  the defendant to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine.  
However, the defendant is to be released from prison if he restitutes the victim  
the sum of N12.5 million and pays a fine of N500,000 to the Federal government o
f Nigeria. The judge ordered that the second defendant, Bisofrank Investment 
Limited being a company, be wound up.

The convict's road to prison began when he  obtained the aggregate sum of 
N12.5 million from one George Ezomo under the pretence that the money was for 
investment in petroleum products, an investment which turned out to be false.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

businessman-bags-seven-years-jail-term-for-fraud
***********************************************

22 JUL 2024

OGUN COURT JAILS SIX FRAUDSTERS FOR MONEY LAUNDERING, 
IMPERSONATION

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of six fraudsters before Justice 
A.A.Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The convicts are: Aladeusi Korede Seun, Akande Habeeb Kunle, Aliu Faleti 
Opeyemi, Oseni Suleimon, Tobiloba Ebhodaghe Wadiale and Shedrack Obioma.

They were arraigned on  Friday, July 19, 2024 on separate charges bordering 
on money laundering, contrary to Section 18 (2) of Money Laundering (Prevention 
and Prohibition ) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same law 
and Impersonation, contrary to Section 22 (2) (iv) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition 
and Prevention) Act, 2022.

They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them.

Following their pleas,  prosecution counsel, R.A. Abdulrasheed, prayed the court 
to convict them accordingly.

Delivering judgment, Justice Okeke sentenced Aladeusi to two months imprisonment 
on each of the counts. The sentences are to run consecutively. The IPhone 12 Pro 
Max, IPhone 11 and smart wristwatch recovered from him were also ordered forfeited 
to the Federal Government.

Akande was convicted and sentenced to one-month imprisonment on each of the counts. 
The sentences are to run consecutively. The Iphone 13 recovered from him was ordered 
forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Aliu was convicted and sentenced to two months imprisonment on each of the counts. 
The sentences are to run consecutively. Justice Okeke ordered the forfeiture of his 
IPhone 14 Pro Max to the Federal Government.

The judge sentenced Oseni to three months imprisonment on count one of money laundering 
and three months on count two of impersonation. The sentences are to run consecutively.  
He also ordered the forfeiture of his Galaxy S20 Ultra and HP Laptop to the Federal 
Government of Nigeria.

Tobiloba, on his part, bagged two months imprisonment on each of the counts.  The 
sentences are to run consecutively.  His Samsung Galaxy, S20 Ultra, and IPhone 14 
Pro Max were forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Also, Shedrack was convicted and sentenced to one-month imprisonment on each of the 
counts.  The sentences are to run consecutively.

ogun-court-jails-six-fraudsters-for-money-laundering-impersonation
****************************************

22 JUL 2024

EFCC ARRAIGNS FAKE CONTENT CREATOR FOR INTERNET FRAUD IN JOS

The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC has arraigned one Audu Ishida (a.k.a Baddie Kylemilli) for internet 
crime.

Ishida is facing a one-count charge, bordering on impersonation, retention 
of proceeds of crime and money laundering before Justice Hauwa'u Buhari 
of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna State. 

The charge reads: “That you Audu Ishida (Baddie Kylemilli) on or about the 
2nd of June, 2024 in Jos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, 
retained the total sum of $50 USD from your victim which you reasonably 
ought to have known, forms parts of proceeds of an unlawful act and you 
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 20(a) of the Money Laundering 
(Prevention And Prohibition)Act,2022 and punishable under Section 20(b) of 
the same Act.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charge, prompting prosecution counsel, M.E 
Eimonye to pray the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded 
in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). Defence counsel, Umar 
Usman did not raise any objection.

Justice Buhari ordered that he be remanded in Nigerian Correctional Centre, 
Kaduna and adjourned the case till November 7, 2024 for commencement of trial. 

Ishida was arrested alongside other members of an internet fraud ring in Jos, 
Plateau State following an intelligence-driven raid on their hideouts by operatives 
of Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC.

Investigations revealed that the defendant created fake online video contents 
and dating sites which he used to defraud unsuspecting victims. Investigations 
further showed that he obtained the proceeds of his crime through gift cards 
which he traded online through an FSS card app in foreign currency and converted 
to Naira and paid into his bank accounts.

efcc-arraigns-fake-content-creator-for-internet-fraud-in-jos
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22 JUL 2024

KADUNA COURTS JAILS ONE FOR MISAPPROPRIATION, TWO OTHERS 
FOR INTERNET FRAUD

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction 
and sentence of Benjamin Apagu, Francis Dung Yusuf (a.k.a Richard Miller) and 
David Bini Semen (a.k.a Rose Kelly) before Justices Darius Khobo of the Kaduna 
State High Court, and R.M Aikawa and Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, 
sitting in Kaduna.

They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC on separate one-
count charges. Apagu’s charge bordered on misappropriation and obtaining by 
false pretences  while those of Yusuf and Semen bordered on impersonation, 
retention of proceeds of crime and obtaining by false pretence.

Apagu’s charge reads: “That you, Benjamin Apagu sometime October, 2022 in 
Kaduna, Kaduna State within the jurisdiction of the honorable court, dishonestly 
misappropriated certain property to wit: the total sum of N1,919,000.00 (One 
Million, Nine Hundred and Nineteen Thousand Naira) belonging to one Benedict 
Yashim Bakut and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 293 of the 
Kaduna State Penal Code Law,2017 and punishable under Section 294 of the same 
law.”

That of Yusuf reads: “That you, Francis Dung Yusuf (a.k.a Richard Miller),(M) 
sometimes in 2024 at Jos, Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this honorable 
court, retained the total sum of Five Hundred United States Dollars ($500,00USD) 
which you acquired from one Cathy Rinaldi, when you falsely presented yourself 
as Richard Miller, which funds, forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act 
and you 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.”

They all pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to them, upon which prosecution 
counsel M.E Eimonye urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Khobo convicted and sentenced Apagu to 10 years imprisonment or to pay a 
fine of N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, he restituted the 
sum of N1,919,000.00 (One Million, Nine Hundred and Nineteen Thousand Naira), 
being the proceeds of his crime to his victim.

Justice Aikawa convicted and sentenced Yusuf to four years imprisonment or to pay 
a  fine of N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira), while Justice Buhari convicted 
and sentenced Bini to eight years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N450,000.00 (Four 
Hundred and fifty Thousand Naira).

In addition to their prison terms, Yusuf and Bini forfeited iPhone 13 Pro Max 
and iPhone 7 mobile phones, respectively to the federal government. Both internet 
fraudsters were among the 34 arrested by the Commission in Jos, Plateau State in 
June, 2024. 

kaduna-courts-jails-one-for-misappropriation-two-others-for-internet-fraud
******************************************

20 JUL 2024

EFCC ARRAIGNS FOREX BROKER FOR ALLEGED N2 BILLION 
INVESTMENT SCAM IN UYO

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC on Friday, July 19, 2024 arraigned one Rufus John Isip, a self-acclaimed 
forex broker before Justice C. S. Onah of the Federal High Court sitting in 
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Isip was arraigned alongside his company, ITM-IT Resources Limited on an eight
-count charge bordering on fraudulent conversion, money laundering and obtaining 
by false pretence to the tune of N2, 022, 081, 172 (Two Billion, Twenty-two Million, 
Eighty-one Thousand, One Hundred and Seventy-two Naira).

Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Rufus John Isip while being the Director 
of ITM-IT Resources Limited and ITM-IT Resources Limited sometime in December 2020 
and May 2021 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High 
Court of Nigeria, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of (431, 331, 172. 00) 
Four Hundred and Thirty-one Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-one Thousand, One 
Hundred and Seventy-two kobo from one Michael Okon, the Director of N-Rex Resources 
Limited under the false pretence that it is an investment in Vandera, an online 
investment platform, on his behalf, which pretence you knew to be false 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 eight of the charge reads: “That you, Rufus John Isip while being the Director 
of ITM-IT Resources Limited and ITM-IT Resources Limited sometime between December 
2020 and May 2021 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal 
High Court of Nigeria, converted the total sum of (N730, 870, 000. 00) Seven Hundred 
and Thirty Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira to crypto currency 
(Bitcoin) and transferred same into your Binance Wallet knowing that the said money 
formed part of your unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to 
Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2011 
and punishable under Section 15 (3) (4) of the same Act”.

He pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.

In view of his plea, Khamis Mahmud, counsel to the EFCC prayed the court to remand 
him in EFCC custody on the grounds that “we are still investigating him on other 
cases”.

The defence counsel, Samson Ewuje however, did not pose any objection.

Justice Onah adjourned the matter to October 14, 2024 for trial and the defendant 
was remanded at the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.

Isip was arrested based on a petition from one Michael George, alleging that he 
lured him to invest in his online trading platform called Vandora.io. According 
to the petitioner, the defendant told him that it was more profitable to trade 
on his platform with a minimum trading capital of $100, 000. 00 (One Hundred 
Thousand Dollars) and that he would earn more profit if he involved more investors.

The petitioner thereafter invested, reached out to other  investors and companies 
who also invested in the defendant’s phony online trading platform and after 60 
days (as agreed) for the investors to start earning their profits, the defendant 
disappeared into thin air. 

efcc-arraigns-forex-broker-for-alleged-n2-billion-investment-scam-in-uyo
********************************************

19 JUL 2024

KADUNA COURTS JAIL TWO FOR CURRENCY FRAUD, THREE OTHERS 
FOR INTERNET CRIMES

Justices R.M Aikawa and Hauwa'u Buhari of the Federal High Court, sitting 
in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced five persons to prison for fraud.

The convicts, Ibrahim Haruna, Abdullahi Yahaya, Daniel John (a.k.a Julieta), 
Benjamin Andrew Zagni (a.k.a Andrew Williams), Kenneth Barau (a.k.a Aisha 
Mohammed) were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The duo of Haruna and Yahaya faced a one-count charge of currency counterfeiting 
to the tune of $81,700 (Eighty-one Thousand Dollars, Seven Hundred Cents ) before 
Justice Justice Aikawa, while John, Zagni and Barau were prosecuted on separate 
one-count charges each.  Their charges bordered on impersonation, obtaining by 
false pretence, money laundering and cyber crimes before Justice Buhari.

The one-count charge against Haruna and Yahaya reads: “That you Ibrahim Haruna 
and Abdullahi Yahaya on or about the 9th May, 2024 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction 
of this honorable court had in your possession a total of eight hundred and seventeen 
(817) pieces of $100 USD (One hundred United State dollars) counterfeit notes when 
you knew that same are counterfeit and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 
5(1)(b) and punishable under Section 5(1)(c) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special 
Provisions) Act.”

The charge against John reads: “That you Daniel John (a.k.a Julieta),(M) between 
January and June, 2024 at Jos, Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this honorable 
court, falsely presented yourself as Julieta; a white woman from Hungary on Facebook 
and telegram (both online social media applications) to one Keta Kelemenne, and in 
that assumed character gained advantage for yourself the total sum of $80.00 (Eighty 
United States Dollars ) from her, while claiming to assist her recover  the money she 
had paid to previous online scammers, which you knew to be false and therefore committed 
an offence contrary to Section 22(3)(b) of the Cybercrimes(Prohibition, Prevention, etc) 
Act,2015 and punishable under Section 22(4) of the same Act.”

That of Zagni reads: “That you Benjamin Andrew Zagni (a.k.a Andrew Williams) sometimes 
in May, 2024 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, retained the total 
sum of $150 (One Hundred and Fifty United States dollars) which you knew that such fund 
forms part of 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.”

All the five pleaded “guilty” to their charges, following which prosecution counsel 
M.U Gadaka, M.U Gadaka and K. Ogunlade urged the courts to convict and sentence 
them accordingly.

Justice Aikawa convicted and sentenced Haruna and Yahaya to seven years imprisonment 
each or a fine of N700,000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) respectively. John bagged 
five years imprisonment or  a fine of  N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand  Naira), while 
he convicted and sentenced Zagni to four years imprisonment or  a fine of N500,000.00 
(Five Hundred Thousand  Naira).

Justice Buhari on her part convicted and sentenced Barau to two years imprisonment or 
a fine of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand  Naira).

In addition to their jail terms, John, Zagni and Barau forfeited their phones, being 
the instruments of their crimes to the federal government. The threesome were arrested 
alongside other members of an internet fraud syndicate in Kaduna and Jos, Plateau State 
in a stake-out by operatives of the Commission following credible intelligence on their
 criminal internet activities.

kaduna-courts-jail-two-for-currency-fraud-three-others-for-internet-crimes
*************************************************

19 JUL 2024

COURT JAILS THREE FOR INTERNET FRAUD IN CALABAR

Justice Rosemary Ojukwu of the Federal High Court Calabar, Cross River State 
has convicted and sentenced the trio of James Emmanuel Ime (a.k.a David Young), 
Kingsley Friday Ime (a.k.a Alex Wan) and Udeme Clement Edward (a.k.a Suchi Wan) 
to various jail terms for internet fraud.

The convicts were prosecuted by the Uyo Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate two-count charges, bordering on money 
laundering, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

The charge against Ime reads: “That you James Emmanuel Ime (a.k.a David Young), 
sometime in 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did directly 
take possession of the sum of N114,904.00 (One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, 
Nine Hundred and  Four Naira) only, which money you reasonably ought to know 
formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: cybercrime 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.”

Edward’s charge reads: “That you Udeme Clement Edward (a.k.a Suchi Wan), 
sometime in 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did 
directly take possession of the sum of $200 (Two Hundred United States 
Dollars) only, which money you reasonably ought to know formed part of 
the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: cybercrime 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.”

They all pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, 
prompting prosecution counsel Adebayo Soares to present a witness for the 
review of the facts of the case and tendering of evidence after which he 
urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly. While 
there was no objection from defence counsel, Henry Effiong, he, however, 
prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.

Justice Ojukwu sentenced the three to six months imprisonment on each of 
the two counts or to pay a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira, 
also on each of the counts.

In addition, James Ime forfeited the sum of N114, 904, 000 (One Hundred 
and Fourteen Thousand, Nine Hundred and Four Naira), being the proceeds 
of his crime to the federal government as well as his Samsung A50 mobile 
phone, being the tool of his crime.

On his part, Kingsley Ime forfeited the sum of N110, 000.00 (One Hundred 
and Ten Thousand Naira), being the proceeds of his crime to the federal 
government as well as his Techno Spark G20 mobile phone, and a HP laptop, 
being the tools of his crime, while Edward forfeited the sum of $200, being 
proceeds of his crime, an iPhone 6 mobile phone, and a Toshiba laptop, being 
the tools of his crime to the federal government.

court-jails-three-for-internet-fraud-in-calabar
**************************************

18 JUL 2024

OLUKOYEDE TASKS STUDENTS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE FIGHT 
AGAINST CORRUPTION

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
Ola Olukoyede has charged students across the country to take ownership of the 
fight against corruption in the overall interest of their future and development 
of the nation  

Olukoyede made the call in Abuja recently when students of Olumawu College FCT 
visited the headquarters of the Commission on an excursion tour.

The EFCC boss who spoke through the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Department, 
DCE Nwanyinma Okeanu urged the students to take the fight against internet fraud 
seriously.

According to the EFCC boss, failure to align themselves with the activities of 
the EFCC in the fight may not offer them the desirable future they are seeking.

“The fight against economic and financial crimes is a fight that each and everyone 
of us should take seriously for the country to be there for you in future”,  he 
said.

He urged them to imbibe good virtues and morals as students instead of learning 
bad things like internet fraud.

 Head, Public Interface of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 
 Tony Orilade charged the students to stand for what is right and stay well- informed 
 so as not to fall to the temptation of internet fraud.

“Say no to cybercrime , say no to examination malpractices, encourage your friends 
to resist pressure to engage in internet fraud. Remember unity is strength; join 
forces with the EFCC to fight internet fraud”, he said.

He also urged them to always talk to trusted adults and mentors about online safety 
and integrity. “Do everything to avoid evil, beware of the consequences of internet 
fraud by understanding the legal and moral implications of engaging in internet fraud,” 
he said.

Also,  Armayau Aliyu of the Cybercrime Unit urged the students to stay away from 
all forms of cybercrimes, including cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes adding 
that all these crimes can lead them to trouble, if they do not stay away.

Head, Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit of the Commission, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, 
charged the students to identify themselves with the fight against corruption, stressing 
that their voices are critically needed in order to make the country a better place.

“Your voices matter, you are the future generation of Nigeria and you have to take 
it in your hands. We all know good and bad things; we belong to either Christian or 
Islamic faith, and also you know what both the Holy books say about bad things. So, 
it’s now your choice either to be good or bad but don’t allow peer pressure to affect 
you,” she said.

According to Mohammed, the Commission operates Integrity Clubs in Primary and 
Secondary Schools and students who are members of the Club represent EFCC in 
different events and programs around the world

The Management of the school led by Eunice Mbarga appreciated the Commission for 
giving their students an opportunity to visit the Commission.

The press release contains a photo:

olukoyede-tasks-students-to-take-ownership-of-the-fight-against-corruption
*********************************************
17 JUL 2024

COURTS JAIL FOUR INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN KADUNA

Justices A. Isiaka and Hauwa'u Buhari of the Kaduna State High Court and 
Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced the quartet 
of Segun Emmanuel Joseph (a.k.a Alina Renatas), Aliyu Dominic Daniel (a.k.a 
Jojo Snow), Winner Joseph (a.k.a Williams Scot) and Kenneth Oche Oduh (a.k.a 
Robert Ben James) to various jail terms for internet fraud.

The convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charges, bordering on 
impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

The charge against Joseph reads: “That you Segun Emmanuel Joseph (a.k.a Alina 
Renatas) (M) between January and March, 2024 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction 
of this honorable court, attempted to commit an offence and in such an attempt 
did a certain act towards the commission of the said offence to wit: falsely 
presented yourself as Alina Renatas, a woman living in Germany to one Rana 
Sultan Ameer and other several unsuspecting victims on Facebook (a social 
media application) in order to cheat them and you thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 57 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017 and punishable 
under Section 309 of the same law.”

That of Oduh reads: “That you Kenneth Oche Oduh (a.k.a Robert Ben James),(m) 
sometimes in 2022 at Jos, Plateau State, within the jurisdiction of this 
honorable court, falsely presented yourself as Robert Ben James with a gmail 
account: robertben374@gmail.com and in that assumed character gained advantage 
for yourself the total sum of Eight hundred united States Dollars ($800.00USD),
which you knew to be false and 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.”

They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges against them, following which prosecution 
counsel Y.J Matiyak and M.E Eimonye urged the courts to convict and sentence them 
accordingly.

Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced Winner Joseph to two years imprisonment 
or to pay a fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira), Segun Joseph got 
five years imprisonment or pay a fine of N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira), 
while  Daniel bagged three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N150,000.00 (One 
Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

On her part, Justice Buhari convicted and sentenced Oduh to five years imprisonment 
or to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira).

All the convicts forfeited their phones, being the tools of their crimes to the 
federal government.

Segun Joseph, Winner Joseph and Daniel were arrested in a raid in their hideout 
around Television Garage and Barnawa axes in Kaduna, following credible intelligence 
on their fraudulent internet activities, while Oduh was arrested in Jos metropolis 
alongside other members of his internet fraud syndicate. 

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

courts-jail-four-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna
*****************************************

17 JUL 2024

OLUKOYEDE CHARGES YOUTHS TO EMBRACE INNOVATION 
AS SAFEGUARD AGAINST INTERNET FRAUD

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede  has called on youths across the country to embrace 
innovation and strategic thinking as effective ways of building resistance 
against internet crimes.  

He stated this in Ile-Ife, Osun State on Saturday, July 11, 2024  at the 2024 
Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) Award ceremony, held at 
the Obafemi Awolowo University to celebrate the remarkable achievements 
and outstanding leadership of One Hundred (100) young people across Africa.

According to him, there are ample opportunities for development in Nigeria 
and Africa in general if youths stayed away from corruption and cybercrime.   
“Greater prospects for Nigeria and Africa in the future will not be attainable 
if our youths continue to wallow in corruption and cybercrime. African youths 
especially Nigerian youths must demonstrate exceptional innovation and dedication 
in order to make positive impact in the society”, he said.

The anti-graft czar who spoke  through the Ag. Zonal Director,  Ibadan Zonal 
Directorate of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE I Hauwa Garba 
Ringim   applauded the Royal African Young Leadership Forum for being a blueprint 
for the development of African youths.  He noted that the Forum was building  
capacity and helping  youths to channel their energy towards getting quality 
education,  acquire and develop skills that would alleviate poverty in Nigeria 
and Africa at large

While lauding His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of 
Ife for envisioning RAYLF, he urged African countries to come together under 
the Forum to achieve better feats  that would further transform and elevate 
the place of Africans in the comity of nations.

While congratulating the awardees for showcasing their success stories for the 
purpose of inspiring and motivating other youths and thereby foster cultural 
excellence and empowerment across Africa, the EFCC boss charged them not to 
betray the confidence reposed in them while assuring the Ooni of his unwavering 
and unequivocal support.

In his remarks, Oba Ogunwusi explained that RAYLF “is a very strong and formidable 
platform that brings young minds together to network and do great things in terms 
of how they can better their immediate community and their nation as a whole”

"Our mission is ambitious and essential. It is geared towards promoting peace, 
economic prosperity, and unity across Africa by harnessing the exceptional 
potential of our young population.

"Today, the world increasingly acknowledges Africa’s importance, not just for 
our abundant natural resources, but for our vibrant and dynamic youths who are 
lighting the way towards a prosperous and unified continent”,  he said.

He called on leaders across the continent to unite to recognize and celebrate 
the outstanding achievements of young Africans who are making significant 
impact in their communities and beyond.

"These young leaders, innovators, and change makers embody the bright future of 
Africa, and I am honored to stand with them as they continue to inspire and drive 
positive change”, he said.

The Royal Father unfolded  the emergence of “Royal Africa Chamber of Commerce” 
which is a new initiative under RAYLF that compels a free trade agreement. The 
new initiative, according to the monarch, would  raise N1, 000, 000, 000.00 (One 
Billion Naira) to encourage strong- minded and innovative young females entrepreneurs 
across Africa, including Nigeria, “who do not have opportunities to thrive in various 
sectors of human endeavours”.  

Among the awardees are:  Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Jamilu Bio 
Ibrahim,  Minister of State for Youth and Sport Development,   Ayodele Olawande,  
Director General and CEO of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of 
Nigeria (SMEDAN) Charles Odili,  and  Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of National 
Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu.  
Also, the Managing Director and CEO of NEXIM Bank, Abubakar Abba Bello was in 
attendance among others.

RAYLF is a platform by the Ooni of Ife for celebrating young trailblazing talents 
across African continent in various sectors.  The 2024 RAYLF was themed “Africa of 
the Future - Better Together”.

The press release contains a photo:

olukoyede-charges-youths-to-embrace-innovation-as-safeguard-against-internet-fraud
**********************************************

16 JUL 2024

OGUN COURT JAILS FIVE FRAUDSTERS FOR MONEY LAUNDERING 
AND IMPERSONATION

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of five fraudsters before 
Justice A.A. Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun 
State.

The convicts are: Justine Chikeleze Onyedikachukwu, David Udoka Okafor, 
Godwin Favour Udoh, Ifeanyi Franklin Ogobue and Chinedu Mukolu Obed.

They were arraigned on July 12, 2024 on separate charges bordering 
on money laundering, contrary to Section 18 (2) of Money Laundering 
(Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022) and punishable  under Section 
18 (3) of the same law and Impersonation, contrary to Section 22 (2) 
(iv) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2022.)

They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them.

Following their pleas,  prosecution counsel, Okongwu Ebuka and Ridwan 
Alabi, prayed the court to convict them accordingly.

Delivering judgment, Justice Okeke sentenced Onyedikachukwu to two 
months imprisonment on each of the counts. The sentences are to run 
concurrently and the Iphone 12 mobile phone and Samsung laptop computer 
recovered from him were forfeited to the Federal Government.

Favour was convicted and sentenced to three months imprisonment on count 
one of money laundering and three months on count two of impersonation. 
The sentences are to run concurrently . The Iphone 12pro max and IPhone 
11 recovered from him were forfeited also to the Federal Government of 
Nigeria.

Udoh was also convicted and sentenced to one-month imprisonment on each 
of the counts. The sentences are to run concurrently. The judge ordered 
the forfeiture of his IPhone XS Max to the Federal Government.

The judge also sentenced Ogobue to two months imprisonment on count one 
and two months on count two. The sentences are to run concurrently. Justice 
Okeke also ordered the forfeiture of his Iphone 12pro max to the Federal 
Government of Nigeria.

During his trial, Obed pleaded “guilty” to the amended two counts of money 
laundering and impersonation. Though he was discharged on count one of money 
laundering, he was convicted on count two bordering on impersonation and 
sentenced to two months imprisonment.  His IPhone 12 Pro Max was forfeited 
to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for 
internet offences.  They were charged to court and convicted.

ogun-court-jails-five-fraudsters-for-money-laundering-and-impersonation
******************************************

12 JUL 2024

SIX INTERNET FRAUDSTERS BAG JAIL TERMS IN CALABAR

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar 
has convicted and sentenced six internet fraudsters to six months 
imprisonment each for criminal impersonation, love scam and identity 
theft.

The convicts are: Chibo Udoka (aka Zxoya Andric, Kelly Rose, Chimata Harry), 
John Inimfon Okpokpo ( Grace Boar),Emediong Ekerete Bassey (aka Thiwe Ploka), 
Otu Ginikachi  Samuel (alias Chris Hemsworth), Goodluck John Bassey (aka Tom 
Jones) and Asogwa Ifebuche Lukas (alias Daniela Crystal).

They were charged to court by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on  two-count separate charges, to 
which they pleaded guilty.

One of the counts reads:  'That you, Otu Ginikachi Samuel (aka Chris Hemsworth) 
sometime in 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court 
fraudulently presented yourself as Chris Hemsworth (a United State of American 
Citizen) to Tymoshenko Anatoly Grihorovych (Ukrainian Citizen) on Facebook with 
fraudulent intent,  gained advantage of the sum of N1, 000, 000 (One Million 
Naira) for yourself from the said Tymoshenko Anatoly Grihorovych and thereby 
committed the offence of identity theft contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (0) of 
the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, prevention) (amendment) Act 2024 and punishable 
under 22 (b) (iv) of the same Act.

Another  reads: 'That you Chibo Udoka Mgborogwu (aka Zoya Andric, Kelly Rose 
Chimata Harry), sometime in 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this 
Honorable court with intent to obtain property and gain advantage for yourself, 
fraudulently presented yourself as ZOYA ANDRIC,KELLY ROSE CHIMATA HARRY 
on Social Media platform (Whatsapp, Instagram) and thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 22 (2) (b)0) of the Cyber Crime (Prohibition, Prevention 
Etc) Amendment Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(b) (iv) of the same 
Act".

The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them and 
based on their pleas,  prosecution counsel, Khamis Mahmud  prayed the court 
to convict and sentence them accordingly,  but the defence counsels Udeme Tom, 
Innocent Ekeize and  Henry Effiong prayed the court for lighter sentences for 
the defendants, on the ground that they were first time offenders.

After listening to both the prosecution and defence counsel,  Justice Ojukwu, 
convicted and sentenced Emediong Bassey, Otu Samuel, Asogwa Lucas and John 
Okpokpo to six months imprisonment  on each of the two count charges. The 
sentences are to run concurrently, while Goodluck Bassey and Chibo Mgborogwu 
were sentenced to six months jail term each on one count. The convicts were 
all given the option to  pay a fine of Five Hundred Thousand Naira only 
(N500,000) each.

Four of the convicts were ordered to restitute the following sums: Emediong 
Bassey One Thousand Five Hundred Rands (R1500); Otu Samuel One Million Naira 
(N1, 000, 000.00); John Okpokpo One Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars 
($150 US) and Asogwa Lucas One Hundred United States Dollars ($100 US). The 
six convicts forfeited all gadgets used in committing the crimes to the 
Federal Government.

The convicts were arrested in Uyo between May and June 2024, following 
verified intelligence regarding their criminal activities on the internet.

six-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-calabar
*****************************************

10 JUL 2024

COURT JAILS THREE FOR INTERNET FRAUD IN KADUNA

Justice A. Bello of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna has 
convicted and sentenced the trio of Saadu Salisu, Omoruyi Osavbie (a.k.a 
Antonio Hendo Henderson) and Daniel Japheth (a.k.a Cain Steven) to various 
jail terms for internet fraud.

The convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on one-count separate charges. While 
Osavbie and Japheth’s charges bordered on impersonation and cheating, that 
of Salisu bordered on obtaining by false pretence and cheating.

Salisu’s charge reads: “That you Sa’adu Salisu and Ihasas Ventures Nigeria 
Limited on or about the 1st of March,2021 within the jurisdiction of this 
Honorable court, cheated and dishonestly induced one Adamu Bakori to part 
with the sum of N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira only) with the 
promise to secure a job for him and you thereby committed an offense contrary 
to and punishable under Section 311 of the Kaduna State penal Code Law, 2017.”

Osavbie’s charge reads: “That you, Omoruyi Osavbie (a. k.a Antonio Hendo 
Henderson) sometime in May, 2024, in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this 
honorable court, represented yourself as one Antonio ahendo Henderson (A 
military personnel in the United States of America) on Facebook (an online 
social media platform) and in such assumed identity, cheated unsuspecting 
victims the total sum of N87,000 (Eighty Seven Thousand Naira) , 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.”

Each of the three defendants  pleaded "guilty" to their charges when they 
were read to him, prompting prosecution counsel M. Arumemi and M. Lawal to 
pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Bello, afterwards, convicted and sentenced Salisu to three years 
imprisonment or  a fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira). In 
addition, he forfeited N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira), being 
the proceeds of crime to the federal government.
 
Japheth bagged four years imprisonment or a fine of N400,000 (Four Hundred 
Thousand Naira). Additionally, he forfeited the sum of £75.00 (Seventy-five 
British pounds), being proceeds of the crime and his iPhone 11 mobile phone 
to the federal government, while Omoruyi was sentenced to seven years imprisonment 
or  a fine of N450,000.00 (Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). In addition, 
he forfeited the sum of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira), being proceeds 
of his crime and his iPhone X max to the federal government.

Salisu’s journey to prison began when his victim petitioned the Commission, 
alleging that he convinced him in May 2021 that he could secure a job for him 
in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and later demanded the sum of N300,000.00 
(Three Hundred Thousand Naira) from him for the job placement, which he paid into 
the convict’s bank account but neither got the job nor his money back.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

court-jails-three-for-internet-fraud-in-kaduna
**********************************************

5 JUL 2024

WE WON’T ALLOW OUR YOUTHS TO DERAIL-OLUKOYEDE

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support 
the Commission in its effort to redeem the youth from the path of derailment.

He made the call in Abuja on Friday, July 5, 2024 when the executives of 
Committee of Youth Mobilization and Sensitization, CYMS, led by their head, 
Chief Obinna Nwaka paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s corporate 
headquarters.

According to Olukoyede, “We are going to maintain this tempo. Well-meaning 
and reform-minded Nigerians must support us. We must not allow our youths 
to derail. We have allowed it over a period of time and we have seen the 
destruction. Some of our youths are smart and skillful. It is just a matter 
of sensitizing them towards how to channel their talents to productive 
engagements. There is no future in cybercrime.

“Let everybody realize this, the fight is not for ourselves. It is for the 
youth, it is for the entire country. Just imagine what will happen if EFCC 
does not work for one month, so it is important for us to give this mandate 
serious collaboration and support.”

He stressed that Nigerians who desire a better future for the youth and the 
country, especially those who have suffered harm and humiliation from cybercrime 
must stand up and be counted for collaboration and partnership with the EFCC. 
“It is important for us to realise that if we continue to move in this trajectory 
the future would be bleak for the youth and the country. We must do something 
fast. Travel abroad and see the humiliating treatment they give Nigerians. Once 
they see your Green Passport, they take you aside from the queue and subject you 
to a thorough search because of the bad image that a few of our youths have 
created for the country. Nigerians need EFCC. If you are not working, who will 
even think of you?  We are working, that is why you are seeing all these attacks 
everywhere.

He condemned public office holders who would not want to account for their 
stewardship, stating that such acts of impunity have nurtured corruption in 
the country. “What we are simply saying is that if you have occupied a position 
of trust, come and account. You can only run, you can’t hide. If we don’t bring 
people to account they will drive the country into a pariah state, where anything 
goes.  There is nothing personal about the work we do in the EFCC. You can see 
the developments that are taking place in countries that do not have the kind 
of resources that Nigeria has. Nigeria will be great again but we must all come 
together to fight corruption",  he said.

He appreciated the group for its anti-corruption stance and interventions in 
the direction of re-orientation of the youth away from cybercrime. “I want to 
thank you for all the work you do, particularly in the area of sensitizing the 
youth on the need for them to create a good future for themselves. What is 
important is for us to be optimistic. We are not going to relent, we are not 
afraid of anything.”

Earlier in his speech, Nwaka stated that the work of the Commission endeared 
it to the group because they are geared towards securing the future of Nigerian 
youths. “We have something deeply running through our veins which is to support 
and work with the Commission to ensure that corruption is brought to its knees. 
We also want to thank you for fighting to secure the future of Nigerian youths. 
That was why we became annoyed a few days ago when we heard that there were some 
Nigerian youths who do not care about the future of their own generation and want 
to protest. You are not just trying to secure the future of Nigerian youths but 
those of unborn generations.

“We want to commend you for the good job that you have done so far. It is not 
easy because the challenge is enormous.  We want to tell you that you have brought 
new and good initiatives and reforms in the anti-corruption fight. One of them 
being your policy not to shut down businesses and establishments on account of 
investigating them.”

He further applauded Olukoyede for the Commission’s crackdown on naira mutilation. 
“What you are doing to restore respect for the naira can only happen when we have 
somebody that is firm and dogged in a cause”, he said.

we-wont-allow-our-youths-to-derail-olukoyede
*********************************************

5 JUL 2024

$370,000 INTERNET FRAUD: HOW AN ALLEGED FRAUDSTER & FAMILY 
DEFRAUDED ME-  AMERICAN VICTIM

The third Prosecution Witness, PW3, in the ongoing trial of Nwachi 
Chidozie Kingsley, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, told justice U.P Kekemeke 
of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court, Abuja, how the 
defendant and his entire family allegedly conspired and defrauded 
her of the sum of $370,000 (Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand United 
States Dollars).

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Kingsley 
on a two-count charge bordering on stealing, obtaining by false pretence and 
criminal possession of fake documents to the tune of $370,000(Three Hundred 
and Seventy thousand United States Dollars).

One of the counts against him reads: “That you, Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley 
sometime in 2021 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of 
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with intent to defraud obtained the total 
sum of Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand United States Dollars($370,000) 
from Nicole Kierulff Sayers under the false pretence of being a purported 
payment to finance a contract with Federal Ministry of Works and Housing 
with Contract No: RC/FGN/0275AN/20 issued to Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley, 
a claim which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 1(1)(b) of Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 
2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

At the resumed trial on Wednesday, Nicole Kierulff Sayers, an American and 
lawyer by profession in the state of Oregon, United States,  was led in 
evidence by the prosecution counsel, Fatsuma Muhammad and the witness 
identified the defendant before the court as the man who sent her messages 
on Facebook during her birthday.

“I know the defendant, the defendant messaged me on Facebook on my birthday 
and he said he was a member of the same spiritual organization with me. We 
engaged in romantic discussions and phrases and we engaged in conversations 
that escalated into a relationship of a romantic type,” she said.

Sayers further told the court that the defendant asked her for money to 
finance the award of a contract by the Ministry of Works and Housing, 
claiming that some men were threatening his life if he didn’t provide 
money to secure the contract.

“Before we met each other, he had asked me for money about eleven days before, 
and his reason for asking for the money according to him was for the award 
of a contract by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and alleged that 
some men were threatening his life, if he did not provide the money to secure 
the contract.

“He asked me for help, and supplied me with the details of the contract and 
logo and all the information, I believed that because I was in a vulnerable 
state and I had developed an emotional connection with him,” she added.

According to her, the defendant told her that if she gave him $15,000 (Fifteen 
Thousand Dollars), he would repay her within 45days and she believed him, and 
transferred the money to the defendant, with an instruction to repay her the 
money.

Narrating how she transferred the money and how she got to meet the family 
of the defendant,  Sayers said; “I transferred the money using a money transfer 
app, he received the money and within one week, he asked me to join him in a 
FaceTime Video with his family. This was his parents' house and his entire 
family was there, which included his sister Doris Nwachi, Kenneth Nwachi, 
sister-in-law Loveline, his father Chizom, his mother Victoria and his alleged 
daughter Princess who was then two years old.”

Continuing,  Sayers said. “One more uncle of his, who I don't think is a 
member of the family, I think is Bishop Ekeke, he and his mother's brothers 
were there. He engaged me in video calls and messages and because of the 
reputation that I can see from a distance that he had, he is very highly 
regarded in the Port Harcourt area and I thought that I could trust him,  
so at the family meeting, each adult member that I met thanked me for saving 
the defendant’s alleged contract job and so, I didn't realize that the entire 
family could conspire against one innocent woman as myself.

The witness further told the court that she had sent a total amount of $40,000 
(Forty Thousand United States Dollars), even before she came to Nigeria to meet 
the defendant.

“Before I came to Nigeria, I sent to him approximately $40,000 (Forty Thousand 
US Dollars), and we had continued conversation about him paying back knowing 
that things will change.  I arrived in Abuja in late March 2022, and I spent 
two weeks with the defendant and despite his assurances that he wouldn't leave 
me alone for extended periods, he left me alone on countless occasions and I 
stayed at his rented house in Sun City, Abuja. But because I wanted to get my 
money; I continued the relationship with him. Several months later, he asked 
for more money, a minimum of 125 transactions. The reason he gave me fall into 
several categories such as medical contingencies, surgeries, malaria treatment 
and other categories, such as supplies on the government contracts because he 
didn't have the money for the government. He used emotional manipulation and 
gas lighting.”

“The total amount, and to my best estimate, was well over $200,000 (Two Hundred 
Thousand Dollars), in a period of twelve months, January to December. On a few 
occasions, he claimed he attempted to wire me money at one specific time.  He 
produced a document that he claimed was a bank document and that he made an 
attempt to wire me $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars).

“He claimed the bank intercepted it, because he said the bank claimed it was 
an attempted misappropriation of government funds, so he found himself in jail. 
He asked me to bail him out and I did, and again he asked me to make provisions 
for bribes to pay for the criminal case, because he attempted to misappropriate 
government funds

“Finally in December, after pleading and begging, and showing him my desperation, 
he agreed to wire more money to me and asked for the bank details and he said 
“I will do it tomorrow”. Few days later, I asked him, did you wire the money 
to me and he said no. That was when I realized that I will never see a penny 
from him again,” she stated.

Thereafter, the matter was adjourned till November 7, 2024 for continuation of trial.

370-000-internet-fraud-how-an-alleged-fraudster-family-defrauded-me-american-victim
**********************************************

5 JUL 2024

EFCC ARRESTS THREE FOR IMPERSONATING CHRISTIAN CLERIC

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested three suspected fraudsters -  
Odion Victor, Amos Godwin and Ayomide Michael for impersonating Evangelist 
Chukwuebuka Obi of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach on social media platforms 
to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

The suspects  were arrested  following credible intelligence that uncovered 
how they allegedly cloned the social media accounts of Obi and deceived many 
of his church members to give money towards treatment of some purported sick 
people, sow seeds for spiritual breakthrough or for special prayers, with  
the money paid into the bank accounts of the fraudsters.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-three-for-impersonating-christian-cleric
********************************************

5 JUL 2024

OLUKOYEDE CHARGES CORPS MEMBERS TO TAKE A STAND 
AGAINST CORRUPTION

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, charged corps members across 
the country to take a deliberate stand against corruption in the interest 
of their future and the entire nation. 

He gave the charge in Abuja while addressing Batch B, Stream One corps 
members at the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Orientation Camp in 
Kubwa.

According to him, as young adults and youths serving the nation after 
graduating from their various institutions,  corps members should take 
a deliberate stand against economic and financial crimes and refuse to 
be drawn into any compromise of integrity.

He pointed out that economic and financial crimes directly put the fortunes 
of the economy and polity of Nigeria in jeopardy while criminality of such 
dimension puts foreign direct investment in uncertainty, slows down genuine 
efforts to build formidable structures in industries and greatly throws open 
the nation to avoidable complications.

The EFCC boss who spoke through Deputy Superintendent of EFCC, DSE, Abbas 
Abubakar Umar stated that the scourge of internet fraud has become a pervasive 
trouble which Nigerian youths are getting embroiled in at the detriment of 
their future and Nigeria’s image.

“Youths are getting embroiled in all sorts of cybercrime to the detriment 
of their future and the image of our nation.  This is one undesirable situation 
that calls for concern.  For our economy to grow and compete favourably with 
strides being made in other advanced economies, the scourge of corruption must 
be frontally tackled,” he said.

The EFCC boss further charged the youths to see corruption as an enemy to be 
destroyed and have a new insight into the disservice which corruption represents 
by willingly becoming change agents, active foot soldiers against corruption, 
community advocates and strong resisting forces against corruption as well as 
whistle-blowers or intelligence-gatherers.

At the NYSC temporary Orientation Camp in Kaduna,  Kaduna State,  Olukoyede, 
represented by Chief Superintendent  CSE Nana Fatima Abubakar of the Public 
Affairs Department, Kaduna Zonal Directorate, stressed that  youths should 
look inward and challenge themselves by bringing up their God -given creative 
ideas, perspectives and drives that can help to drive the economy.  He equally 
enjoined them to start off by enlisting into the EFCC/NYSC CD group as that 
will avail them the opportunity to work closely with the Commission's advocacy 
arm where they serve as change agents by helping to mould kids in schools 
across the country.

In Ibadan,  Oyo State,  Olukoyede spoke through DSE Olumide Egbodofo of the 
Public Affairs Department,  Ibadan Zonal Directorate,  NYSC,  Permanent Orientation 
Camp in Iseyin and warned corps members to steer away from internet crimes and 
embrace a lifestyle of industry,  transparency and accountability.  He decried 
the degrading and degenerating norms and societal values among the  youths by 
succumbing to shady and ostentatious lifestyle.

He gave the same warning at the NYSC Orientation Camp,  Issele Uku, Delta State. 
The EFCC boss,  who was represented by Williams Oseghale,  Head, Public Affairs 
Department,  Benin Zonal Directorate  expressed worry that the lure for quick 
wealth has resulted in youths getting involved in cyber crimes and other forms 
of criminality.  He challenged them to be whistle-blowers in their various places 
of primary assignment and expose shady deals around them.

At the NYSC Orientation camp in Keffi,  Nasarawa State and  speaking through  
Head, Public Affairs Directorate, Abuja Zonal Command,  CSE Ngoundu Nguetar, 
Olukoyede  reiterated the need for youths to be hardworking as, according to 
him, ‘there is no shortcut to wealth’. He noted that there must be a paradigm 
shift  and youths should see corruption as an enemy to be destroyed and not 
as a means to wealth. He encouraged them to say something when they see 
something and the EFCC will definitely do something.

In the same vein in Kwara State,  the anti graft czar spoke through the Head, 
Public Affairs Department, Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Ayodele Babatunde  
that many of  the problems confronting the country such as kidnapping, banditry, 
poor infrastructure and others are connected to corruption. He added that all 
hands must be on the deck to tame the cankerworm.While calling on the youths to 
channel their potential productively and shun crime, the EFCC Chair said that, 
“yahoo-yahoo is not a sustainable way of life. The fact that the rate of 
unemployment is high should not be an excuse to resort to crime. Act of 
criminality might deliver wealth in the short term but there will be misery 
and gnashing of teeth at the end”,  he said

Olukoyede  spoke in other locations in Lagos,  Maiduguri,  Uyo,  Port Harcourt,  
Makurdi cautioning youths against corrupt practices.  He appreciated the collaboration 
between the Commission and the NYSC and looked forward to more engagements as this 
would help in creating a better future for our future generations.

olukoyede-charges-corps-members-to-take-a-stand-against-corruption
****************************************

3 JUL 2024

EFCC WARNS PROMOTERS OF PLANNED PROTEST

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, wishes to alert 
the general public on the plan by a shadowy group to instigate a “protest” 
against the Commission.

In the last couple of days, the group has been actively campaigning in 
the social media, recruiting impressionable young Nigerians, including 
students to take up “arms” against the EFCC.

This insidious campaign is being promoted as resistance to the operational 
activities of the Commission especially in respect of the enforcement of 
the laws dealing with cybercrimes.

The Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by  
emerging evidence that  suggest a grand design by corrupt elements under 
investigation or prosecution by the Commission to  exploit the so-called 
protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace 
and security of our dear nation.

As a responsible law enforcement organisation, the Commission will not 
tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country especially 
around its office locations across Nigeria.

EFCC, working in concert with sister security agencies, is therefore taking 
necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security 
of Nigeria. 

The Commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary 
institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not 
recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission 
by vested corrupt interests.

The war being waged by the Commission against corruption and cybercrime is 
to protect the future of the youth of this country. That future is imperiled 
if Nigeria degenerates further in global reckoning as a den of fraudsters.

efcc-warns-promoters-of-planned-protest
**************************************

2 JUL 2024

TWO BAG JAIL TERMS FOR INTERNET FRAUD IN LAGOS

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of two internet fraudsters, 
Rauf Rokeeb Abayomi and Odeh Godspower, before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu 
of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The suspects were arraigned on June 28, 2024 on separate charges bordering 
on internet fraud, contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3) of the 
Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015.

The charge against Ayobami reads: “That you, Rauf Rokeeb Ayobami (a.k.a 
Nasty Anabella), on or about the 10th day of May, 2024 in Lagos, within 
the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, directly made a false statement, 
wherein you held yourself out as a white woman by name "NASTY ANNABELLA" 
on your Facebook 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.”

The charge against Godspower reads: “That you, Oden Godspower, sometime 
in April 2024, at Indy Pool Hotel Olodi, Lagos State, within the Jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court, directly made a false statement wherein you held 
yourself out as one NASTY_PUFFPHAFF, an American citizen, using your instagram 
Application 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 you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable 
under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act. 2015.”

They pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them.

In view of their guilty pleas,  prosecuting counsel, C.C. Okezie, through 
the investigating officer, Oyinda Abdullahi, reviewed the facts of the case 
and tendered documentary evidence against them.

Delivering judgment on July 1, 2024, Justice Dipeolu convicted them as charged 
and sentenced Rauf Rokeeb to six months imprisonment, with an option of fine 
of N50, 000. The Judge also sentenced Godspower to two weeks imprisonment.

The convicts began their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were 
arrested for internet crimes.  They were charged to court and convicted.

two-bag-jail-terms-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos
******************************************

2 JUL 2024

COURTS JAIL SIX FOR INTERNET CRIMES IN KADUNA

Justices Darius Khobo and A.A Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court and 
Hawau Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna have convicted and sentenced 
Abubakar Shettima (a.k.a Dennis Hueber), Timileyin Akinsola (a.k.a James 
Smith), Favour Onoja (a.k.a Dean Leon), Naphtali Bako (a.k.a Benjah), 
Suleiman Ibrahim (a.k.aRico_Mod2) and Festus Gabriel (a.k.a Sandra Will) 
to various jail terms for  internet fraud.

The six convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one- count charges bordering 
on cheating and impersonation.

Akinsola’s charge reads: “That you Timileyin Akinsola (a.k.a James Smith), 
male between January and May, 2024 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this 
Honourable Court, impersonated one James Smith, a United States of American 
citizen on Instagram ( an online Social media application) and in such assumed 
character cheated one Larry Fletcher of the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Five 
United States Dollars ($125USD) and thereby committed an offence contrary to 
Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017and punishable under 
Section 309 of the same Law.”

The count against Bako reads: “That you Naphtali Bako (a.k.a Benjah), sometime 
in April, 2024 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, 
represented yourself as one Benjah ( a musician from United States of America) 
on Facebook ( a social media platform) and in such assumed Identity cheated 
one Alois Whitfield the total sum of N60,000 ( Sixty Thousand Naira), only 
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.”

All the convicts pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them, prompting 
prosecution counsel, Kehinde Ogunalde, Musa Usman Gadaka and Kehinde Ogunlade 
to urge the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Khobo convicted and sentenced Shettima to three years imprisonment or  
a fine of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira), and sentenced Timileyin to 
five years imprisonment or a fine of N450,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand and 
Fifty Thousand Naira).

Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced Onoja to five years imprisonment or  
a fine of N 400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira), while he handed a seven 
years imprisonment to Bako or pay a fine of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand 
Naira).

Ibrahim and Gabriel were convicted and sentenced by Justice Buhari to 14 and 
four years imprisonment respectively. Ibrahim is to pay a fine of N 300,000.00 
(Three Hundred Thousand Naira), while Gabriel was given N500,000,00 (Five 
Hundred Thousand Naira) option of fine. 

The convicts in addition forfeited their communication gadgets, being the tools 
of their crimes to the Federal government. 

They all bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet-related 
offences.  They were charged to court and convicted.  

The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers:

courts-jail-six-for-internet-crimes-in-kaduna
*****************************************

1 JUL 2024

ALLEGED MONEY LAUNDERING: WITNESS REVEALS HOW N35BN 
WAS FOUND IN MOMPHA’S ACCOUNTS

The sixth prosecution witness, PW6, Idi Musa, in the trial of Ismaila Mustapha, 
(a.k.a Mompha)  an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, on Monday, July 1, 2024, told Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences 
Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos how the sum of N35bn was found in two bank accounts 
linked to the defendant. 

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
had, on January 12, 2022, arraigned Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Global 
Investment Limited, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder 
funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, 
laundering of funds obtained through unlawful activity, failure to disclose assets 
and property, possession of documents containing false pretences and use of property 
derived from unlawful act.

One of the counts reads: "Ismaila Mustapha, Ahmadu Mohammed (at large) and Ismalob 
Global Investment Limited, sometime in 2016, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of 
this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to conduct financial transactions 
to the tune of N5,998,884,653.18 ( Five Billion Nine Hundred and Ninety-eight Million,  
Eight Hundred and Eighty-four Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-three Naira Eighteen 
Kobo), with the intent of promoting the carrying on of specified unlawful activities 
to wit: obtaining by false pretence."

He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when they were read to him.

On September 22, 2022, Justice Dada had ordered that the trial of Mompha would 
continue in absentia, after he jumped bail.

At Monday’s proceedings, Musa, while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, 
S. I. Suleiman, narrated how he knew the first and second defendants in the course of 
investigations into the alleged criminal activities. 

He told the court how the Commission had received intelligence from the Federal Bureau 
of Investigations, FBI, informing it that the first and second defendants were into 
cybercrime in the United States of America, USA. 

In his testimony, he said: “ Sometime in 2019, we received intelligence  from the FBI, 
USA. The letter was addressed to the Commission,  informing us that the first and second 
defendant were involved in cybercrime, otherwise known as Yahoo Yahoo.”

According to him, in the course of investigation, some letters were written to two 
major banks  requesting the account statements of the second defendant linked to the 
first defendant.

In his further testimony, he told the court that “The account statements were received 
and analysed. 

"During the analysis, we discovered a heavy flow of N30bn through the account of the 
first defendant (Mompha) in one of the banks and about N5bn in another bank account.

“Letters were written to the FBI, and the Special Fraud Unit of the Commission, regarding 
the defendant’s claim that he was into Bureau De change business, in view of the volume 
of these transactions. 

“A letter was also written to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and other relevant 
agencies". 

He also told the court that investigation revealed that the first defendant did not 
reside in Nigeria and that efforts to reach him proved abortive.

The PW 6 said: “A letter was written to the Nigeria Immigration Services , 

NIS, on October 16, 2019 to arrest the defendant anytime he was seen in the country.

"On October 18, 2019, the first defendant got information that the Commission was looking 
for him, while he was in Nigeria. So, he quickly got to the airport, boarded a flight in 
order to jet out of the country to evade arrest. 

“The team got the information through the NIS officers at the airport. By then, Mompha 
had already boarded the flight. So, they had to call him to come down and he was immediately 
arrested. He was subsequently handed over to the EFCC by the immigration officers".

When asked about the findings regarding the defendant’s bank account, Musa said over 
N30bn was discovered, adding that “ he told us that he was into Bureau De Change business. 
But investigation showed that he was not.

“We have already concluded investigations in that regard. The offences border on money 
laundering, operating BDC without licence before a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.”

He also told the court that a report from the FBI's forensic analysis revealed that 
Mompha's iPhone was used to send account details to a United Arab Emirates telephone 
number, which he used to search for Swift Codes of a bank.

 "Upon his arrest, all the properties recovered from him were registered with the 
 Exhibits Section in the EFCC office.

“Most of the properties were released to him on bond, except his Iphone 8 that is 
still with the Commission.

“The items are proceeds of crime because when he was given the Assets Declaration Form, 
he did not include those items". 

The prosecution then tendered both the first defendant’s statement as well as the 
Asset Declaration Form.

They were admitted in evidence as exhibits P5 and P6 by the court.

Consequently, Justice Dada adjourned the case till Tuesday, October 8, 2024 for 
continuation of trial.

alleged-money-laundering-witness-reveals-how-n35bn-was-found-in-momphas-accounts
*********************************************

28 JUN 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 27 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BENIN CITY

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday June 26, 2024 arrested 27 suspected 
internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City.

The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on their 
suspected  involvement in computer- related fraud.

Items recovered from them include the sum of N590,000, nine exotic cars,  
laptops and phones

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-27-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
********************************************

28 JUN 2024

COURT JAILS TWO FOR IMPERSONATION IN KADUNA

Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna has 
convicted and sentenced the duo of Onah Henry Chinonso (a.k.a Sandra 
Morales) and Puklong Michael Longhom (a.k.a Robertech) to prison for 
internet fraud.

The convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charges, 
bordering on criminal impersonation on social media.

Chinonso’s charge reads: “That you, Onah Henry Chinonso (a.k.a Sandra 
Morales), male, sometimes in May, 2024 in Jos, Plateau State, within 
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated 
one Sandra Morales (a female American, residing in Miami, United States) 
on 'Facebook' (an online social media application), with intent to gain 
advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to 
Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc)Act, 
2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.”

The count charge for Longhom reads: “That you Puklong Michael Longhom 
(a.k.a Robertech) sometime in May, 2024 in Jos, Plateau State, within 
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated 
one Robertech (a Tech expert) on social media platform (Instagram 
Application) with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby 
committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrimes 
(Prohibition, Prevention etc)Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 
22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.”

Both pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, 
prompting prosecution counsel, Musa Usman Gadaka, who appeared with 
Mariya Nasaude Usman and Fatima Ustaz Usman to urge the court to 
convict and sentence them accordingly. 

Justice Aikawa thereafter convicted and sentenced Chinonso to five years 
imprisonment or a fine of N500,000.00, (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), while 
he handed Longhom four years imprisonment or  a fine of N500,000.00 (Five 
Hundred Thousand Naira) as well.

Both convicts were arrested at Bauchi Bypass in Jos, Plateau State, 
following credible intelligence on their fraudulent internet activities. 

The press release contains a photo of each 419er:

court-jails-two-for-impersonation-in-kaduna
*********************************************

27 JUN 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 117 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN LAGOS

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 117 suspected internet fraudsters 
in Lagos. 

The suspects were arrested at Regional Hotel, Iyana- Ishasi, Lagos in 
a sting operation, following verified intelligence about their alleged 
involvement in computer-related fraud.

Items recovered from the suspects, at the point of arrest, include mobile 
phones,  laptop computers and four cars.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-117-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos
*********************************************

27 JUN 2024

OLUKOYEDE DECRIES $88.6 BILLION LOST TO ILLICIT FINANCIAL 
FLOWS ANNUALLY IN AFRICA

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  
Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, has  disclosed that a whopping $88.6billion 
is lost to illicit financial flows in Africa annually.

He stated this in Tunis, Tunisia on Thursday,  June 27, 2024 while delivering 
a keynote address at the Pan-African Conference on Illicit Financial Flows 
(IFFs) and Taxation.

Speaking on the theme “Africa’s Tax Agenda in Combatting Illicit Financial 
Flows: From Words to Action,”, the EFCC’s boss emphasized the grave challenge 
posed by Illicit Financial Flows to Africa’s economic stability and development. 
He noted that over $88.6 billion is illicitly siphoned from the continent annually, 
funds that could otherwise be channeled towards critical infrastructure, healthcare, 
and education.

At the conference that brought together key stakeholders to discuss pioneering 
approaches to asset recovery and financial reintegration in Africa, Olukoyede 
discussed the role of the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR) 
in providing a unified stance for African nations. He also underscored the 
importance of international cooperation, citing the Stolen Asset Recovery 
Initiative (StAR), a partnership between the World Bank and the United Nations 
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as pivotal in facilitating these efforts.

The EFCC’s boss shared notable success stories, including Nigeria’s repatriation 
of $311 million of the Abacha loot from the United States in 2020. This recovery,  
he said, was achieved through collaboration with international partners and has 
been allocated to vital infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge 
and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He detailed how Nigeria is utilizing these funds 
for developmental projects aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Olukoyede also incorporated outcomes from the recent high-level technical 
stakeholders meeting which held in Addis Ababa from May 28-30, 2024. This 
meeting, organized by the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption 
(AUABC) and the African Union Commission - Political Affairs, Peace and 
Security Department (AUC-PAPS), in collaboration with the GIZ Global Program 
on Illicit Financial Flows (GP-IFF), focused on the establishment of the 
Pan-African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum.

Addressing the challenges and obstacles in asset recovery, Olukoyede highlighted 
the technical, legal, and political hurdles that complicate the process of tracing, 
freezing, and repatriating illicit funds. He called for the strengthening of legal 
and institutional frameworks across African countries to better combat IFFs.

He also stressed the need for capacity building, robust legal frameworks, and 
enhanced coordination and cooperation at national, regional, and international 
levels. He advocated for the use of advanced technologies such as data analytics, 
blockchain, and artificial intelligence to improve asset tracking and recovery 
efforts.

While rounding up his presentation, anti-graft czar called for continuous 
advocacy and international pressure to ensure cooperation from tax havens 
and low-tax jurisdictions. He emphasized the importance of stopping resources 
from leaving Africa in the first place, urging collective efforts to turn words 
into action for the betterment of the continent.

The Pan-African Conference on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation, is holding 
from June 26-28, 2024, and aims to address the significant challenge of Illicit 
Financial Flows (IFFs) from Africa, which undermine economic development and 
governance. The event provides a platform for sharing success stories, identifying 
obstacles, and formulating strategic recommendations to enhance the continent’s 
capacity to combat IFFs and reclaim its assets.

Yhe press release contains a photo:

olukoyede-decries-88-6billion-lost-to-illicit-financial-flows-annually-in-africa

419 Coalition comment:  In terms of "asset recovery and integration" we'd have 
liked it if Chairman Olukeyede would have addressed Nigeria's lack of transparency
on estimated monies stolen by 419 crimals, amounts of monies and assets recovered
from 419ers by the EFCC, and verifiable amounts actually repatriated to victims of 
419.  Since Nigeria wants cooperation in the recovery anf repatriation of monies
stolen from its own citizens by its own citizens, we'd suggest it ups it game 
regarding the recovery and repatriation of monies stolen from the ciizens of other 
countries by Nigerian 419ers.  Quid pro quo is a marvellous thing....
************************************************

27 JUN 2024

COURT JAILS FIVE FOR INTERNET FRAUD IN KADUNA

Justices R.M Aikawa and A. Isiaka on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 convicted 
and sentenced five internet fraudsters to prison in Kaduna. 

Justice Aikawa of the Federal High Court Kaduna sentenced and convicted 
the trio of Molwat Terah Sati, Zumshak Paul Wankof and Chidi Tochukwu 
Emmanuel, while Abraham Daniel (a.k.a Eric Wallace) and Amos Wisdom 
(a.k.a Laura Lute) were convicted by Justice Isiaka of the Kaduna State 
High Court.

All the convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on one-count separate charges, bordering 
on internet crimes.

Sati’s charge reads: “That you Molwat Terah Sati (a.k.a Helena Bialas) sometime 
in April, 2024 at Bankers Apartment, Reyfield, Jos, within the jurisdiction of 
this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Helena Bialas on Facebook 
(an online social media platform) to unsuspecting members of the public with 
intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence 
contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrimes 
(Prohibition, Prevention etc)Act, 2015.”

That of Wisdom reads: “That you Wisdom (a.k.a. Laura Lute) sometimes between 
April and May, 2023 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, 
did commit an offence to wit: cheating by impersonation when you falsely 
represented yourself as Laura Lute (a pornstar) on Facebook (an online social 
media platform) and in such assumed identity induced unsuspecting victims in 
the public to send to you the total sum of N 3,155,340.00 ( Three Million, 
One Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand Three Hundred and Forty Naira ) only, 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.” 

They all pleaded “guilty” to their respective charges,  prompting prosecution 
counsel M.J Argungu and M.Lawal to urge the courts to convict and sentence 
them accordingly. 

Justices Aikawa convicted and sentenced Emmanuel to seven years imprisonment 
or a fine of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira). He handed Wankof three 
years imprisonment or a fine of N450,000.00, (Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand 
Naira). He also forfeited $200( Two Hundred United States Dollars) to the 
federal government, while Sati got three years imprisonment or a fine of 
N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira).

Similarly, Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced Daniel to three years 
imprisonment or a fine of N150,000.00, (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) 
and sentenced Wisdom to five years imprisonment or a fine of N 300,000.00 
(Three Hundred Thousand Naira).

Additionally, Wisdom is to restitute the sum of N2,300,000 ( Two Million, 
Three Hundred Thousand Naira) to the victim.

All the convicts forfeited their phones, being the tools of their crimes 
to the federal government.

The road to jail began for Sati, Wankof and Emmanuel when they were arrested 
in Jos, Plateau State, while that of Daniel and Wisdom began after they were 
picked up in Kaduna metropolis, following credible intelligence on their 
fraudulent internet activities.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

court-jails-five-for-internet-fraud-in-kaduna
*****************************************

26 JUN 2024

KWARA COURTS JAIL TEN FOR INTERNET FRAUD

The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of ten 
fraudsters to various jail terms. They were all jailed for internet 
fraud. 

On Monday, June 24, 2024, Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal 
High Court sitting in Ilorin convicted  and sentenced five persons 
to various jail terms.

The convicts are Sodiq Shehu;  Ayinla Abdulwaheed Ayomide; Abdulkareem 
Omotosho ; Ekundayo Stephen Samuel and Ayinla Sofiu Abayomi.

The charge against Ayomide reads:

“That you, Ayinla Abdulwaheed Ayomide whilst a PICKER between January 
2022 and August 2023 at Ilorin within the  jurisdiction  of this Honourable 
Court did take possession of the sum of N5,373,000.00 (Five Million, Three 
Hundred and Seventy Three Thousand Naira Only) transferred into your Zenith 
Bank account number: 2400818519 and FCMB Bank Account No: 4883945011 and 
which sum you knew directly represented the proceeds of crime of some persons, 
vz;  Oluwatobi Babajide John, Akeem Adedeji, Adeleke Adedeji, e.t.c and 
thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 17(a) 
& (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 
2004”  

The defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were 
read to them, following which Prosectuion counsel, Innocent Mbachie, prayed 
the court to convict and sentence them.

Consequently, Justice Anyadike sentenced Shehu to four months imprisonment 
with an  option of  fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) on 
each counts 

Similarly, Ayomide, Omotosho,  Samuel and Abayomi were sentenced to 12 months 
imprisonment  each with varying option of fine between N200,000 and N300,000. 

The court also ordered that all the phones, laptops that were used by the 
convicts to perpetrate the crime and various sums of money brought by them 
as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government. 

In a similar fashion, Justices Adebayo Yusuf and Mahmud Abdulgafar of the 
Kwara State High Court, and Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court 
in Ilorin  at separate sittings on Tuesday, June 26, 2024,  convicted another 
set of five suspected internet fraudsters to various jail terms.

They are Evugbemu Emoefe Emmanuel, Osi Ayomide Shitu, Alade Abiodun,  
Adegoke Gbolahan  and  Shehu Abdugafar Bukola.

The charges against Evugbemu Emoefe Emmanuel reads:

“That you, Evugbemu Emoefe Emmanuel (Alias: Lilian Trejo) sometime between 
November 2023 and April 2024  at Ilorin, within the judicial division of 
the High Court, did cheat by personation when you pretended to be one Lilian 
Trejo vide your Facebook messenger account and induced one Carl Perez to 
part with the sum of $1,300 (One Thousand, Three Hundred US Dollars) through 
Cash App and Gift cards  thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 
321 of the Penal Code Law and Punishable under Section 324 of the same law”

They pleaded guilty to their charges when they were read to them, following 
which  EFCC Counsel,  Innocent Mbachie, Andrew Akoja and Mustapha Kaigama 
prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

The Justices, in their separate judgment, convicted and sentenced them to 
various jail terms.

Justice Yusuf sentenced Emmanuel to six months imprisonment without an option 
of fine and ordered that the sum of $1,3300 (One Thousand, Three Hundred and 
Thirty US Dollars), which was recovered from him as well as his phone and 
laptop be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The judge also sentenced Abiodun to six months imprisonment with an option 
of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) fine, while Shittu  bagged two 
years imprisonment with an option of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira 
Only). The court also ordered that the phones used as an instrument of the 
crime be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Similarly, Justice Abdulgafar sentenced Bukola to six months imprisonment 
with an option of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) and ordered 
the forfeiture of the sum of $150 (One Hundred and Fifty US Dollars) and 
the phone used by the convict to perpetrate the crime.

Justice Anyadike, in the same vein, sentenced Gbolahan to 6 months imprisonment 
each on the two counts brought against him with an option of N100,000 (One Hundred 
Thousand Naira Only) on each count. The court also ordered that the convict’s 
iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy S8, and MacBook laptop be forfeited to the Federal 
Government.  

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet
-related offences.  They were charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

kwara-courts-jail-ten-for-internet-fraud
**********************************************

21 JUN 2024

EFCC CHARGES STUDENTS TO BE CREATIVE AND 
SHUN INTERNET FRAUD

The acting Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, Michael T. Wetkas has charged students across the 
country to embrace original and creative thinking and  shun cybercrimes.

He gave the charge on Thursday, June 20, 2024, when he received members 
of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, on a courtesy 
visit to his office in Lagos.

Wetkas, who described the youth as the "building blocks of the nation," 
warned that cybercrime poses a serious threat to the development of the 
country.

He said: “The strength of any nation lies in its youths and educational 
level. The country needs a generation of progressive individuals who will 
maximize their talents.”

Wetkas also expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Association, 
while encouraging its members to be whistleblowers.

He noted that cybercrime had now  evolved from the traditional "yahoo 
plus" to more sophisticated forms such as sextortion.

Earlier, the  National Senate Clerk of NANS, Oladimeji Uthman, expressed 
his gratitude to the EFCC for its  swift response to the request for the 
visit.

While acknowledging the involvement of some students in cybercrime, he 
stated that the Association would be more committed to the fight against 
internet fraud.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Chairman of NANS, Alimi Lekan Idris, 
sought a collaboration with the EFCC to facilitate the organization 
during the Association’s annual students’ weeks.

efcc-charges-students-to-be-creative-and-shun-internet-fraud
******************************************

17 JUN 2024

FAKE EFCC STAFF DOCKED FOR ALLEGED N1.1 MILLION FRAUD 
IN ENUGU

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission, EFCC has arraigned one Nweke Izuchukwu Jude before Justice 
Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence 
Layout, Enugu State for allegedly impersonating officers of the EFCC.

Jude was arraigned on two-count charges  bordering on impersonation 
and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N1, 100, 000. 00 (One 
Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira).

One of the Counts reads: “That you, Nweke Izuchukwu Jude, sometime 
in April 2024, at Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N1, 100, 000. 00 
from one Justin Chidozie Chukwukere when you fraudulently presented 
yourself as an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
a pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 1 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 when the charges were read to him. 
In view of his plea,  EFCC Counsel, Ajobiewe Rotimi Enitan,  prayed 
the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at 
Enugu State Correctional facility.

However, the defence counsel E. S. Umeojiakor informed the court 
about a pending bail application before it and prayed that his client 
be admitted to bail on liberal terms.

Enitan opposed the application,  After listening to both sides, the 
court granted the defendant bail on the following conditions: bail in 
the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must 
be resident within jurisdiction of the court. One of the sureties must 
have a landed property within the jurisdiction and they must be verified 
by the court Registrar.

The matter was adjourned to October 9, 2024 for trial while the defendant 
was remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility pending the perfection 
of the bail conditions.

The press release contains a photo:

fake-efcc-staff-docked-for-alleged-n1-1million-fraud-in-enugu
******************************************

17 JUN 2024

ALLEGED $5M FRAUD: COURT DISMISSES DEFENDANT’S APPLICATION 
CHALLENGING JURISDICTION

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, 
on Thursday, June 13, 2024, dismissed the application filed by Capt. 
Everest Nnaji , a second defendant in a $5m fraud trial, challenging 
the territorial jurisdiction of the court to hear the case filed 
against him and one Victor Uadiale.

The defendants are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on an amended five-count charge bordering 
on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of $5 
million.

One of the counts reads: "That you, Victor  Uadiale (aka Victor 
Emeka/Amaka Emeka), Captain Everest Nnaji and Ismail Lawal (now 
at large), between 22nd April and 12th day of October 1998, in 
Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with 
intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of $1,292,000.00 
(One Million, Two Hundred and Ninety-two Thousand United States 
Dollar) from  Tawfeeq A. Al-Omar, a Kuwaiti national, by falsely 
representing to him that the said sum represented payment for 
Urea Phosphate fertilizer, which you claimed was procured from 
National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria (NAFCON), Port Harcourt 
and Bonny Light crude oil, which pretext you knew to be false 
and committed an offence contrary to  Section 1(3) of the Advance 
Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 13 of 1995 as 
amended by Act No. 62 of 1999."

They pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them when 
they were first arraigned on December 14, 2018, and maintained the 
same plea to the amended charges.

The victim, Tawfeeq A. Al-Omar, a Kuwaiti national, had testified 
as the first prosecution witness, narrating how he unwittingly fell 
into the trap of parting with his money.

The prosecution led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had, on September 28, 
2022, closed its case after calling six witnesses and tendering 
several documentary evidence against them.

The defence, however, filed a no-case submission.

Justice Dada had, on March 23, 2023 ,dismissed the no-case submission 
filed by the defendants as lacking merit and also ordered them to open 
their defence.

Though the first defendant had begun his testimony denying the charges 
preferred against him, the application of the second defendant challenging 
jurisdiction remained pending.

The second defendant had argued that the charge was incompetent and 
urged the court to strike out his name from the charge sheet.

The prosecution, through its counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, however, prayed 
the court to order the second defendant to open his defence.

Delivering ruling on Thursday, Justice Dada held that the application 
was only intended to stall the trial and “it, therefore, fails and is 
hereby dismissed.”

The case was adjourned till Thursday, October 3, 2024 for continuation 
of trial.

alleged-5m-fraud-court-dismisses-defendants-application-challenging-jurisdiction
***************************************

17 JUN 2024

ANTI-GRAFT WAR: OLUKOYEDE URGES STUDENTS TO BE CHANGE AGENTS

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, Ola Olukoyode, has urged students across the country to be change 
agents by being the ears and eyes of the Commission wherever they observe 
any fraudulent activity.

He gave the charge  in Lagos on Thursday, June 13, 2024 during the Second 
Edition of All Public Primary Schools in Lagos Debate Competition organized 
by the LG News Academy.

The EFCC’s boss, who spoke through Babatunde Sulaiman  of the Public Affairs 
Department, PAD, Lagos Zonal Command, commended the initiative and praised the 
pupils for reaching the finals among the 1021 participating schools.

In his goodwill message at the occasion, Olukoyode lamented the growing 
involvement of youths, who are potential leaders of the country, in cybercrimes.

He also expressed grave concern that the Commission, almost on a daily basis, 
receives credible intelligence linking many youths across the country to all 
manner of economic and financial crimes.

Speaking about the efforts of the Commission to curtail the disturbing trend 
of youths’ involvement in cybercrimes, the anti-graft czar stated that the 
Commission, in line with its  prevention mandate, would continue to collaborate 
with critical stakeholders and organizations, including schools to sensitize 
the youth.

He, therefore, encouraged the young minds to become anti-corruption ambassadors, 
who would always condemn fraudulent practices, while utilizing their God-given 
talents for the betterment of the society.

“In this hall today, I see a crop of young minds who inspire with their powerful 
and moving words; and whose facial expressions alone convey the readiness to be 
anti-corruption ambassadors.  I see a crop of youths who are desirous to join 
the Commission to break the chain of corruption and economic and financial crimes 
that has stymied the country”, he said.

 He also pointed out that,  “you have shown us that all Nigerian youths must 
 not be tarred with this same brush of criminality.  As youths, you cannot 
 afford to be bystanders  in the fight against corruption and economic and 
 financial crimes in the country.  You must have in the back of your mind 
 that sitting on the fence is dangerous, especially if you consider the havoc 
 that corruption and economic and financial crimes have wreaked  on the nation.

You have to be intentional about your efforts to wage  war against internet 
fraud.”

Olukoyede tasked the students that “whenever you find yourself, you must 
try to be the ears and eyes of the Commission by condemning any fraudulent 
practice you may observe. Also, you must not abuse the talent that God has 
endowed you with; you must put it to good use for the betterment of humanity”.

In his remarks, Tunde Jakande, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, LG News Academy, 
said the debate topic, “ This House Believes That Technological Innovations 
Are More Effective in Fighting Corruption”, was informed by the recent 
disclosure by the EFCC’s Chair that the leadership of the country by the 
youth might be threatened if the spate of their involvement in cybercrime 
was not halted now.

Jakande, who expressed gratitude to the EFCC for its support, added that 
the competition “aims to educate the children about the dangers of internet 
fraud and scams.”

The press release contains photos:

anti-graft-war-olukoyede-urges-students-to-be-change-agents
***************************************

15 JUN 2024

TWO FAKE EFCC  OPERATIVES BAG 46 YEARS JAIL TERM 
IN LAGOS

Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in 
Ikeja, has sentenced the duo of Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim Sadiq 
Adekunle to 46 years imprisonment for impersonating  operatives of the 
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, while executing a fake 
court order.

They were re-arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC on an 
amended five-count charge bordering on impersonation, attempt to obtain 
property, possession of documents containing false pretence and unlawfully 
wearing the uniform of the EFCC.

One of the counts reads: “ That you, Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim 
Sadiq Adekunle, on or about the 12th day of May, 2021 in Lagos, within 
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with 
intent to defraud, attempted to obtain property from one Oriyomi Johnson 
under the pretext that the "Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos State Judiciary, 
Mushin, Lagos" issued an Order to the effect that the property located at 
New Horizon Estate, Lekki- Ikate, Lagos be seized and the said apartment 
sealed pending the arrival of the said Oriyomi Johnson ,which representation 
you knew to be false and committed an offence of attempt to obtain property 
by false pretense contrary to Sections 8(b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and 
Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section11(3) 
of the same Act.”

Another count reads: “ That you, Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim Sadiq 
Adekunle, on or about the 12th day of May, 2021 in Lagos, within the 
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court not being a person holding any 
office in or authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
wore a jacket bearing the official mark of the Commission ,which was 
calculated to convey the impression that you held such authority and 
committed an offence of unlawfully wearing the uniform of the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission contrary to Section 79(1) (b) of the 
Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.”

They pleaded  guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

Following their guilty pleas, the prosecution counsel, Abdulhamid Lamido 
Tukur, gave a review of the facts of the case to prove the guilt of the 
defendants.

Tukur, thereafter, urged the court to convict the defendants as charged 
and sentenced them accordingly.

Justice Abike-Fadipe found them guilty as charged on counts one, two, 
three, four and five. 

The defendants, who were given an opportunity to address the court, 
pleaded for mercy.

Delivering judgment, Justice Abike-Fadipe sentenced the defendants each  
to seven years on counts one to three each, one year on count four and 
eight months on count five.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

The convicts were arrested sometime in May, 2021, following credible 
intelligence received by the Commission, while they were in the middle 
of an illegal operation at the New Horizon Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included fake EFCC 
identity cards, jackets, and a court order purported to have emanated 
from Mushin Magistrate Court.

They were subsequently arraigned on October 12, 2021 an amended five-count 
charge, to which they initially pleaded not guilty.

The press release contains a photo:

two-fake-efcc-operatives-bag-46-years-jail-term-in-lagos
**********************************************

14 JUN 2024

EFCC, FBI STRENGTHEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation, FBI on Friday, June 14, 2024 brokered a 
renewed strategic alliance towards tackling the menace of internet 
crimes and other waves of emerging and old crimes that are of mutual 
interests to Nigeria and the United States. .

The  development came when Christopher Wray, FBI’s Director led 
a team of the Bureau’s top officials on a visit to the EFCC’s 
ExecutiveChairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s Abuja 
corporate headquarters.

In his remark at the meeting, Wray expressed delight at the bond 
that has existed over the years between the EFCC and FBI and called 
for its upscaling in the face of common crime threats that confront 
Nigeria and the US.

“Thank you for your hospitality and in particular for the partnership 
that exists between the FBI and the EFCC across a wide range of threats 
that we face together. We have had a relationship over the years and 
this is a reflection of how stronger than ever we are looking forward 
to taking our partnership to higher and higher levels in tackling threats 
that affect the people of Nigeria and the people of the United States. 
We have had close partnerships in shared values and focus and I want 
to say thank you for the wonderful partnership,” he said.

Responding,  Olukoyede  expressed appreciation to the FBI  for being 
the EFCC’s  personnel and institutional capacity building benefactor 
over the years and expressed optimism that the collaboration between 
the two agencies  would be taken a notch higher.

“We value the partnership between the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission, EFCC and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI. Over 
the years, this partnership has existed and it is for mutual benefits. 
We have to acknowledge that we have benefitted from your manpower and 
capacity development programmes, which have added value to the capacity 
of our operatives and our Academy. We also want to thank you for the 
technical support that you have provided over the years for the EFCC 
and by extension, Nigeria,” he said.

While suing for the enhancement of the collaboration and strategic 
partnership, Olukoyede noted that doing so was in mutual interest of 
Nigeria and the US, especially as criminality has become borderless.

“Some of the crimes we fight are borderless crimes, so it is extremely 
important for law enforcement agencies across the world to come together 
to collaborate. Law enforcement agencies must collaborate more. Our 
activities must be borderless so that we will be able to challenge the 
activities of the bad guys”, he said.

Assuring Wray and his team of the Commission’s commitment to collaboration 
with the American agency, he  said that “we are willing to continue and 
develop ideas that would be of mutual benefit to both agencies and ensure 
that the issue of cybercrime will take utmost priority in our scale of 
preference and also ensure that sextortion that has become a major challenge 
to us is taken very seriously”.

Olukoyede also used the meeting to spotlight the new direction of the 
Commission under his leadership. He pointed out that tackling public 
corruption was at the zenith of the policy directives.

“One of our major problems in Nigeria is public corruption. Upon my 
assumption of office I shared my three major policy directives with 
the entire nation. I promised to use the instrumentality of the anti-
corruption fight to stimulate the economy, in other words to ensure 
that businesses that are registered in Nigeria play by the rules. And 
we have shown in some of our activities that we were looking into a 
lot of government agencies as to how they carry out their activities 
particularly in the area of contract and procurement”

“We also promised the nation that we are going to follow the rule of law.  
I believe in results but I also believe that the way you achieve the result 
matters. I promised the nation that we are going to do it right.

“Thirdly is to use the activities of the EFCC to improve the international 
image of Nigeria and that is why we are vigorously pursuing the issue of 
cyber criminals because some of the activities of these folks have dented 
Nigeria’s image in the global space”,  he said.

Olukoyede noted that achieving the shift in paradigm called for new dynamism 
and mechanisms in the tools of the anti-corruption fight.

“The major thrust is to use the instrument of prevention to tackle corruption 
in the country. The EFCC has done well over the years in the areas of investigation 
and prosecution, but upon my assumption of office, I decided rather to look at the 
sources and causes of these problems. We will not just enforce but also look at 
prevention, since it is also within our mandate. So we decided to set up a new 
department, called Fraud Risk Assessment and Control”,  he said.

He expressed optimism that contract and procurement fraud would soon be 
a thing of the past as “we are going to ensure e-procurement in the entire 
nation so that it would be easy for us to track the execution of projects. 
That is one of the key innovations we have brought into our activities and 
we are really going to follow it through.”

The EFCC boss also used the occasion to highlight the centrality of appropriate 
public communication in the overall success of the anti-graft fight. “We are 
also drumming up awareness to our public enlightenment programmes. We have 
just launched our own FM radio station where we drum up awareness for our 
activities because of the misconceptions out there. The radio station is for 
the public to know what we are doing”.

The EFCC boss commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for mustering strong 
political will to fight corrupt practices. “The President's commitment is 
strong against corruption and this has been of immense motivation for us”,  
he said.   

Other officials on the FBI delegation include: Charles Smith Jnr, Sydney 
Schaur, Joshua James Moldt, William Michael Miller, Vanessa M. Tibbits, 
William B. Stevens, Leigha Ramson, Sofie Admire Sosenzweig and Dr. Jim Oscar.

efcc-fbi-strengthen-strategic-partnership
*****************************************

13 JUN 2024

ENGINEER, FIVE OTHERS JAILED FOR INTERNET FRAUD IN ILORIN

Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin 
on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 sentenced a Civil Engineer, Abeeb Uthman 
Jasola  to six months imprisonment for offences bordering on cybercrime 
and retention of proceeds of crime.

Jasola was prosecuted alongside Oladimeji Abubakar Oseni and Victor 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate charges, to which they 
pleaded guilty.

Three other internet fraudsters: Parakoyi Raihan Tobiloba, Morenikeji 
Mazeed Ayomide  and Solihu Abubakar Sodiq were also jailed.

While  Justice Olukayode Ariwoola  of the Federal High Court sitting 
in Ilorin jailed Tobiloba  Justice Anyadike of the same court convicted 
the duo of Ayomide and Solihu.

Jasola was arraigned on four- count charges  bordering on internet fraud 
while the other five convicts were arraigned on one-count separate charges 
each.

Count one of the charge against  Jasola reads:

“That you, Abeeb Uthman Jasola, whilst a Picker between January 2021 and 
December 2022 at Ilorin within the judicial division of the Federal High 
Court, did take possession of the sum of N3,330,500.00 (Three Million, 
Three Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred Naira Only) transferred 
into your account number: 0243337682 domiciled with Wema Bank Plc. and 
which sum you knew directly represented the proceeds of crime of some 
persons, vz; Azeez Faruq Dolapo, Tawakalitu Modadeola, Zolman Technology 
etc and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under 
ection 17(a) & (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 
(Establishment) Act, 2004” .

The charge against Tobiloba  reads:

“That you, Parakoyi Raihan Tobiloba between August 2021 and September 
2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain the 
control of the sum of N574,000.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand 
Naira Only) in your bank account number: 3084039724 with the name: Parakoyi 
Raihan Tobiloba domiciled with First Bank Plc which you knew to be proceeds 
of criminal conduct and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable 
under Section 17(a) & (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 
(Establishment) Act, 2004”  

They all pleaded guilty to their charges when they were read to them.  
Based on their pleas,  prosecution counsel,  Innocent Mbachie, Aliyu 
Adebayo prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.    

Justice Anyadike sentenced Jasola to two months imprisonment on each of 
he four counts with an option of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) 
on each count.

In the same vein, Oseni and Kayode  were convicted and  sentenced to six 
months imprisonment each with an option of fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred 
Thousand Naira Only) each.

The court  ordered that their phones including the sum of N500,000.00 and 
the title documents of a landed property recovered from Jasola be forfeited 
to the Federal Government.

Justice Anyadike also convicted and sentenced  Ayomide and Solihu to twelve 
months imprisonment each with an option of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand 
Naira Only) and N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only) respectively.

The court also ordered that their phones  including a car recovered from 
Solihu be forfeited to the Federal Government.

In another judgment,  Justice Ariwoola  convicted and sentenced Tobiloba  
to six months’ probation and ordered that the convict be made to swear an 
affidavit of good conduct and be reporting to the Chief Registrar of the 
court every last Thursday of the month within the next six months. The 
judge added that the convict would be given maximum punishment if he 
commits another offence during the period of probation.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by 
operatives of Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet-related 
offences.  They were charged to court and jailed.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

engineer-five-others-jailed-for-internet-fraud-in-ilorin
**************************************

12 JUN 2024

MAKURDI COURTS JAIL 32 FOR INTERNET FRAUD
Justices M.S. Abubakar and A. Onoja of the Federal High Court Makurdi  
and  M.I. Ikpambese of the  Benue State High Court,  Makurdi have convicted 
and sentenced thirty  two internet fraudsters to various jail terms.

The convicts were jailed  after pleading guilty to one -count separate 
charges bordering on internet fraud  upon their  arraignment by the Makurdi 
Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The convicts are: Eruka Vandefan Ephraim, Chukwudi Daniel Ifeanyi, Akahar 
Andrew Tsumga, Ugochukwu Stephen Ikenna, Atu Sunday, Nyior Benjamin Saakula,
Atsaregh Terkuma Benedict, Kaun Jeremiah, Ochigbo Cletus, Tule Bemba Joseph, 
Jude Terhemba,  Paul MerabaTorkuma, Mathias Ebute, Terungwa Terna Rapheal, 
Shaahu Abraham Atuur, Justine Usar Idyekaa, Solomon Adejo,John Kator Wanger,  
Abubakar Sadiq Adejo, Mohammed Habib Adejo, Ule Francis Terlumun, Nyior David, 
Cynic Isaac,Adadu Samson Ogaba, Abraham Ombugadu Luka, Onah Oboh Joseph and 
Joseph Ulayi Akagiaobe.

Others are: Agennah Franklyn, Ochigo Cletus, Tule Benba Joseph, Hembafan 
Samuel Tarhembe and Jude Terhemba.

The charge against Atu Sunday reads: "That you, Atu Sunday sometime 
in April 2022 in Benue State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable  
court dishonestly induced Intelligent Lab Limited by requesting for 
multiple chargeback of a successful transaction done on their Point 
Of Sale (POS) a transaction you knew was false, causing her wrongful 
loss through your deceit and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 322 of the Penal Code (CAP) 124 Laws of Benue State and 
punishable under the same Law."

All the defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them, 
prompting  counsel to EFCC M. Yusuf, A.S. Idris and A.Gazali to pray 
the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Eruka Vandefan  Ephraim, Akaahar Andrew Tsumga, Ugochukwu Stephen Ikenna 
and Atu Sunday bagged one year imprisonment with an option of ( N100.0000.00) 
One Hundred Thousand Naira fine  each.

Chukwudi Daniel was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment with 
an option of N500,000.00 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.

 Nyior Benjamin and Astaregh Terkuma Benedict bagged two years imprisonment 
 with an option of N500,000.00 and  N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira)  
 respectively.

Kaun Jeremiah was convicted and sentenced to six (6) months imprisonment 
or an option of N20,000.00( Twenty Thousand Naira).

Other convicts are: Paul Meraba Torkuma convicted and sentenced to one 
year imprisonment or an option of N500,000.00. He also forfeited the sum 
of N4,800,000.00( Four Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) one Red Colour 
Lexus 2010 Model with registration number ABUJA ( KWL 413 BZ and iphone 13 
Pro Max,  Mathias Ebute convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment or 
an option of N5000,000.00 fine.  He forfeited  his iphone 14 pro max and the 
sum of N4,000,000.00( Four Million Naira) to the Federal Government of Nigeria,  
Terungwa Terna Rapheal   jailed one year or N300,000.00 ( Three Hundred Thousand 
Naira) fine,  Shaahu Abraham Atuur and Justine Usar Idyerkaa jailed one year 
each with a fine of N 200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each and an order 
to restitute the sum of N1,500.000.00( One  Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira 
and N300,000.00 ( Three Hundred Thousand) to their victims.

Other convicts include: Solomon Adejo, Mohammed Habib Adejo and Abubakar Sadiq 
Adejo who were jailed two years  each with an option of   N500,000.00 fine for 
Solomon and Abubakar each while Mohammed was fined N200,000.00 ( Two Hundred 
Thousand Naira).

The court ordered  Abubakar  to forfeit a grey  colour  Toyota Car with 
registration number ABUJA ( YAB 668 DP ) purchased with the proceeds of crime  
to form part of the restitution sum valued at N14,500,000.00 ( Fourteen Million 
Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and t N 3, 562, 750.00 ( Three Million,FiveHundred 
and Sixty Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira) recovered in his possession.

Synic Isaac was convicted and sentenced to one year jail term with an option 
of N100,000.00 fine and restitution of N200,000.00 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira.  
Adadu Samson Ogaba was  jailed two years with an option of N1,000,000.00 (One 
Million Naira ) and restitution of the sum of N6,5000,000,00 (Six Million, Five 
Hundred Thousand Naira).  Abraham Ombugadu Luka bagged one year jail term or an 
option of N100,000.00 fine.  

He also restituted  the sum of N2,000,000.00 (Two million Naira), Onah Oboh 
Joseph was jailed one year or an option of One Hundred Thousand Naira and 
forfeiture of a black Toyota Corolla car with registration number ABUJA (RBC 
355 CU). He restituted the sum of N302,000.00 ( Three Hundred and Two Thousand 
naira) to the Federal Government of Nigeria and his bank account closed.  

Joseph Ulayi Okagiobe  was sentenced to one year imprisonment or an option 
of fine of  N1000,000.00  and an order to restitute the sum of N252,000.00
(Two Hundred and Fifty Two Thousand Naira and his bank account closed.  Agennah 
Franlyn bagged one year jail term with an option of N100,000.00 (One Hundred 
Thousand Naira fine.  Ochigo Cletus was imprisoned for one year with an option 
of N200, 000  fine.  Tule Bemba Joseph jailed one year with an option of 
N200,000.00 fine.

He forfeited  One Toyota Corolla 2013 Model with Registration number BENUE ( VDY 
54 DA ) , the sum of N5,578,999.34 ( Five Million, Five Hundred and Seventy Eight 
Thousand  Nine Hundred and Ninety Nine Naira, Thirty Four kobo) domiciled in his 
bank account.

Others are : Samson Emmanuel, Torkuma Henry, Ngbegocho Enoch Ogah, Adakole Idoko, 
Abah David, Umbugadu Bitrus Ahmadu, Oloche Patrick Ogboji Emmanuel, Onehi Joshua, 
Ikogi Idu Linus, Terhemba Micheal, convicted and sentenced  to one year imprisonment 
with an option of N1000,000.00 each.

Tule Peter Sesugh and Inalegwu James bageed two years imprisonment or  the sum 
of N100,000.00.

The judges further ordered the convicts to forfeit all devices recovered from 
them being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

All the convicts were arrested by operatives of the EFCC  for internet offences 
and were jailed.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

makurdi-courts-jail-32-for-internet-fraud
**************************************************

11 JUN 2024

12 BAG JAIL TERMS FOR INTERNET FRAUD IN CALABAR

The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC has secured the conviction and sentence of twelve (12) internet 
fraudsters before Justices Ijeoma Ojukwu and Rosemary Oghoghorie of 
the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State.

While Justice Ojukwu convicted and sentenced 11, namely: Nwaeke Vitalis 
Ndubisi, Kingsley Goodnews, Inyang Victor, Ekere-Obong Adams, Usang Enang, 
Ogudu James, Arinze Nelly, David Dede, Ibeawuchi Okwukwechukwu, Prince 
Samuel Ukpai and Ekpo Peter, Justice Oghoghorie convicted and sentenced 
Joshua Akpabio. 

All the convicts were prosecuted on two-count charges bordering on 
criminal impersonation on social media platforms with intent to defraud 
unsuspecting members of the society, barring Akpabio, Ukpai and Peter 
who faced one-count charge, respectively.

The charge against Ndubuisi reads: “That you, NWAEKE VITALIS NDUBUISI 
"M" sometime in August 2023, in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this 
Honourable court did fraudulently present yourself as Cytal Barton to 
unsuspecting victims on the social media platform; Facebook with intent 
to gain advantage for yourself did take possession of the sum of N150,000 
(One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) knowing that the money forms part 
of the proceed of an unlawful act to wit; impersonation thereby committed 
an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Launder (Prohibition 
and Prevention) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same 
Act.”

They all pleaded guilty to their charges when they were read to them, 
following which prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin and Mahmud Khamis 
prayed the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly, while defence 
counsel, Tom Udeme, Francis Ezike , Innocent Eze and Henry Iyipiyayo prayed 
the courts for leniency on the ground that the defendants were first time 
offenders.

After listening to the arguments of both the prosecution and defence 
counsel, Justice Ojukwu handed Ndubisi, Goodnews, Victor, Adams, Enang, 
James, Nelly, Dede and Okwukwechukwu six months jail term on each of 
their two-count charges which is to run concurrently and six months 
jail term to Peter and Ukpai on their one-count charge, while Akpabio 
bagged a one year jail term, with the option to pay a N1 million fine 
from Justice Oghoghorie.

In addition to their jail terms, Adams restituted  the sum of $100, Enang 
$200 and Dede $450 to their victims.

The convicts were arrested at different locations in Cross River and Akwa 
Ibom  States for internet offences.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

12-bag-jail-terms-for-internet-fraud-in-calabar
***************************************

10 JUN 2024

EFCC ARRAIGNS SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTER FOR IMPERSONATION 
IN LAGOS

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, on Monday, June 10, 2023, arraigned a suspected internet fraudster, 
Victor Fasuba, on a one-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation 
before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, 
Lagos.

The lone-count charge reads:

“That you, FASUBA VICTOR OLUWATOSI, sometime in November 2023, in Lagos, 
within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, fraudulently impersonated 
one "Arrow Grant" by holding yourself out as such on Facebook 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.”

He pleaded “guilty” to the offence when it was read to him.

In view of his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, Z.B. Atiku, sought to 
review the facts before the court.

Justice Ogundare, however, adjourned the matter to June 25, 2024 for 
review of facts.

The defendant was ordered to continue on the administrative bail earlier 
granted by the EFCC.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arraigns-suspected-internet-fraudster-for-impersonation-in-lagos
********************************************

8 JUN 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 127 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN AKURE

Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested One Hundred and Twenty Seven (127) 
suspected internet fraudsters in Ondo State.

The alleged internet fraudsters were arrested in an early morning sting  
operation at a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously  at Signature  and Abah 
Clubs on Saturday, June 8, 2024 in Akure, Ondo State.

Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially 
scheduled for Wednesday,  June 5, 2024 but was later moved to Saturday 
to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC.

The suspects have given useful information to  Investigators of the 
Directorate. 

Items recovered from them include ten exotic cars, phones, laptops, 
motor-cycle, wristwatches and many incriminating documents.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. 

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-127-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-akure
*******************************************

7 JUN 2024

EFCC ARRESTS FOUR SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN ABUJA

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, on Thursday, June 6,  2024, arrested four suspected 
internet fraudsters in Abuja.

The suspects were arrested during a sting operation at the 
Kubwa axis of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  Abuja, 
following intelligence and surveillance on their alleged 
fraudulent activities in the area.

Items recovered from the suspects include four brands of 
mobile phone

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations 
are concluded.

efcc-arrests-four-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
********************************************

7 JUN 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 11 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN PORT HARCOURT

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 11 suspected 
internet fraudsters.

They were arrested  in a sting operation carried out at Whimpey, 
Ada George area of Port Harcourt,  Rivers State.

Their arrest followed credible intelligence on their alleged internet 
fraud activities and several days of the Commission's surveillance 
within the areas.

Arrested with them are  four cars,  diverse brands of phones and 
laptop computers containing fraudulent documents.

They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

efcc-arrests-11-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-port-harcourt
******************************************

6 JUN 2024

OYO COURTS JAIL 36 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN IBADAN

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of thirty-six (36) internet 
fraudsters to various jail terms before Justices Uche Agomoh and E.U. Akpan 
of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State;  Ladiran Akintola, K.B. Olawoyin, 
Bayo Taiwo and O.S. Adeyemi of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.

The convicts are Ayodele Victor Ayodeji, Adebayo Kazeem Akanbi, Ajayi 
Charles Temitayo, Rokeeb Olamide Taiwo, Olaleye Adedolapo Emmanuel, Emiade 
Azeez Ayotunde, Azeez Ademola, Afolabi Mayowa Akinbobola, Shittu Waheed 
Adeleke, Franklyn Ibeh Kelechi, Olanrewaju Olaitan Quadri, Olawale Elijah 
Seyi Awofolaju, Samuel Olayemi Ademeso, Akindele Timothy Olatunde, Sholeye 
Gideon Olamilekan, Waheed Olamide Ahmod, Lawal Paul Jelili, Asaju Muhammad 
Numan and Badejo Adefemi Emmanuel.

Others are: Gomina Dennis Ozaveshe, Adio Hassan Taiwo, Adio Kehinde Hozaine, 
Adewunmi Adeboye Gabriel, John Oluwatimilehin Moses, Odeniyi Faruk Idowu, 
Owodunni Monsuru Abiodun, Sanwiyu Niyi Owonifari, Adeyinka Adewale Olujobi, 
Ogunbiyi Segun Joseph, Ayomide Oniyitan Oluwatosin, Badmus Faruk Kayode, 
Jimoh Sylvester Enahoro, Azeta Sunday Osaremeh, Lukuman Olatemo, Emmanuel 
Ebgiri Ogah and Ayomide Ibrahim Ishola.

The charge against Ayomide Ibrahim Ishola reads: “That you, Ayomide Ibrahim 
Ishola on or about October, 2018, in Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this 
Honourable Court, falsely represented yourself as a female from the United 
States of America with the name Lawrence Janet to one Ralph Wells via your 
Google Chat account, which representation you knew to be false and thereby 
committed an offence of impersonation contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal 
Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering 
on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, impersonation 
and aiding in committing an offence upon arraignment by the Ibadan Zonal Command 
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC between April 24 and May 
29, 2024.

All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were 
read to them in court as prosecution counsel:  Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Modupe 
Akinkoye, Oyelakin Oyediran, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, 
Shamsuddeen, Umar Abiso, Abiddeen Muhammad, Adamu Sahabi, Fatima Baba, David 
Olubode and Favour Adewunmi prayed the court to convict and sentence them 
accordingly.

Consequently, Justice Agomoh convicted and sentenced Joseph, Oluwatosin and 
Kayode to one year imprisonment each without an option of fine, Enahoro to 
ten months imprisonment, while Osaremeh bagged six months imprisonment and 
Olatemo to four months imprisonment without an option of fine.

Also, Justice Akpan convicted and sentenced Owonifari to one and a half years 
imprisonment and Abiodun to one year imprisonment or a fine of N100, 000.00 
(One Hundred Thousand Naira).

Furthermore, Justice Olawoyin convicted and sentenced Ishola to one and 
a half years imprisonment or a fine of N1, 500, 000.00 (One Million, Five 
Hundred Thousand Naira) and Olujobi bagged six months imprisonment or a fine 
of N400, 000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira).

Justice Adeyemi convicted and sentenced Hozaine, Gabriel, Idowu and Ogah 
to six months community service each without an option of fine, as Idowu 
forfeited a silver coloured Toyota Camry car with registration number: 
GBE – 334 – AE to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

More so, Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced Ozaveshe to four months 
community service or a fine of N150, 000.00 (One hundred and Fifty Thousand 
Naira) and Taiwo to five months community service or a fine of N150, 000.00 
(One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Adedolapo Emmanuel, Ayotunde, Ademola, 
Kelechi, Quadri and Moses to one year imprisonment each or fines of N50, 000. 00 
(Fifty Thousand Naira), N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), N20, 000. 00 
(Twenty Thousand Naira), N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira), N150, 000.00 (One 
Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and N120, 000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty 
Thousand Naira) respectively.

Also, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Olamide Taiwo, Akinbobola and 
Adefemi Emmanuel to six months community service each or fines of N50, 000.00 
(Fifty Thousand Naira), N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) 
and N60, 000 .00 (Sixty Thousand Naira) respectively.

Furthermore, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Ayodeji, Akanbi and 
Adeleke to three months community service each or a fine of N20, 000.00 
(Twenty Thousand Naira) each, while Temitayo, Awofolaju, and Jelili bagged 
three months community service each or a fine of N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand 
Naira) each.

Also, Olamilekan, Ahmod and Numan were convicted and sentenced to three months 
community service each or a fine of N25, 000.00 (Twenty-five Thousand Naira) each, 
while Ademeso also bagged three months community service or a fine of N50, 000.00 
(Fifty Thousand Naira) and Olatunde to three months community service or a fine 
of N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira).

Ayotunde forfeited one black Lexus ES 350 car with registration number: GGE – 665 
– GY, Quadri forfeited a brown ES 300 vehicle with registration number: MEK – 39 
– LK while Moses forfeited a Toyota Camry car with registration number: BDG – 144 
– GF.

Also, Adefemi Emmanuel forfeited one grey coloured Lexus RX 300 vehicle with 
registration number: LND – 940 – CD with Chassis number: JT6HF1042YO11941, 
Abiodun forfeited a brown Mercedes Benz with Chassis number: WDC0G4K9GF102450, 
while Ishola forfeited a grey colour Toyota Highlander with registration number: 
RSH – 857 – CV.

Furthermore, Enahoro forfeited an ash coloured  Toyota Camry with registration 
number: ABC – 658 – SE and Osaremeh forfeited one silver Honda Accord with 
registration number: KTU – 773 – DN among others to the Federal Government 
of Nigeria.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives 
of the Commission for internet-related offences.  They were charged to court and 
convicted.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

oyo-courts-jail-36-internet-fraudsters-in-ibadan
**************************************

5 JUN 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 100 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN ENUGU

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested 100 (One 
Hundred) suspected internet fraudsters at different locations 
of Enugu State.

The suspects were arrested in early morning sting operations 
on Wednesday, May 5, 2024 following actionable intelligence 
about suspected activities of an organised syndicate of 
internet fraudsters operating along Ibagwa-Nike and other 
locations in the Enugu metropolis.

Items recovered from them include three exotic cars, mobile 
phones and laptops. 

The suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.

The press release includes photos:

efcc-arrests-100-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-enugu
*******************************************

3 JUN 2024

COURT JAILS 15 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BENIN CITY

The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 
has secured the conviction and sentence of 15 internet fraudsters before 
Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.

They were jailed between May 24 and May 30,  2024.

The convicts are Gospel Emmanuel, Osayende Endurance Enaruna, Ede Festus 
Awuru, Divine Iyabosa Igbinosa, Apemiye David John, Sorinmade Seun, Godspower 
Miracle, Iboi Joshua Abraham, Precious Igbinosa, Japhet Odigie, Solomon Bright, 
Idama Francis, Odusan Ayo Nancy, Achi Emmanuel, Oghenetega Famous Ogbeni 
and Achi Kelly.

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 Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The lone-count charge reads:  “That you EDE FESTUS AWURU on or about 
the 14th of Day of May, 2024 in Benin, Edo State within the jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court did have in your possession documents which you 
knew or reasonably ought to have known contain false pretenses and 
misrepresentations and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 
6 and 8 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, prompting the prosecution counsel, F. A. Jirbo, I. M 
Elodi, I.K Agwai, K.Y. Bello and Ahmed Salihu and Bala Ribah 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.
 
Justice Ikponmwonba on Monday May, 24, 2024 sentenced Miracle and John to 
three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) 
each, Kelly bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000  while Ogbeni 
was sentenced to community service.

On Monday May 27, Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced the duo of 
Odigie and Igbinosa to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One 
Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Solomon Bright was sentenced to community 
service.

On Wednesday May 29,Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Sorinmade,  
Emmanuel,  Nancy, Francis and Awuru to two years imprisonment or a fine of 
N100,000.  Gospel Emmanuel was sentenced to community service. On Thursday 
May 30, 2024 Justice Ikponmwonba sentenced Igbinosa to two years imprisonment 
or a fine of N100,000 while Endurance was sentenced to community service.

All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptops,  balances in their various 
bank accounts being instruments and proceeds of crime to the Federal Government 
of Nigeria. They 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.

court-jails-15-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
******************************************

31 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 40 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN ABUJA

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, 
on Friday,  May 31, 2024 arrested 40 suspected internet fraudsters 
at different axes of Abuja.

While 18 of them were arrested at Dawaki axis , the remaining 12 
were arrested at other locations of Abuja.

Their arrest followed credible intelligence about their suspected 
involvement in internet activities.

Items seized from the suspects include 23 phones, 4 laptops and 4 
vehicles.

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
****************************************

30 MAY 2024

24 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS BAG JAIL TERMS IN ABAKALIKI

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC have secured the conviction and sentence of 24( Twenty-four) internet 
fraudsters before Justice H. I. O. Oshomah of the Federal High Court sitting 
in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The convicts are; Chidiebere Franklin Anozie, Odo Nelson, Osunkwo Chibuike 
Stanley, Nwaibo Emmanuel Ogbaga, Obinna Ohazurume Bethel, Ugochukwu Daniel 
Emeziem, Timothy Chimobi Ngwuezumba, Victor Ebuka Nwaogu, Chimaobi Valentine 
Ugoji, Eke Emmanuel Udochukwu, Chimere Godson Ojinnaka, David Nwachukwu and 
Emmanuel Chinemerem Agbaraji.

Others include; Ayoka Promise Mmesoma, Philip Ikechukwu Izuogu, Precious 
Chinemerem Nwogu, Stanley Chibueze Nwachukwu, Kelly Nwankwo, Anthony Chidozie 
Uwadiegwu, Udeagha Kenneth Chinedu, Kelechi Charles Omoha, Ibina Solomon Chisom, 
Victor Abonu and Ikenna Daniel.

They were convicted after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges 
bordering on fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

One of the separate charges reads: “That you, Osunkwo Chibuike Stanley, sometime 
in May, 2024 in Owerri, Imo State, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court 
of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated the identity of Dahunsi Esther, a female 
foreigner from the United Kingdom through a fake Facebook account, via your LG G7 
with imei no 357262090591648 with intent to obtain money from unsuspecting foreign 
nationals and in order to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed 
an offence contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) (b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, 
Prevention etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act”.

All the convicts pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them separately. 
In view of their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Chikezie Raymond Edozie prayed the 
court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

However, defence counsel, E. J Nwatarali prayed the court to temper justice 
with mercy, adding that the convicts “have learnt their lessons and are 
remorseful”.

After listening to both sides, the Justice Oshomah convicted and sentenced 
them to two years imprisonment each with an option of fine of N150, 000, 00 
(One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). The convicts also bagged six months 
Community Service each.

The judge further ordered that mobile phones recovered from them be auctioned 
through the Commission and proceeds paid into the Treasury Single Account of 
the Federation.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet
-related offences.  They were prosecuted and convicted.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-abakaliki
************************************************

29 MAY 2024

EFCC SECURES 3,175 CONVICTIONS, RECOVERS N156 BILLION 
IN ONE YEAR

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 
EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede,  has disclosed that the Commission  secured  
3175 convictions and recovered  N156, 276,691,242.30 (One Hundred and 
Fifty-six Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Million, Six Hundred 
and Ninety-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Two Naira, Thirty kobo) 
between May 29, 2023 and May 29,  2024 when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 
assumed office.

He stated this  in Abuja on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the launch of 
Zero Tolerance Club in University Abuja, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Secretary to the Commission, Mohammed 
Hammajoda said the EFCC  also recovered  $43,835,214.24,  £25,365.00,  
€186,947.10, ?51,360.00, C$3,750.00 , A$740.00,  ¥74,754.00, R35,000.00, 
42,390.00 UAE Dirhams, 247.00 Riyals and 21,580, 867631 Crypto Currency.

Speaking further, the Chairman stated that, though the EFCC put up 
impressive performance within the year, involvement of youths in internet 
fraud continued to pose serious concerns to every stakeholder in the anti
-graft war.

“In spite of this commendable performance, the Commission is deeply worried 
about the increasing involvement of young people, including students, in 
cybercrime, popularly called yahoo yahoo.  Hundreds of suspects are arrested 
monthly, with many of them ending up in jail”, he said.

He called on students of the University to stay away from internet fraud, 
stressing that conviction for fraud “ is a burden that will leave a life-
long scar on the fortunes of these youths”.  He further stated that there 
was no justification for cybercrime anywhere.

“There is no justification that will make yahoo yahoo acceptable. Contrary 
to the impression in some quarters, being a fraudster is not synonymous with 
creativity or being smart.. As students,   you are expected to channel your 
creative energies into useful engagements and not get entangled in cheating 
others of their resources,” he said. 

Also speaking,  Director of Public Affairs Department of the Commission, 
DCE Wilson Uwujaren said the Commission was at the University not only to 
inaugurate Zero Tolerance Club, but also to mobilise youths against the 
ills of corruption.  “The blessings that God has given Nigeria has not 
really translated into wealth for all of us. And for some of us who are 
a little bit older, we have cause to express worry about the future of 
our children and the future of our youths.  This is why the EFCC is here 
today not only to launch a Zero Tolerance Club for you, but to also sensitize 
you on why it is important for you to embrace the fight against corruption,” 
he said.  The Club, he further explained,  “is a platform of continuous 
conversation on why our nation has to fight and win the war against corruption”.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, 
Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah charged the youths to be productive and 
avoid doing anything that would destroy the good name or image of their 
families. He further tasked them to be productive like their counterparts 
in the developed nations where talents  are used for creativity and innovation 
rather than indulging in internet fraud.  He commended Olukoyede and management 
of the Commission for finding the University of Abuja worthy for a Zero Tolerance 
Club.

In his presentation on the ills of cybercrime,  Assistant Commander of the 
EFCC,  ACEII David Ife advised youths to channel their energy towards productive 
and beneficial purposes for themselves and the nation at large, pointing out that 
criminality offered no gain to anyone.

Head,  Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the Commission, ACE11 Aisha 
Mohammed said the essence of the launch of the club in Universities was to 
develop, nurture and empower future leaders to be proactive and  be “Ambassadors 
of the Commission through education and by guiding them to propagate the core-
values  of anti-corruption in their family, neighbourhood, schools, communities, 
societies and the country at large”.

The launch was concluded with the presentation of the Manuals and Magazines 
of the Commission to the Patron of the Club.  A signage was also presented to 
the School

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-secures-3-175-convictions-recovers-n156-billion-in-one-year

419 Coalition comment:  We'd be very interested in knowing the amount of monies
recovered from 419 criminals, and, of that amount, how much was verifiably restored
and repatriated to victims of 419 crimes.  We urge that such information be included
in all EFCC statements regarding convictions and recovery of monies as a matter of
routine.  Of oourse, we've been advocating for this for many years now...
****************************************

28 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 11 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN KADUNA

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
Kaduna Zonal Command, have arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters 
in the Kaduna metropolis.

Specifically, they were arrested at Apple Gate Hotel, Karji and Barnawa 
in Kaduna State following credible information about their suspected 
involvement in internet-related offences. 

Items recovered from them include 16 phones, one wristwatch and one 
laptop.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-11-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna
******************************************

28 MAY 2024

BEWARE OF RISING PHISHING ACTIVITIES

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, wishes to alert  
the public of an alarming rise in phishing activities targeting 
unsuspecting individuals across various digital platforms.

In recent months, the Commission has observed a surge in fraudulent 
schemes designed to deceive individuals into disclosing sensitive 
personal information, including financial details, through deceptive 
emails, text messages, social media messengers and fake websites.

These phishing perpetrators often impersonate reputable organizations, 
financial institutions or government agencies, exploiting the trust of 
their victims for illicit gains.

The EFCC emphasizes the critical importance of vigilance and caution 
when encountering unsolicited communications or unfamiliar links, 
especially those requesting sensitive information or promising financial 
benefits.

Individuals must verify the authenticity of any communication (message) 
or website before divulging personal details or engaging in financial 
transactions.

Furthermore, the Commission urges the public to promptly report any 
suspected phishing attempt or fraudulent activity to its nearest Zonal 
Command or the nearest law enforcement agency. Timely reporting enables 
swift action to be taken in order to  disrupt criminal operations and 
protect potential victims from financial losses and identity theft. 
For this purpose and other enquiries, call the EFCC hotline: +2348093322644 
or send a message to the official email address : info@efcc.gov.ng.

beware-of-rising-phishing-activities
*****************************************

28 MAY 2024

SEXTORTION: FBI’S WITNESS REVEALED HOW DEFENDANT 
DEMANDED $200 FROM LATE VICTIM

Ayotunde Solademi, a Foreign Service National Investigator with the 
Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI and second prosecution witness, 
PW2, in the ongoing trial of Muideen Olamilekan Teslim, on Monday, 
May 27, 2024, told Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court 
sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos,  how the defendant threatened to release 
the unclad pictures of his late victim, if he did not pay him the 
sum of $200( Two Hundred Dollars only).

Teslim is standing trial on a six-count charge bordering on possession 
of child pornography and sextortion brought against him by the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Muideen Teslim Olamilekan (a.k.a 
joyamanda), on or about the 18th of April, 2022 in Lagos, within the 
jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, intentionally had in your possession 
child pornography of a minor in your account joyamandan645@gmail.com and 
you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 
23(1)(e) of the of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.”

He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when they were read to him.

At the resumed sitting on Monday, Solademi, who was led in evidence by 
the prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, told the court that the FBI and 
the EFCC, sometime in July 2023, conducted a joint operation code-named 
Operation Artemis, which focused on financial sextortion cases.

Solademi, in his testimony, said the Child Exploitation Operational Unit 
of the FBI, sometime in April 2023, was called to a case involving a 15-
year-old American male, who was befriended by a supposedly 16-year-old 
female named Joy Amanda.

He added that “They were both chatting on a social media platform called 
Wink. The email address used by Joy Amanda on Wink is joyamanda646@gmail.com.

“When they both met on Wink, Joy Amanda sent some nude pictures to the 
victim and requested the victim to also send his nude pictures. The victim, 
believing that the pictures he received were from the person he was chatting 
with, then sent nude pictures of himself to Joy Amanda. After Joy Amanda 
received the pictures, he made a picture collage, sent back to the victim 
and threatened that he would share the picture with all the victim’s contacts 
if the victim doesn’t send $200.

“Joy Amanda told the victim to send the money through CashApp, PayPal or 
Apple Gift card and gave a username for these accounts. The user name was 
Muideenteslim278@gmail.com.”

In his further testimony, Solademi informed the court that while law 
enforcement officers were speaking to the victim in his house, a call 
came in through the victim’s phone, threatening the victim.

According to him, “the caller ID showed Joy Amanda. The person speaking 
on the other side had a male voice. He was threatening that if he didn’t 
send the money, the picture would  be released to the contacts.

“Thirty minutes after law enforcement agents left the victim’s house, 
a call was pulled through to the law enforcement by the victim’s parent 
that the victim shot himself in the head because of the incessant threat 
he received from the so-called Joy Amanda and he died.”

Narrating the steps taken by the law enforcement officers during investigations, 
the PW2 further told the court that  “Legal processes were served by the FBI to 
Wink, Google and WhatsApp. Wink provided the email associated with Joy Amanda 
as joyamanda645@gmail.com. FBI then proceeded to serve legal processes on Google 
with the email address of Joy Amanda and the username that was provided for payment 
that is muideenteslim278@gmail.com.

“The response from Gmail showed that the recovery email for Joy Amanda is a 
Glo phone number ending with 9664, while that of Muideen Teslim is an Airtel 
phone number ending with 5098.

“Google revealed that the IP address of Joy Amanda was coming from Nigeria. 
Likewise, WhatsApp responded that the phone number ended with 9664, a glo 
number.

“All the evidence and pictures were packaged into a petition and was submitted 
as one of the cases under Operation Artemis. “

Buhari, thereafter, asked the PW2 if he could identify the request from the 
office of the Legal Attache in the US consulate to prosecute under Nigerian 
Law written to the EFCC, as well as other evidence against the defendant.

The prosecution counsel applied to tender the same and they were admitted 
as exhibits.

When PW2 was asked to confirm certain details on the exhibits, he said,
“In Exhibit 7,  the glo number attached to JoyAmanda645@gmail.com is 08071489664, 
while the Airtel number attached to muideenteslim278@gmail.com is 08127015068.

“In Exhibit 6, the wallet number on the Opay account opening package of Muideen 
Teslim is 8071489664 and the BVN number is 22377813795

“In Exhibit 3, on the google account personal info, the email address is 
joyamanda646@gmail.com and the phone number attached is 08071389664.”

He also confirmed the picture collage that Joy Amanda sent to the victim.

When asked during cross-examination by the defence counsel, A.J. Adejuwon, 
for the victim’s name, the witness said: “The name of the victim was withheld 
to protect the family's privacy. The victim stayed in Magnolia, U.S A., before 
his death.”

The witness also clarified that the explicit photos were not shared with the 
EFCC to prevent further distribution.

Upon discharge of PW2, Adejuwon applied before the court to file a no-case 
submission.

Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter to July 4, 2024  for ruling on no-case 
submission.

sextortion-fbis-witness-revealed-how-defendant-demanded-200-from-late-victim
*********************************************

27 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 26 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN ABUJA

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  
Abuja Zonal Command on Wednesday,  May 23, 2024 arrested 26 suspected 
internet fraudsters.

They were arrested at New Nyanya,  Nasarawa State following actionable 
intelligence about their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet 
activities.

Items seized from the suspects include over 30 phones and 3 laptops.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-26-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
*****************************************

26 MAY 2024

EFCC MOURNS LAMORDE

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, received with shock 
the sudden death of one of its former Executive Chairman,  Mr.  Ibrahim 
Lamorde.  

Lamorde, pioneer Director of Operations and third substantive  Chairman 
of the EFCC between February 15, 2012 and November 9,  2015,  served the 
nation actively as a focused and gallant anti-graft fighter.  

He will be sorely missed both at the EFCC and the nation at large.  

The Commission prays for the repose of his soul and comfort for his 
family, the EFCC and the entire nation.

The press release contains photos of former EFCC Chairman Ibrahom Lamorde:

efcc-mourns-lamorde

419 Coalition comment: 419 Coalition was able to work with Mr. Lamorde
on several important cases and other matters when he was Chairman of 
the EFCC.  Mr. Lamorde recognized the value of NGO counter-419 groups,
inluding 419 Coalition, to the EFCC and indeed, to the Nigerian nation
and people as a whole.  We regretted his departure from the EFCC, and
thank him for his service to Nigeria and for his outreach efforts to
the global NGO counter-419 network.  May he rest in perfect peace.
***********************************************

24 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 46 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN AWKA

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested Forty-six (46) suspected internet 
fraudsters, in Awka metropolis, Anambra State.

The suspects were arrested during a sting operation, in the early hours 
of Friday, May 24, 2024 following credible intelligence linking them to 
cybercrimes activities in the State.

Items recovered from them include mobile phones, six laptops and six 
exotic cars.

The suspects are currently tendering confessional statements and will 
be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-46-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-awka
*******************************************

22 MAY 2024

ALLEGED N1.2M US VISA SCAM: AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN, 
MARCO RAMIREZ KNOWS FATE SEPT. 10

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, 
Lagos, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, adjourned till September 10, 2024  
judgment in the alleged $1.2million US visa scam involving an American 
businessman, Marco Antonio Ramirez.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting 
Ramirez alongside his companies, USA NOW LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge 
Group LP and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, for an alleged $1.2 
million EB-5 visa scam.

The defendant allegedly obtained the money from his victims as processing 
fees for their investments in his company, USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, 
in the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) United States of America 
Investor Programme, which would qualify them to be eligible for the issuance 
of USA Green Card.

The defendant, however, allegedly reneged on his promise.

He was initially arraigned on  a 12-count charge, to which he pleaded 
"not guilty".

He was also re-arraigned by the EFCC on June 24, 2022 on an amended 
16-count charge.

Count 13 of the amended  charge reads: "Marco Antonio Ramirez, 
USA NOW LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP, and USA Now 
Energy Capital Group LP, between 5th February 2013 and 18th 
April 2013 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
Court, dishonourably converted to your personal use the aggregate 
sum of $545,000 property of Godson Onyemaechi Echegile."

Count 14 reads: "Marco Antonio Ramirez, USA NOW LLC, and USA 
Now Energy Capital Group LP, between 12th July 2012 and 7th 
November 2012 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
Court, dishonourably converted to your personal use the aggregate
sum of $314,800 property of Abubakar Umar Sadiq."

Count 15 reads: "Marco Antonio Ramirez, USA NOW LLC, and USA Now 
Energy Capital Group LP, between 19th February 2013 and 18th April 
2013 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, 
dishonourably converted to your personal use the aggregate sum of 
$230,000 property of Abubakar Umar Sadiq."

Also, at Monday’s sitting, the trial Judge adjourned till September 10, 
2024 for judgment in separate amended nine-count charge bordering on an 
alleged $368,698.24 fraud brought against the defendant.

One of the counts reads: "Marco Antonio Ramirez, USA NOW LLC, and USA 
Now Energy Capital Group LP, on or about the 26th day of July, 2013 at Lagos, 
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, 
obtained the sum of  $250,000 from Gabriel Ogie Edeoghon under the false 
representation that the sum was his investment in your company: USA NOW 
Energy Capital Group LP in the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) 
United States of America Investor Programme, which investment would qualify 
him to be eligible to a USA Green Card, and which representation you knew 
to be false."

Another count reads: "Marco Antonio Ramirez, on or about the 5th day of 
March, 2014 at Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, 
with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $50,281.33 from Oludare Talabi, 
under the false representation that the said sum is to procure United States 
of America L1 VISA programme for him, which representation you knew to 
be false."

He also pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when they were read to him.

The proceedings had suffered several adjournments occasioned by the absence 
of the defence counsel, Lawal Pedro, SAN, and the inability of the defence 
to file its own final written addresses, even after the  prosecution counsel, 
M.S. Owede and S.O. Daji, had filed theirs for the separate charges, 
respectively.

However, the adoption of the final written addresses eventually held on 
May 8, 2024.

Following the adoption, Justice Dada today adjourned till September 10, 
2024 for judgment.

alleged-n1-2m-us-visa-scam-american-businessman-marco-ramirez-knows-fate-sept-10

419 Coaliton Comment: Not 419 by strict definition, but interesting enough
to be recorded here in our News.
*****************************************

21 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 20 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN ABUJA

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC 
on Tuesday,  May 21, 2024 arrested 20 suspected internet fraudsters 
in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Abuja.

The suspects were arrested in the early hours of the day at the 
Lugbe axis of the FCT following credible intelligence about their 
suspected involvement in online criminal activities.

Items recovered from them include a car, laptops and phones.

They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-20-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
********************************************

21 MAY 2024

COURT JAILS  VARSITY STUDENT FOR INTERNET FRAUD 
IN PORT HARCOURT

Justice P. M. Ayua of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State 
has jailed one Felix Emmanuel Dornubari, a student of the University of 
Port Harcourt for internet fraud.

Dornubari was prosecuted by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the 
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge 
of impersonation in a cybercrime.

The charge reads: “That you, Felix Emmanuel Dornubari, on or about 21st 
February, 2024, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
Court, did fraudulently impersonate Robinson Felix Michael, a white male 
military officer with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby 
committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrime  
(Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same section 
of the Act."

He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him, upon which 
prosecution counsel, I. Agwu, tendered some documents with the court 
and further presented a witness, IE 1, Abdulazeez Jafar, an EFCC 
operative who testified that the defendant was arrested in February, 
2024 via intelligence at Cornerstone area of Choba axis by the operatives 
of the Commission for alleged internet fraud activities.

Documents tendered by the prosecution included, the statement of the 
defendant, an iPhone 11 Pro and Tecno Camon mobile devices, and one 
HP laptop computer, all containing fraudulent documents, a consent to 
search the devices and incriminating printouts from the devices.

In view of the exhibits tendered and the testimonies of the witness, 
Agu prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant as charged, 
while defence counsel,  Paula Abudu prayed the court to temper justice 
with mercy, stating that the convict was a first-time offender, who had 
become remorseful and with no previous criminal records. He further urged 
the court to grant the defendant an option of fine in lieu of imprisonment 
to enable him continue his education.

Justice Ayua thereafter convicted the defendant without any sentence. 
He ordered the forfeiture of his Tecno Camon to the Federal Republic 
of Nigeria, but held that the convict’s iPhone 11 Pro mobile and HP 
laptop computer be returned to him.

Investigation revealed that the defendant is involved in a dating scam 
under false identities in Facebook and Gmail.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

court-jails-varsity-student-for-internet-fraud-in-port-harcourt
********************************************

20 MAY 2024

COURT JAILS MAN FOR  INTERNET FRAUD  IN PORT HARCOURT

Justice S. D. Pam of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, 
has convicted and sentenced one Daniel Walter Anga to prison for internet 
fraud. 

He was prosecuted by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a one-count charge of  impersonation.

The charge reads: "That you, Daniel Walter Anga on or about 21st February, 
2024, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, 
did fraudulently impersonate Hudson Cole a white male Veteran military 
officer with 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 of the Act.

He pleaded "guilty" when the charge was read to him, following which prosecution 
counsel, I. Agu, tendered some documents in evidence and called a witness, ASE 1, 
Yahaya Yusuf Abbas, an operative of EFCC who testified against him.  

The documents tendered by the prosecution included: the statement of the defendant, 
incriminating print outs from the defendant's mobile device and his iPhone 12.

Based on the evidence tendered and the testimonies of the witness, Agu prayed 
the court to convict and sentence accordingly,  while defence counsel J. J. Simon 
asked the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the defendant was a 
first-time offender and did not waste the time of the court. 

Justice Pam thereafter  sentenced Anga to one year imprisonment or a fine of  
N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira).   He also forfeited his iPhone 12 mobile 
device to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Investigation revealed that the defendant specialised in romance scam, using 
false identities on Facebook and Gmail.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

court-jails-man-for-internet-fraud-in-port-harcourt
***************************************

20 MAY 2024

KADUNA COURT JAILS TWO INTERNET FRAUDSTERS FIVE YEARS

The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of two internet fraudsters 
before Justice A.A Bello of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna.

The convicts:  Emmanuel Isaac and Kelvin Ibrahim were jailed on charges 
bordering on cybercrimes activities. 

While Isaac was charged on two -count amended charges bordering on cheating 
by impersonation, Ibrahim was charged on a one count charge bordering on 
impersonation.

Isaac’s count one reads:  " That you Emmanuel Isaac (a.k.a Bea Suzy) (M),  
sometimes between January and April, 2024 at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court, committed an offence, to wit; falsely presented 
yourself as Bea Suzy; a South Korean actress, to several unsuspecting victims 
including one David Vargas, 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.Ibrahim’s lone- count charge reads: “that 
you, Kelvin Ibrahim (a.k.a Susinna Simone) on or about the 25th of April, 
2024 at Peace Chalet, Kudende, Kaduna State, within the jurisdiction of this 
Honourable Court, impersonated one Susinna Simone via your email address 
privatechat2422@gmail.com and in such assumed character, posted as a fashion 
model from Italy to the unsuspecting members of the public and you thereby 
committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 142(1) of the 
Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017”.

When the charges were read to them, they both pleaded guilty respectively, prompting 
the prosecuting counsel M.E Eimonye and M.U Gadaka to pray the court to convict them 
accordingly. 

Justice Bello consequently convicted and sentenced Isaac to two years imprisonment 
on each count or a fine of 100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira ) on each count. 
He also forfeited one Apple Iphone X phones to the Federal Government of Nigeria 
through the EFCC. A sum of N309, 850.00(Three Hundred and Nine Thousand, Eight 
Hundred and Fifty Naira) recovered from him was also forfeited to the government.

Ibrahim, on the other hand, was  convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment 
or a fine of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).  He also forfeited 
One Techno Pop-6 phone and the sum of $100 to the government.

The journey to the Correctional Centre started for the two convicts when they were 
arrested at Kudende, Kaduna State.  They were subsequently investigated and found 
to be using stolen identities of foreigners to create fictitious social media 
accounts to defraud unsuspecting victims.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

kaduna-court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters-five-years
*******************************************

20 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 23 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN KADUNA

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, 
Kaduna Zonal Command, have arrested 23 suspected internet fraudsters  
in the Kaduna metropolis.

Specifically, they were arrested at Kakuri, Barnawa and Television 
Garage axes in Kaduna,  following credible information on their 
suspected involvement in internet-related offences. 

Items recovered from the suspects include, one car and 29 mobile 
phones.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are 
concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-23-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna
*****************************************

20 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 78 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN ENUGU, IMO

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested seventy-eight (78) suspected 
internet fraudsters in Enugu and Imo States respectively.

While twenty-nine suspects were arrested on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 
in Enugu State metropolis, the remaining forty-nine suspects were 
nabbed on Friday, May 17, 2024 in Imo State metropolis.

The 78 suspects were arrested, following actionable intelligence about 
their suspected involvement in online criminal activities.

Items recovered from them include mobile phones, laptops and 13 cars.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-78-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-enugu-imo
****************************************

19 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS THREE SIBLINGS  FOR SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUD 
IN MAKURDI

Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission,  EFCC, on Friday May 17, 2024  arrested three brothers 
for  suspected internet fraud.

They were arrested along New Garage, Wadata in Makurdi.

The suspects,  Abubakar Sadiq Adejoh, Mohammed Habib Adejoh and Solomon 
Adejoh allegedly specialise in diverting customers' funds from their accounts 
to a  Point of Sale, POS,  terminal for withdrawal.

Items recovered from them include a car, six mobile phones, one laptop and 
cash totaling N3,562,750.00 ( Three Million Five Hundred and Sixty Two 
Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira) only.
 
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-three-siblings-for-suspected-internet-fraud-in-makurdi
***********************************************

19 MAY 2024

COURT JAILS 12 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN MAKURDI

Justices R.J. Egbe ,  N.I Afolabi, M.S Abubarkar, A. Onoja, Justice Ajiya 
Ngajuwa and Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, 
Lafia and Abuja have convicted and sentenced 12(twelve) internet fraudsters 
to various jail terms.

The convicts 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 convicts are: Bem Peter, Onminyi Joseph Ocheje,  Nelson Ogbu Oche,  Gabriel 
Sughter, Samuel Lubem, Terver Terfa James, Dominic Chiemere Bonaventure, Anaambe 
Michael,  Okanche Samuel,  Ebu Emmanuel Anoyedu, Omotunde Oluwamayowa and 
Pkutu Christopher.

The charge  against Ocheje reads: "That you, Onminyi Joseph Ocheje "M" sometime 
between January and December, 2021 in Makurdi, Benue State, within the jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud sent an electronic message to UBA 
and First City Monument Bank Plc causing the Bank to initiate a reversals from 
Accelerex Network Limited ( a payment gateway/platform) that materially misrepresented 
the facts that the transaction of N3,350,000.00 ( Three Million, Three Hundred and 
Fifty Thousand Naira) only failed which Accelerex Network Ltd relied upon and suffered 
loss by making a charge back and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and 
punishable under Section 14(2) of the Cybercrime ( Prohibition and Prevention etc) 
Act 2015."

They all pleaded guilty to their charges when they were read to them, prompting 
Prosecution counsel, A.S Idris, M. Yusuf and A. Gazali to pray the court to convict 
and sentence them accordingly. 

Justice Egbe convicted and sentenced Peter to one year imprisonment with an option 
of N100,000.00 ( One Hundred Thousand Naira) as fine, he forfeited one Techno Spark 
G 2021 phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Justice Afolabi convicted Ocheje 
and Oche.

Ocheje was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of 
N500,000.00( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) only as fine,  while Oche bagged one 
year imprisonment with an option of N500,000.00 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) 
only as fine.

Justice Abubakar convicted and sentenced  Sughter to one year imprisonment with 
an option of N500,000.00( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine,  Lubem one year 
imprisonment with an option of N100,000.00( One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine,  
James two years imprisonment with an option of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand 
Naira) fine.  Others are Bonaventure one year imprisonment with an option of 
N100,000.00 ( One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, Michael one year imprisonment 
with an option of N500,000.00( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine and Samuel one 
year imprisonment with an option of with an option of N500,000.00(Five Hundred 
Thousand Naira) fine.

Justice Onoja convicted and sentenced Anojedu to one year imprisonment with 
an option of N100,000.00( One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine and Justice Ngajuwa 
convicted and sentenced Oluwamayowa to three years imprisonment with an option 
of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.

Also, Justice  Nwite convicted and sentenced Christopher to one year imprisonment 
without an  option of fine. 

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives 
of the Benue Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet-related offences.  They were 
charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos:

court-jails-12-internet-fraudsters-in-makurdi
*******************************************

18 MAY 2024

COURT JAILS GRAPHIC ARTIST SIX MONTHS FOR IMPERSONATION 
IN LAGOS

Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has sentenced 
one Roland Esin Mana, a Graphic Artist, to six months imprisonment for 
impersonation.

He was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on possession of documents 
containing false pretences.

The count reads: “ That you, Roland Esin Mana, on or about the 22nd September, 
2023 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent 
to defraud, had in your possession documents containing false pretences, wherein 
you represented yourself as Linh Nguyen, an Asian lady, to defraud Dang Xuan, 
whom you met on Facebook, which representation you knew to be false.”

He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.

Following his guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, N.C. Mutfwang, sought 
to review the facts of the case against  him.

According to him, the convict was arrested during a sting operation by 
operatives of the Commission sometime in March 2024, following intelligence  
received about the fraudulent activities of some young persons involved in 
Internet fraud, otherwise known as Yahoo Yahoo, in the Ajah-Lekki area of 
Lagos.

Mutfwang also told the court that the convict confessed to have created fake 
Instagram and Facebook accounts, where he represented himself as Linh Nguyen 
and Nguyen Ohuc.

The prosecution counsel further stated that Mana’s mobile phone was subjected 
to forensic analysis and that some fraudulent documents were printed out from 
his email account.

According to the prosecution counsel, Mana, in the face of the overwhelming 
evidence against him, subsequently sought a plea bargain with the Commission.

Mutfwang, therefore, sought to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s extra-
judicial statements; his Infinix Smart 9 mobile phone; his HP laptop computer; 
the forensic investigation documents print out; his extra-judicial statement 
as well as the letter of plea bargain he entered into with the Commission.

They were all admitted in evidence by the court, as there was no objection 
from the defence counsel.

Justice Ijelu chastised the convict, who also claimed to be a 24-year-old 
secondary school certificate holder, for his involvement in criminal activities.

The Judge held that “The court is satisfied that the defendant understands the 
plea bargain agreement; and accordingly, the defendant is hereby found guilty.”

He was, therefore, sentenced him to six months imprisonment, with an option 
of N250,000 fine.

The Judge also ordered that his Infinix Smart 9 and HP Laptop computer be 
forfeited to the Federal Government.

court-jails-graphic-artist-six-months-for-impersonation-in-lagos
**************************************************

18 MAY 2024

EFCC HANDS OVER $22,000 RECOVERED FROM CONVICTED 
INTERNET FRAUDSTER TO FBI IN LAGOS

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, May 17, 
2024, handed over the sum of $22,000 recovered from a convicted internet 
fraudster, Hakeem Ayotunde Olanrewaju, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 
FBI, in Lagos.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos 
had, on August 15, 2023, ordered that the money recovered from Olanrewaju, 
who was sentenced to two years imprisonment for identity theft and impersonation, 
be restituted to his victim in the United States of America, U.S.A.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lagos, the Acting Director, Lagos 
Zonal Command of the EFCC, Michael T. Wetkas, reaffirmed the Commission's 
dedication to combating crimes and restoring sanity to the nation.

“We are delighted to be handing over this proceeds of crime today.

“The EFCC is willing and always ready to do more.”

Responding, the FBI Legal Attaché, Charles Smith, said: “The EFCC and FBI 
work collaboratively together, and it is thanks to the EFCC that we can 
recover funds of this nature, especially from Business email Compromise, BEC.

“This type of crime cripples businesses in the US, and for them to recover 
the money within one to two years gives hope to the affected companies and 
brings some level of justice, even if not all subjects have been identified.

“We hope our relationship continues and fosters a more cohesive partnership 
between the two agencies. If there's anything the FBI can do to support this 
investigation, we will do so.

“We appreciate this on behalf of the FBI and thank the EFCC."

In attendance at the event were the Head, Public Affairs, Lagos, DCE Ayo 
Oyewole; Head, Investigation, ACE I Deborah Oni and Head Advance Fee Fraud 
1, AFF, CSE Alex Ogbole. 

Also present was the Assistant Legal Attaché, Michael Thomas and the 
Foreign Service Investigator, Ayo Solademi.

The press release contains a photo of the 419er:

efcc-hands-over-22-000-recovered-from-convicted-internet-fraudster-to-fbi-in-lagos"

419 Coalition comment:  Now, this is the kind of press release we love to see,
and we hope to see Many more like it in the near future!
********************************************

17 MAY 2024

COURT JAILS SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER, ALUKO TUNMISE 
ONE YEAR IN LAGOS

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, 
Lagos, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, convicted and sentenced one Aluko 
Tunmise, a self-acclaimed social media influencer and model, to one 
year imprisonment for celebrity scam.

He was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrimes.

One of the counts reads: “That you, ALUKO TUNMISE JUWONLO (A.K.A. 
KEANU REEVES), sometime between January and March, 2024 in Lagos, 
within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, directly made a false 
statement, wherein you held yourself out as a white man by name "KEANU 
REEVES" on your Telegram 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.

Following his guilty plea,   prosecution counsel, C.C.Okezie, sought 
to present an operative of the EFCC, Vincent Sunday Kwambuge, to review 
the facts of the matter.

Kwanbuge  told the court that the defendant was arrested sometime in March, 
2024 at Lekki County Estate, Lagos, following credible intelligence received 
by the Commission on the activities of some internet fraudsters operating 
in the area.

According to him, an iPhone 12 Pro Max  was recovered from the defendant 
at the point of arrest.

The prosecution counsel also told the court that “upon his arrest, he was 
duly processed and the defendant volunteered his statements.  Investigation 
was conducted and forensic evidence was printed out from his phone.

“In his statement, he confessed he was into celebrity scam, which is an 
impersonation of celebrities.”

Okezie, therefore, sought to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s extra-
judicial statements, iPhone and forensic investigation documents.

Justice Aneke  admitted them as exhibits.

Counsel to the defendant, A.O. Idowu, prayed the court for leniency, saying 
that the defendant “is a first-time offender and is sorry for his actions.”

He also prayed the court for a non-custodial sentence.

Justice Aneke convicted and sentenced the defendant to one year imprisonment, 
with an option of fine of N300,000( Three  Hundred Thousand Naira), with 100
hours community service.

The Judge also ordered that his mobile phone be forfeited to the Federal 
Government of Nigeria.

Tunmise bagged his imprisonment for impersonating celebrities for pecuniary 
gains.  

court-jails-social-media-influencer-aluko-tunmise-one-year-in-lagos
******************************************************

16 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 17 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN ABUJA

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
on Thursday, May 16, 2024 arrested 17 suspected internet fraudsters 
in Abuja.

The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Thursday, May 16,  
2024  at City College, Karu, Abuja.

 Items recovered from them include a car, mobile phones, laptops 
 and incriminating documents. 

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

efcc-arrests-17-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
*******************************************

16 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 15 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN ZARIA

Operatives of the Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC, have 
arrested fifteen suspected internet fraudsters in Zaria, Kaduna State. 

The suspects were arrested outside the premises of  Ahmadu Bello University 
(ABU), Zaria, following credible intelligence linking a syndicate of  fraudsters 
to suspected involvement in internet fraud.

Items recovered from them include cell phones and laptops. 

The suspects were immediately moved to the Kano Zonal Command  of the EFCC 
for  more thorough investigation. They will be charged to court as soon as 
investigations are concluded.

efcc-arrests-15-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-zaria
******************************************

15 MAY 2024

COURT JAILS 15 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN BENIN CITY

The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission, EFCC,  on Monday and Tuesday,  May 13 & May 14, 
2024  secured the conviction of 15 internet fraudsters before 
Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli of the Edo State High 
Court sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are Sagay Favour, Efemini Kelvin Mudiaga, Izzi 
Evans, Okim Ekene, Jakpa Godspower and Lucky Alao Seyi.

Others are Adams Jarret, Mathew Ese, Oritsegbogwa Joseph, Joshua 
Lucky Ojabugbe, Emudiaga Akpojaro, Richard Promise, Aboh Daniel 
Bonfrey, Deniran Emmanuel Edafe and Orode Ovie,

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 Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The charge against Edafe reads: That you Deniran Emmanuel Edafe (M) 
on or about 3rd day of May, 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 and 
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  prosecution counsel, F. A. 
Jirbo, I. M Elodi,  I.K Agwai,  K.Y. Bello and Ahmed Salihu, 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 Monday May, 13, 2024 sentenced Evans, Favour, 
Godspower, Ekene and Seyi to three years imprisonment or a fine of  
N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Mudiaga bagged two 
years imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000 (Two hundred thousand Naira).

On Tuesday May 14,  Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced  Joseph, 
Ojeugba, Akpojoro, Bright, Aboh,  Ovie and Orede to three years imprisonment 
or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Mathew Ese 
and Jarret  bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of  N100,000.

Justice Ikponmwonba ordered that the sum of N31,900,609.00 (Thirty One 
million, Nine Hundred Thousand,  Six Hundred and Nine Thousand Naira) 
and the sum of N4,410,508.28 (Four Million, Four Hundred and Ten thousand, 
Five hundred and Eight Naira, Twenty Eight kobo) and the sum of 172 US 
dollars found in various bank accounts of Mudiaga and one Toyota Venza,  
being proceeds of crime,  be forfeited to the Federal Government of 
Nigeria.

The judge also ordered Ozim Ekene to forfeit the three vehicles recovered 
from him - Mercedes Benz ML350, Mercedes Benz GLE450 and Mercedes Benz 
C300 being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government.

Justice Itsueli in her ruling ordered that four vehicles recovered from 
Mathew Ese and Ojabugbe,  Mercedes Benz 350, Two Mercedes Benz GLK and 
Mercedes Benz ML be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

All the convicts are to forfeit their phones, laptops, balances in 
their various bank accounts,  being instruments and proceeds of crime 
to the Federal Government of Nigeria. They are to undertake in writing 
to be of good behaviour afterwards.

They all bagged their imprisonment after being found guilty by the court 
upon their arrest and prosecution by the EFCC.

court-jails-15-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
*****************************************

15 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 23 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN ENUGU

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected 
internet fraudsters in Enugu State.

The suspects were arrested on May 10, 2024 in Igboeze, Nsukka and 
nugu metropolis following actionable intelligence concerning their 
alleged online criminal activities.

Items recovered from them include; three cars, mobile phones, laptops, 
one Point Of Sale (POS) machine and several incriminating documents.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

efcc-arrests-23-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-enugu
********************************************

11 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 26 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN PORT HARCOURT

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested  26 (twenty six) 
suspected internet fraudsters on  May 6 &  May 9, 2024 at the Nigeria 
Television Authority,  NTA and  Choba axes of Port Harcourt, Rivers 
State.

They were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected 
involvement in internet-related activities.  

Items recovered from them are different brands of phones, laptops 
and six exotic cars

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations 
are concluded.

efcc-arrests-26-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-port-harcourt
******************************************

11 MAY 2024

ISSAN SEEKS CLOSER COLLABORATION WITH EFCC 
ON CYBER SECURITY

The Information Security Society of Africa – Nigeria, ISSAN), has called 
for stronger and closer collaboration with the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC in  safeguarding the cyber space for more 
effective fight against internet fraud and other financial  crimes 
in Nigeria.

This call was made in Abuja on Friday, May 10,  2024 by ISSAN’s Vice 
President, Dr. Martin Ikpehai when he led a three-man delegation on a 
courtesy visit to the  EFCC’s headquarters. 

According to him, the EFCC is doing a great work in putting a stop to 
cybercrimes.  He called for a more sustainable approach towards taking 
over cyberspace from internet fraudsters.

“Now, every business is conducted on digital space and as businesses are on 
cyber space, criminals are chasing them online. “One important thing we have 
come to realise is that the EFCC, being a crime fighter, has done so much in 
this aspect of crime, especially fighting crime in the digital space and we 
are happy about it.  We are also happy to fight this crime and to let you know 
that there should be synergy between our organisation and the EFCC”, he said.

He expressed surprise at the prevalence of “yahoo schools” across the country, 
pointing out that such an anomaly demanded enhanced cooperation with ISSAN.  
“EFCC is discovering yahoo schools in Nigeria and it surprises us that there 
are schools created to teach people to learn cybercrimes, that is why we have 
come to let you know that you should collaborate with us so that we can work 
hand in hand”,  he said.

He further explained that cyber security is so important that security officers 
of key institutions are working closely with ISSAN. The Society, he says, offers 
a  platform to teach secondary school children and University students and 
Nigerians in general  about cyber security in schools and how to defend and 
afeguard  against cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking and other forms of cyber 
security challenges. He commended the EFCC on its Eagle Eye app, describing 
it as an excellent device in achieving success in the fight against internet 
fraud.

Responding,  Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede appreciated ISSAN 
for its focus and mandate.  He stated that the EFCC greatly valued  efforts 
geared towards cyber security and assured of better collaboration with the 
Society.  “We have a lot to do on cybercrime and security as it were and that 
is what we do. We have to engage all stakeholders and ensure that we take 
drastic measures to stop  criminals in cyberspace. “The more we come together, 
the better for the country to prosecute the war on cybercrime and security”, 
he said.

He  assured that the EFCC would always be ahead of cyber criminals, maintaining 
that,  “if crime is technology driven, the approach to fight it should also be 
technology driven”.

issan-seeks-closer-collaboration-with-efcc-on-cyber-security
*********************************************

10 MAY 2024

DEFENDANTS LOSE BID TO FRUSTRATE $10,000 FRAUD TRIAL 
IN KWARA

Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court, Ilorin on Wednesday, 
May 8, 2024, struck out the objection against the admissibility of the 
statements tendered by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in a $10,000 fraud trial of an Ilorin
-based businessman, Chukudubem Ezenwa and one Adeleke Damilola.

Ezenwa and Damilola  are being prosecuted on a five-count charge bordering 
on cybercrime, retention of proceeds of crime and fraud to the tune of $10,000USD. 
They were first arraigned on September 23, 2021 before Justice Muhammed Sani of 
the same court, but the trial could not be consummated before Justice Sani’s 
redeployment to a different judicial division, necessitating a reassignment 
of the case to Justice Anyadike and a de novo of the trial.

Upon the re-arraignment of the defendants on Monday May 6, 2024, they pleaded 
“not guilty” to the charges preferred against them, thus setting the stage for 
a commencement of trial.

However, at the point of tendering in evidence the defendants’ statements by 
the prosecution, defence counsels, Osinachi Odom and Tochi Ekwedike, objected 
to their admissibility claiming that their clients wrote the statements under 
duress, intimidation and harassment.

Although, prosecution counsel, Innocent Mbachie urged the court to discountenance 
the objection on the grounds that it was an attempt to frustrate and delay trial, 
the judge ordered a trial-within-trial to establish the authenticity of the claims 
and adjourned the matter till Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

During proceedings on Tuesday , the prosecution presented to the court a video 
recording showing the first defendant volunteering his statement in the presence 
of his lawyer with neither intimidation nor harassment. The video also captured 
the statements of the first defendant which was counter-signed by his lawyer. 
The defence team, however, claimed that the video recording was manipulated and
did not capture the entire process that took place.

After listening from both sides, the judge adjourned ruling on the trial-within
-trial till Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Justice Anyadike in his ruling said: “I note that the video recording was played 
in the open court. I observed that counsel to the first defendant was present and 
he also counter-signed the statement. This honourable court did not see anything 
to suggest that the said statements were dictated to the first defendant to write.”

Dismissing the argument of the defence much further, the judge stated that “The 
court believed that the statements of the first and second defendants were obtained 
in line with Section 28 of the Evidence Act, 2011,” noting also that the evidence 
of the prosecution witnesses that the defendants volunteered their statements at 
the EFCC’s general office, which was in a good air-conditioned atmosphere was 
neither challenged nor contradicted by the defence.

On the claim that the second witness in the trial-within-trial (TW2), Olamide 
Sadiq sneaked into the cell under the cover of darkness and assaulted the first 
defendant, the judge stated that: “The defence counsel had every opportunity to 
confront the said witness when he was in the witness box, but decided to be quiet 
about the allegations, thereby made the submission immaterial and mere imagination.”

He admitted the documents as exhibits and adjourned the matter till July 15, 2024 
for continuation of trial. 

defendants-lose-bid-to-frustrate-10-000-fraud-trial-in-kwara
********************************************

10 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 44 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN CALABAR

Investigators at the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  have arrested forty-four(44) suspected 
internet fraudsters.

The suspected fraudsters were arrested in an early morning sting operation 
on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Satellite town, Tinapa junction and  parliamentary 
extension areas of Calabar in Cross River State. 

Items recovered from them include six exotic cars,  16 laptops and 38 mobile 
phones.

The suspects  would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

efcc-arrests-44-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-calabar
***************************************

10 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 64 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN OSUN

Investigators of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 arrested 
sixty-four suspected internet fraudsters in Osun State.

The suspected cybercriminals were arrested in Ede,  Osun State following 
actionable intelligence on their suspicious  fraudulent activities in 
their environs.

Items recovered from them include, 18 exotic vehicles, 18 laptops, 
112 mobile phones, three Play Station games, five motorcycles and 
other incriminating documents among others.

They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

efcc-arrests-64-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-osun
***************************************

10 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 25 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN ILORIN

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty-five persons for offences 
bordering on suspected internet fraud.

The suspects were arrested during two separate sting operations at 
various locations in Ilorin, Kwara State following credible intelligence  
about the activities of some suspected internet fraudsters operating 
within the State.

 Items recovered from the suspects include six exotic cars, different 
 brands of phones and laptops.

The suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of ongoing 
investigations.

efcc-arrests-25-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-ilorin
*****************************************

9 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 21 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN UYO

Operatives  of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested 21 (twenty one) suspected 
internet fraudsters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The suspected cyber criminals were arrested at different locations 
within Akwa Ibom State. While five of the suspects were arrested at 
'Laundering Lounge', Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, on Monday May 6, 2024, 
sixteen others were arrested on Tuesday May 7, 2024, at Church Road,  
off Calabar Itu Road,  Uyo.

Items recovered from them include, two luxurious cars, nine laptops, 
28 smart phones and two wrist watches.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-21-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo
**********************************************

9 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 39 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN BENIN CITY

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes 
Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday May 8, 2024 arrested 39 suspected internet 
fraudsters at different locations within 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 - two Mercedes-Benz 
GLK 350, two Mercedes Benz C300, two Lexus RX350, Toyota Camry, Lexus 
ES350,  laptops and phones

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-39-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city
**********************************************

8 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS  29 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN ABUJA

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC Abuja 
Zonal Command on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 arrested 29 suspected internet 
fraudsters.

They were arrested at Apo, Gwarimpa and Katampe axes of  Abuja following
actionable intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet fraud.

Items seized from the suspects include 43 phones of different makes, six 
vehicles and two smart watches.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. 

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-29-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja
*******************************************

8 MAY 2024

OLUKOYEDE CHARGES YOUTHS TO BUILD RESISTANCE 
AGAINST INTERNET FRAUD

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged youths across the country to build 
resistance against cybercrime.

He made this call in Abuja on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, when students of 
ARWA Basic School, Abuja, visited the corporate headquarters of the 
Commission on a study tour.

Speaking on how to build resistance against cybercrime, the EFCC’s boss 
pointed out that youths should cultivate right mentality to be fortified 
against criminality. “It is your mentality that determines your finality”, 
he said.  Olukoyede, who spoke through the Spokesperson of the EFCC,  
Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE1 Dele Oyewale outlined modalities, 
frameworks, and strategies that could serve as moral and spiritual resistance 
that, if followed carefully, will empower youths against internet offences.

He tasked youths to develop innovation, industry, clean wealth, statesman 
and honour mentality to be able to resist the lure of internet fraud. “It 
all boils down to the power of your mind. Decide not to go into internet 
fraud.  Train your mind to follow a positive lane and you won’t be dragged 
into the mire of the fraud”, he said.  He further called for  hard work as 
a potent means of breaking the walls of poverty, stressing that only through 
hard work can youths achieve their potentials.  "With hard work, you can 
achieve more; there is no need to go online and pretend to be someone you 
are not, claiming to be an Australian or American soldier. With hard work 
and the help of God, you can achieve whatever you want to achieve without 
hindrance," he stated.

Speaking earlier, representative of the Executive Chairman of the Commission, 
Deputy Director and Head of EFCC Radio, Nwayinma Okeanu, said the fight 
against economic and financial crimes was a fight to protect the future of 
the youths and ensure that Nigeria thrives and attains its desired height 
in the comity of nations.

"Corruption is one thing that has taken us so far back that every one of us 
should weep. It is time to come together and fight it upfront. So, it gives 
us joy to see young people come to the EFCC to know how the Commission works, 
how it fights and prevents economic and financial crimes," she said.

In his presentation on the topic "The Effect of Economic and Financial Crimes 
on the Individual and the Economy," Head of Public Interface Unit of the Commission, 
ACE 1 Tony Orilade, said the effect of economic and financial crimes on the individual 
and the economy cannot be overemphasized.  "It is clear that economic and financial 
crimes have given Nigeria a bad name in international financial circles, with enormous 
negative consequences. Efforts to prevent and prosecute these crimes are crucial for 
maintaining a healthy and stable economy, not only for the individual but also for 
Nigeria as a country," he said.

He further called on the youths to be patriotic by reporting any act of economic 
and financial crimes to the EFCC via its hotline and all social media platforms.

Speaking on the ills of cybercrime, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ACE1, 
ArmaYa'u Aliyu, cautioned the students to desist from all forms of cybercrime, 
as taking part in them would jeopardize their life and future.

He identified various forms of criminal indulgence in cybercrimes such as stalking,  
hacking,  business email compromise and several others and warned the students to 
stay away from them.  “The consequences of involvement in cyber crimes are grievous.  
Resist peer pressure and any other influence that may drag you into the crimes”, 
he said.

In her remarks, Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the Commission, 
Aisha Mohammed, says “it is cheaper to prevent corruption than to fight it, and 
that is why the Commission is accepting students to visit it on a study tour to 
reorient their thinking on the ills of corruption”.

Mohammed further charged the students to be patriotic and support the EFCC 
in its fight against economic and financial crimes by becoming ambassadors 
of the Commission in preaching the good work of the of the EFCC to their 
parents and friends.

The press release contains a photo:

olukoyede-charges-youths-to-build-resistance-against-internet-fraud
*********************************************

7 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS EIGHT SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN UYO

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday May 2, 2024 arrested eight 
suspected  internet fraudsters in an early morning sting operation 
at Osong Ama Extension in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

They were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected 
involvement in internet fraud.  

Items recovered from them include, seven laptops; 13 smart phones; 
two wrist watches and one router.

The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations 
are concluded.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-arrests-eight-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo
***************************************

7 MAY 2024

 COURT JAILS 41 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN ANAMBRA

A Federal High Court sitting in Onitsha, Anambra State, and presided over 
by Justices S. M Shuaibu and Hauwa Inuwa have convicted and sentenced Forty
-one (41) internet fraudsters to one year imprisonment, each.

The convicts were jailed after they pleaded guilty to one-count separate 
charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent 
documents, personation and aiding in committing an offence upon arraignment 
by the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC.

The convicts are; Douglas James, Raphael Chikezie Uwakwe, Paul Chidera Kalu, 
Chisom Linus, Chiemezie Nweke, Eze Ugochukwu Stanley, Ndubuisi Nwafor, Ifeanyi  
Samuel, Nwosu Chukwuemeka, Madueke Emmanuel, Edozie Daniel Timothy, Ahmed 
Fredrick Lukman, Godwin Chukwuemelie Julius, Okafor Vincent Chiemerie, Ugochukwu 
Raphael Ena, Chukwuemeka Franklin Obiji, Chimaobi Emmanuel Gabriel, Abonyi Chibuike 
Jude, Chiemelie Igboekwuna Christian and Okafor Chukwuma Desmond.

Others include; Jezreel Arihiakamah Chinwendu, Paul Okereke Chiadi, Peter Chidera 
Iwu, Onyeji Victor Chinecherem, Tochukwu Eze Solomon, Fred Chidera Okoye, Ezema 
Chiemerie Stanley, Emeka Ogbonna Daniel, Obinna Stanley Okafor, Udochukwu Peter 
Nnaewezie, Ebuka Johnson Olu, Okochi Ebuka Stanley, Promise Ogbodo Echezona, Ebuka 
Chukwu Joshua, Chisom Henry Udeagwueze, Ihechi Okechukwu Bright, Chibueze Maxwell 
Stephen, Ebuka Lucky Nwankwo, Isah Chinonso Peter, Ifeanyi Oguoke Kingsley and 
Chinonso Eze Innocent.

One of the separate charges reads: “That you, Uwakwe Chikezie Raphael sometime 
in 2024 in Onitsha, Anambra State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High 
Court in Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated the identity of Everly Ruby, a female 
foreigner through a Google account, via your iphone X with intent to obtain money 
from unsuspecting foreign nationals and in order to gain advantage of yourself 
and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) (b) of the 
Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 
22 (4) of the same Act”.

All the 41 defendants pleaded “guilty” when their charges were read to them 
separately, and in view of their pleas, Michael Ikechukwu Ani, counsel to the 
EFCC prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

However,  defence counsel, Wisdom Ogbonna, Bernard Okeke, James Nwatarali and 
Arinze Anyigo pleaded the court for leniency and to temper justice with mercy 
in sentencing their clients adding that they have shown enough remorse for 
their actions.

Justice Inuwa, on Thursday, May 2 2024, convicted and sentenced 27 of the 
convicts while the rest 14 were convicted on Friday,  May 3, 2024.  Those 
convicted on May 3 are:  Chiadi, Samuel, Chinecherem, Timothy, Stanley, 
Bright, Iwu, Lukman,  Nweke, Chukwuemeka, Okafor, Stephen, Chiemerie and 
Christian to one year imprisonment each with an option of fine of N100,000.00 
(One Hundred Thousand Naira).

The Justices also ordered that the convicts should be involved in Community 
Service in line with Section 462 of the Administration of Criminal Justice 
Act and ordered that items recovered from them, which include their mobile 
phones and laptops be auctioned through the EFCC and proceeds paid into the 
Treasury Single Account.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for their 
involvement in internet fraud.  They were charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains photos of the 419ers:

court-jails-41-internet-fraudsters-in-anambra
*****************************************

7 MAY 2024

COURT JAILS FAKE AMERICAN, TWO OTHERS 
IN KADUNA

Justice A.A Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting 
in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced a fake American, Stephen 
Thomas to five years imprisonment.

He was jailed after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering 
on impersonation by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and 
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

His charge reads: “That you, Stephen Thomas (a.k.a Rolanda Collins), 
male, sometimes in February,  2024 at Narayi Kaduna within the jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court fraudulently impersonated one Rolando Collins (an 
American citizen) on Facebook and in such assumed character, cheated one 
Kate Stewarton (an American citizen) the sum of $100(One Hundred USD) and 
you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 and punishable 
under Section 309 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017.”

He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him which prompted 
the prosecution counsel, M. J. Arugungu urged the court to convict and 
sentence him accordingly.

Justice Isiaka thereafter convicted and sentenced the defendant to five 
years imprisonment or to pay a fine of 150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty 
Thousand Naira).

The convict also forfeited his Infinix X mobile phone and the sum of $100 
(One Hundred USD) to the federal government.

In another development, the Kaduna Zonal Command arraigned Bashiru Adamu 
and Yushau Mohammed Ahmed before Justices A.A. Isiaka of the State High 
Court and Hawau Buhari of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna respectively. 
They were docked for failure to declare assets, criminal breach of trust and 
obtaining money by false pretence.

One of Adamu’s charges reads: "That you, Bashiru Adamu (M), sometime in 
2021 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently 
obtained the total sum of N25,000,000.00 (Twenty-Five Million Naira) from one 
Brigadier General JA Faransa (Rtd.), when you falsely represented yourself 
as being capable of securing and delivering to him a Toyota Hilux vehicle, 
which pretence you knew to be false 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.”

The second charge reads: "That you, Bashiru Adamu (M), sometime in 2021 at 
Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently induced 
one Brigadier General JA Faransa (Rtd.) to deliver to you a Peugeot 406 vehicle, 
when you falsely represented yourself as being capable of securing and delivering 
to him a Toyota Hilux vehicle, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby 
committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and 
Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the 
same Act.”

The one-count charge against Ahmed reads: "That you, Yushau Mohammed Ahmed 
(male), on or about the 1st day of July, 2019, at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court, knowingly failed to make full disclosure of all your 
assets and properties to wit: Plot No. 116 Cadastral Zone B05, measuring about 
5000sqm within Cadastral Zone B05, Utako District, Abuja, when you completed the 
Declaration of Assets Form contrary to Section 27(3) (a) of Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 27(3) of 
the same Act.”

Both defendants pleaded “not guilty” to their charges when they were read to 
them.  Consequently, prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka and  M. E. Eimonye prayed  
the court for a trial commencement date and for the defendants to be remanded in 
a Correctional centre. However, counsel to Ahmed, K. Mustapha prayed the court 
to allow him continue to enjoy an existing bail granted him by Justice Hadiza in 
2023 before she was elevated to the Court of Appeal.

After listening to both counsels, Justice Isiaka remanded Adamu  in the Kaduna 
Correctional Centre and adjourned the case for hearing of the bail application 
and commencement of trial respectively. 

Justice Buhari,  on the other hand,  adjourned Ahmed’s case till June 5, 2024 
for commencement of trial and granted that the defendant continued to enjoy his 
earlier bail.

While Thomas bagged his imprisonment for impersonating an American, Rolando 
Collins to defraud his victims, Adamu is facing trial owing to the claims of 
a petitioner, Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa who alleged that he engaged  his services 
sometime in 2021 to supply him a brand new Toyota Hilux 2021 model at an agreed 
cost of N35,000.00. Though the suspect claimed that officers of the Nigeria 
Custom Service seized the car after he had made the purchase, he could not 
show any proof of its purchase or evidence of its seizure.

Ahmed’s trouble came from his failure to declare his assets when he completed the 
Declaration of Assets Form contrary to Section 27(3) (a) of Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 27(3) of 
the same Act.”

The press release contains a photo of each 419er:

court-jails-fake-american-two-others-in-kaduna
******************************************

7 MAY 2024

COURT SENDS TWO TO JAIL FOR FOREX SCAM 
IN BENIN CITY

Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in 
Benin-City has convicted and sentenced two fraudsters, Raji 
Afeez Onii and Udo-Iwe Aniedi Raphael to two years imprisonment 
for fraud.

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count charge 
bordering on obtaining by false pretence upon arraignment 
by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The charge reads: "That you Raji Afeez Oni and Udo-Iwe Aniedi 
Raphael sometimes in May, 2020 within the jurisdiction of this 
honourable court provided your account details to one Abe Rachel 
Remote to (at large) for the purpose of receiving monies unlawfully 
obtained from members of the public and thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 17(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  
(Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under Section 17(b) of the same 
Act."

The defendants pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to them 
in court, prompting the prosecution counsel,  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 
as they have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced the duo to two years 
imprisonment or a fine of  N100,000( One Hundred Thousand Naira only) 
each. The court ordered that a Toyota Camry car recovered from Oni 
be forfeited to the Federal government Of Nigeria as proceeds of crime.

The judge also ordered that the entire sum of N10,917,357.00 (Ten 
Million,  Nine Hundred and Seventeen Thousand , Three Hundred and 
fifty Naira) recovered from the defendants be restituted to the 
victims of the crime.

The convicts’ road to the Correctional Centre began following their 
arrest by operatives of the Commission for collecting money from the 
public under the guise of investing the same in forex trading which  
turned out to be a fraudulent scheme.
 
The press release contains a photo of each 419er:

court-sends-two-to-jail-for-forex-scam-in-benin-city
**************************************

6 MAY 2024

OLUKOYEDE TO NIGERIAN YOUTHS: SHUN INTERNET FRAUD

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on youths across the country to stay 
away from internet fraud to safeguard their future.

This call was made on Wednesday,   May 2,  2024 at a leadership 
training themed:  Exploring the Tools of Leadership to Curb the 
Rising Tide of Social Vices among Nigerian Students.  According 
to him, youths’involvement in internet fraud is a threat to their 
future because of the risks of conviction and associated complications.  
He also said that internet fraud is causing reputational damage to 
Nigeria in the comity of nations and charged youths to separate 
themselves from it. 

The Chairman who spoke through the Head of Enlightenment and 
Reorientation Unit of the Commission, Aisha Mohammed said corruption 
is the reason why Nigeria is touted as a potentially great nation, 
despites its rich natural and human resources.

"The resources that should have delivered a good life to the majority 
of our people have been cornered by some corrupt individuals in our 
midst”, she said.

Mohammed emphasized that corruption is the root cause of many challenges 
facing the nation, including dysfunctional infrastructure, low indices 
of progress, and social dislocation. She urged youths to be change agents, 
active foot soldiers against corruption, community advocates, and whistle
-blowers.

"The scourge of internet fraud has become pervasive in the land, and our 
youths are getting embroiled in all sorts of cybercrime to the detriment 
of their future and the image of our nation, so we must tackle corruption 
frontally to promote economic growth and development," she said.

She also encouraged youths to embrace digital citizenship and to promote 
responsible online behaviour to secure Nigeria's future.

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja,  Abdul 
Rasheed Na'Allah, who was represented by Professor Philip Alfa, urged the 
youths to desist from indulging themselves into social immoralities.

According to him; “There’s no justification for committing crimes. A crime 
is crime, and as simple as indecent dressings across our campuses may look, 
it's a crime, so desist from it”,  he said.  He also called on lawmakers 
to come up with stringent laws that would make it difficult for public 
office holders to steal public funds.

Other speakers at the event made presentations on different key areas that 
would help participants in their future endeavours.   

olukoyede-to-nigerian-youths-shun-internet-fraud
*************************************

3 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 20 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN SAPELE

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday May 3, 2024 arrested 20 suspected 
internet fraudsters at different locations in Sapele, Delta State.

The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on their 
suspected involvement in computer- related fraud.

Items recovered from them include 12 exotic cars, laptops and phones.

The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are 
concluded.

efcc-arrests-20-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-sapele
*****************************************

3 MAY 2024

INTERNET FRAUDSTER BAGS 7YEARS IN PORT HARCOURT

Justice P.M Ayua of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt,  
Rivers State has convicted and sentenced one Odinakachi Prince Onyeoziri 
to seven years imprisonment.

He was jailed after pleading guilty to three-count charges bordering on 
internet fraud contrary to Section 14 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, 
Prevention etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same Section.

One of the count charges read:

“That you, Odinakachi Prince Onyeoziri, and Solmyr (at large) between 
June, 2021 to November, 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
Court knowingly caused your victims loss by inputting or suppressing 
data in computers thereby benefitting the aggregate sum of $3000 (Three 
thousand United States Dollars) and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to section 14(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 
2015 and punishable under the same Section”

He pleaded "guilty" to the charges when they were read to him.  

In view of his guilty pleas, prosecuting counsel, I. Agwu sought to review 
the facts of the case through the investigating officer,  Abalaka Stephen, 
an operative of the Commission. While being led in evidence, he told the 
court that the defendant was arrested by operatives of the Commission 
following a written petition by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, 
against the defendant for alleged internet fraud activities. He was thereafter 
apprehended sometime in February, 2024 at Owerri, Imo State. 

Testifying further, he told the court that the defendant in his voluntary 
statement to the EFCC, confessed to being into internet fraud, spreading 
of computer virus, spamming and also causing his victims losses by inputting 
data in computers.  He confessed benefiting an aggregate sum of Three Thousand 
United States Dollars ($3,000) by representing himself to unsuspecting victims 
as different individuals.

Agwu, thereafter, sought to tender in evidence, the statements, and all the 
items recovered from the defendant. The court thereafter admitted the evidence 
and were marked as exhibits. 

Thereafter, the trial judge declared him guilty as charged.

Defence counsel, B. Onuoha, on the other hand 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 Ayua sentenced him to seven years imprisonment cumulatively with Three 
Million Naira (3,000,000.00) as an option of fine payable into the Consolidated 
Revenue Account of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In addition, the judge ordered that, items recovered from the convict, two laptops, 
a mobile device, Toyota Highlander with Registration: NKR 736 AA, two story buildings 
containing six units of two bedroom flats should be forfeited to the Federal Republic 
of Nigeria. Additionally, the convict shall depose an affidavit of good behaviour 
before the court.

internet-fraudster-bags-7years-in-port-harcourt
**************************************

3 MAY 2024

NIS SEEKS STRONGER COLLABORATION WITH EFCC

The Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, Rivers State Command, has called 
for stronger collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, for more credible intelligence sharing in tackling economic and financial 
crimes and other acts of corruption in the country.

This call was made  in Port Harcourt on Tuesday,  April 30, 2024,  by the 
Comptroller, Immigration Services, CIS, Bashir Mohammed Mohammed Saddiq, 
while on a courtesy visit to the Ag. Zonal Director,  Port Harcourt Zonal 
Command of the EFCC.

Saddiq stated that a stronger and more efficient collaboration with the 
EFCC will boost synergy,  intelligence sharing and greater strength in 
combating corrupt practices. “My visit here is to foster stronger and 
effective collaboration with your Commission. The EFCC and the Nigeria 
Immigration Service have been collaborating, working together in harmony.  
I think we need to come up with strategic plans to be able to see how we 
can resolve issues concerning crime because the effort of the EFCC and 
Immigration is all geared towards achieving one goal which is at least, 
to make life better for our citizens”, he said.

The Comptroller  added that the Immigration will always join hands with 
the EFCC to ensure that people who have been watch-listed by the Commission 
do not escape overnight from the country, either through the airports or 
land borders but will be pinned to stay back and face the law.

Responding, the Ag. Zonal Director,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 
1 Adebayo Adeniyi  welcomed the Comptroller and members of his entourage on 
the visit. He appreciated the existing relationship between the two agencies 
adding that they have a lot more to do together in combating the menace of 
corruption, economic and financial crime.

He further commended  the Immigration Service for its roles in the fight 
against economic crimes,  especially in keeping a  tab on individuals watch-
listed by the Commission and preventing them from scampering to other countries. 
He also called for a more robust relationship and synergy between the two Agencies.    

"Thank you very much Comptroller.  This is what we have been preaching regarding 
collaboration, there is that need for us to be on the same page, there is that 
need for us to know that we are out there for the same goal” he said.
 
The press release contains a photo:

nis-seeks-stronger-collaboration-with-efcc
*******************************************

2 MAY 2024

EFCC CAUTIONS STUDENTS AGAINST INTERNET FRAUD

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has charged students 
of the Federal Science and Technical College, Ukana Offot, Akwa Ibom State, 
to abhor all forms of internet crimes, and imbibe tenets of integrity.

This charge was given on Friday April 26, 2024, by the Head, Public Affairs 
Department, EFCC Uyo Zonal Command, Assistant Commander of the ACE II, T. E. 
Nwosu during a sensitisation session with old and new members of the Anti-
Corruption and Integrity Club of the Federal Science and Technical College Uyo.

She charged the students to always remember that crime does not pay, but 
brings pain, suffering and setbacks to offenders, as well as their family 
and friends. "I urge you to embrace good morals, shun crime and imbibe a 
culture of integrity so that the foundation you are laying now for your 
tomorrow, will be rooted in the right principles”, she said.

Nwosu reminded the students that whatever crime that is committed today 
through the internet, will always come back to haunt the perpetrators because 
the internet does not forget. When such crimes are discovered, the EFCC will 
ensure that whoever committed the crime, will definitely do the time. "As club 
members, you are expected to live above board and partner with the EFCC by 
sharing information. The EFCC will not shield any offender, even a club member" 
she said.

The school principal,  Mrs. P.O. Ogungheme, who received the team on arrival, 
commended the Commission for its efforts under the current leadership at ensuring 
that nobody is above the law and assured that under her leadership, "the school 
will work with the Commission to ensure that the Federal Science and Technical 
College remains a crime free zone".

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the EFCC  Integrity Club 
bannerette, T-shirts, caps, Club Constitution and note pads which were handed 
over to the club members.

The press release contains several photos:

efcc-cautions-students-against-internet-fraud

419 Coalition comment:  We have been advocating efforts like this for nearly
30 years now, and continue to do so.  More grease to the EFCC's elbow in such
efforts!
*************************************

2 MAY 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 23 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN EBONYI

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected 
internet fraudsters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Thursday, May 2, 
2024 following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement 
in internet related activities.

Items recovered from them include one laptop and mobile phones.

The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations 
are concluded.

The press release includes a photo:

efcc-arrests-23-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-ebonyi
********************************************

30 APR 2024

EFCC ARRESTS 13 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN ABUJA

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  
Abuja Zonal Command have arrested 13( thirteen) suspected internet 
fraudsters in Abuja.

They were arrested at the Kubwa axis of Abuja following actionable 
intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet-related 
offences.

The suspects comprise 12 males and one female.

Items recovered from them include 12 phones and laptops.

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-abuja
*****************************************

29 APR 2024

EFCC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FIGHT AGAINST CYBER CRIMES

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has restated its 
commitment to the fight against cyber crimes, stressing that the crimes 
have become an organized threat and onslaught to the development of nations. 

This disclosure was made in Abuja on Monday, April 29, 2024  by the 
Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede while receiving a 
delegation from the International Criminal Police Organisation, 
Interpol, that paid him a courtesy visit at the corporate headquarters 
of the Commission.

“As a matter of fact, a consultant was saying that cybercrime has assumed 
the third largest GDP in the world. It is a sort of crime that we should 
not take lightly and comes from the readiness from these countries and 
law enforcement agencies to collaborate, to share information in such a 
way that each country will take responsibility for what they are supposed 
to take responsibility for, " he said.

Olukoyede pointed out that the EFCC’s operations against cyber crimes 
are focused, relentless and fruitful.  “EFCC,  apart from the Police, 
is one of the prominent, specialised anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria 
that has the mandate to investigate cybercrime and we have been doing 
that. In the last few months, we have secured over five hundred convictions 
in cybercrimes and over the years we have had cause to collaborate with FBI, 
NCA and other prominent law enforcement agencies in the world in the area 
of combating cybercrime. We are much ready to do more and also to encourage 
the heads of the world to give access to information."

Earlier in his presentation, leader of the delegation, Mr. Craig Jones, 
explained that Interpol was working as a neutral law enforcement agency 
with private partners across the world to detect and break criminal networks 
serving fraudsters.   He disclosed that cybercrimes  have become global 
security threats with massive impact. "I think many countries now recognise 
that cybercrime is actually a national security threat to countries and this 
goes hand in hand with financial crimes, because the main motivation of 
cybercrime normally for the criminals is that financial gain and the impact 
that it makes on the countries and our communities is massive", he said.  

To this end, Jones explained that Interpol continued to identify countries 
with criminal networks in order to assist them to break such networks.

He also disclosed that a CyberCrimes Convention is being negotiated with 
the United Nations Organisation,  UNO, to draw global attention and commitment 
to the fight against the menace.

The press release contains a photo:

efcc-reaffirms-commitment-to-fight-against-cyber-crimes

419 Coalition comment:  Hear, Hear!  However, we'd also like to mention
we have been recommending for Many years that EFCC prioritize counter-
Cybercrime and counter-419 Operations, and refer internal corruption 
crimes to the Internal Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for investigation 
and prosecution.  Seems like a sensible allocation of effort and resources
to us!
**********************************************

27 APR 2024

RESTRUCTURING OF EFCC : OLUKOYEDE APPOINTS CHIEF OF STAFF,  
ZONAL DIRECTORS

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has appointed Mr. Michael Nzekwe as his Chief 
of Staff. He has also appointed Zonal Directors for each of the 14 Zonal 
Commands of the Commission.

Nzekwe, topnotch investigator, lawyer and former Commander of the Ilorin 
Zonal Command of the EFCC, is a course one officer of the Commission. He 
has served in various departments in the Commission, including Legal and 
Prosecution Department, Department of Operations (now Department of 
Investigations), Department of Internal Affairs ( now Department of Ethics 
and Integrity),  Servicom, and Asset Forfeiture Department.

A seasoned administrator, he has attended several trainings and courses 
home and abroad, including the Advance Defence Intelligence Officers Course 
organised by Defence Intel Agency, DIA. The appointment takes immediate 
effect and he has assumed duties.

Olukoyede,  in his restructuring and repositioning of the EFCC, equally 
upgraded all the Zonal Commands of the Commission to the status of Departments,  
with each of them headed by a Director.  To this effect, 14 new Directors have 
been appointed to head each of the Zonal Commands.  Additionally, to bolster 
and fortify the security architecture of the Commission, the Security Unit of 
the EFCC has been upgraded to a Department with a seasoned officer appointed 
as Director, Security and Chief Security Officer. 

A new Department has also been created in the Executive Chairman’s office 
and it is headed by  former  Makurdi Zonal Commander of the EFCC,  Mr. Friday 
Ebelo who also doubles as Director and Coordinator, Special Duties at the 
corporate headquarters of the Commission.  The former Department of Internal 
Affairs has been renamed Department of Ethics and Integrity and minor reshuffling 
effected in some Departments at the headquarters.

Olukoyede says that the ongoing restructuring is meant for the repositioning 
and strengthening of the EFCC to deliver on its assigned mandate optimally.

The press release contains a photo:

restructuring-of-efcc-olukoyede-appoints-chief-of-staff-zonal-directors
**************************************

26 APR 2024

COURT SENDS NINE INTERNET FRAUDSTERS TO JAIL  
IN BENIN CITY

Nine internet fraudsters were on Tuesday and Wednesday April 23 & 24,  
2024 convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by Justice Efe 
Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are Andrew Ayakanmi Joshua, Obazee Marvellous, Osiobe 
Joshua, Osariemen Favour, Edosa Ovbokhan, Emmanuel Eramiokhare, Cyril 
Osagie, Stephen Okiosi Osaiwe and Muhammed Mudesiru Hussein.

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge 
bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent 
documents, retention of proceeds of crime upon arraignment by the 
Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC.

The charge against Eramiokhare reads: “That you Emmanuel Eiramiokhae 
(m) sometime between 1st January 1 2019 and 4th April, 2024 within the 
jurisdiction of this honourable court did retain the aggregate sum of 
N97,392,707.75 (Ninety Seven Million, Three Hundred and Ninety two 
thousand, Seven Hundred and Seven Naira, Seventy five kobo) knowing 
that same represent proceeds of Godstime (your chairman) criminal 
conduct to wit: cybercrime and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 17 (a) Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) 
Act 2004 and punishable under Section 17(b) 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, 
Ibrahim Faisal 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 as they have become remorseful 
for their actions.
 
Justice Ikponmwonba on Tuesday April 22, 2024 sentenced the trio of 
Eramiokhae, Joshua and Favour to three years imprisonment or a fine 
of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each while the duo of Ayakanmi 
Joshua and Obazee Marvellous bagged two years imprisonment or a fine 
of N100,000  each. On Wednesday April 23, 2024, the judge convicted 
and sentenced Ovbokhan to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000,  
Hussein bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 while the duo 
of Osaiwe and Osagie were sentenced to community service.

The judges ordered the convicts to forfeit their phones, laptops, balances 
in their various bank accounts, 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 Correctional Centre began for the convicts 
following their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the 
Commission based on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement 
in computer -related fraud. They were charged to court and convicted.

court-sends-nine-internet-fraudsters-to-jail-in-benin-city
******************************************

26 APR 2024

ABUJA COURT JAILS TWO INTERNET FRAUDSTERS

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abuja Zonal Command, 
on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 secured the conviction and sentence of two 
internet fraudsters to various jail terms.

The convicts,  Adeleye Olanrewaju and Ayo Olaosebiomo were convicted by 
Justice I. Mohammed of the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT,  High Court 
Gwagwalada on a one- count charge each.

The lone- count charge against Olanrewaju  reads: ‘that you Adeleye 
Olanrewaju sometime in 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 
court committed the offence of cheating by personation when you pretended 
to be one Lolita Gonzale293 female American citizen when you created a 
fake Instagram account for love scam and benefitted the sum of $460 (Four 
Hundred and Sixty United States Dollars) from your victim John Alonzo 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”.

They both pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them. 

 The prosecution counsel thereafter urged the court to convict and 
 sentence the defendants accordingly.  However, defense counsel, Sunday 
 Adebayo and Okoro Nnachi Abiam prayed the court to temper justice with 
 mercy, stressing that the convicts were first -time offenders and already 
 pleaded guilty so as not to waste the time of the court.

Following this, Justice Mohammed sentenced Adeleye to one year imprisonment 
with an option of N100, 000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine while Olaosebiomo 
was sentenced to six months imprisonment with a N50, 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) 
option of fine. Both convicts forfeited their phones to the Federal Government.

The convicts began their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were 
arrested by operatives of the Abuja Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet-
related offences.  They were charged to court and convicted.

The press release contains a photo of each 419er:

abuja-court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters
*******************************************

25 APR 2024

EFCC ARRESTS NINE SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS 
IN PORT HARCOURT

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic 
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested seven 
suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

They were arrested following actionable intelligence on their 
suspected involvement in internet-related offences.  

Items recovered from them include different brands of mobile 
devices, laptops, two cars and several incriminating documents 
in their possession.

They will soon be charged to court as soon as investigations 
are concluded.

The press release contains photos:

efcc-arrests-nine-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-port-harcourt
********************************************

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
**********************************

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
****************************************

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
*****************************************

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
*******************************************

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
*****************************************

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
******************************************

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
************************************

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
*****************************************

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
******************************************

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
**************************************

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
***************************************

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
*******************************************

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
****************************************

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
*******************************************

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
****************************************

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
***************************************

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
****************************************

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
*****************************************

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
****************************************

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
****************************************

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
********************************************

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
*****************************************

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
************************************

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
******************************************

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
************************************************

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
*********************************************

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
****************************************

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
**************************************

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
***************************************************

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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