14 JAN 2025
EFCC Arraigns 11 more Chinese for Alleged Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
on Friday, February 14, 2025, arraigned 11 more Chinese and a company, Genting International
Co. Ltd, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos
for fraud.
The defendants are: Li Niu, Xiao Qinyun, Fu Zheng Yang, Xiao Yi, Bei Bei Linde Jun, Li Hang,
Huan Livo, Wang Wei Tong Mo Ying, Gao Yang, Zebin Chen and Yuan Zhibin.
They are part of the 792-member syndicate of alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance
fraud suspects arrested in Lagos on December 10, 2024 by officers of the EFCC in a surprise
operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation.”
The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism, cybercrimes,
possession of documents containing false pretence, advance fee fraud and identity theft.
The charge against Jun reads: “That you, BEI BEI LINDE JUN, (Female), adult and GENTING
INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED sometime between the 28th of November, 2024 and 10th of December,
2024. at No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, within the Jurisdiction
of the Federal High Court of Nigeria with intent to defraud, willfully caused to be accessed,
computer systems which were organized to destabilize the social and economic structure of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, when you secretly procured and employed several Nigerian
youths for identity theft and other computer related fraud, and you thereby committed an
offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition,
Prevention, Etc.,) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2015 (As amended)."
Niu’s charge reads: "That you, LI NIU sometimes in 2024 at Lagos within the jurisdiction
of this Honourabe Court, had in your possession documents where you represented yourself
as "LISA' and that you are a female from Singapore, a representation which you knew or ought
to have known is false and you thereby committed and 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."
They all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, following which
prosecution counsel, Ahmed Yerima, F.S. Mohammed, A.M. Dambuwq and N.C. Mutfwang asked the
court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in a Correctional Centre.
Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till March 14 and 21, 2025 for trial, and ordered that
the defendants be remanded in the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres.
The press release contains photos:
-efcc-arraigns-11-more-chinese-for-alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos
419 Coalition question: Again, Who or what entity(ies) control GENTING INTERNATIONAL
CO. LIMITED?
****************************************************
13 FEB 2025
Seven Convicts Forfeit Hotel, N230.3m, Others in Makurdi
Justice M.S.Abubakar of the Federal High Court, sitting in Makurdi, Benue State
has ordered the forfeiture to the federal government, the sum of N232,396,714.00
(Two Hundred and Thirty-two Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-six Thousand, Seven
Hundred and Fourteen Naira), a hotel as well as the sum of $4,977 (Four Thousand
Nine Hundred and Seventy-seven US Dollars) recovered from seven fraudsters.
The forfeiture followed the conviction and sentencing of the fraudsters, prosecuted
on separate one-count charges, bordering on criminal impersonation, money laundering,
cybercrime and obtaining by false pretence by the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The convicts are: Tamaraudeinyefa Shedrack Brakekebebe, Godday Conference Brakekebebe,
Terhemba Josiah Asagh, Nyiter Avalumun Elijah, Ahmed Alabi Akindele, Kennedy Torbem
Ayanger and Hwande Aondooungwa James.
The charge against Brakekebebe reads: “That you Tamaraudeinyefa Shedrack Brakebebe
"M" ( 24 years old) in Makurdi, Benue State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
Court, did retain the sum of N64,762,169.00 ( Sixty Four Million, Seven Hundred and
Sixty Nine Naira) in your Access Bank Account Number 0106661087 and the sum of N102,750,246.00
( One Hundred and Two Million,Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty Six
Naira) in your Zenith Bank Account number 2650121852, which you reasonably knew to be proceeds
of unlawful Act, to wit; Cybercrime and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)
(d) of the Money Laundering ( prohibition and Prevention etc) Act 2022 and punishable under
Section 18(3)of the same Section.
That of Asagh reads: “That you Terhemba Josiah Asagh "M"( 27 years old) sometime between
2021 and 2025 in Makurdi, Benue State with intent to defraud did send electronic messages
via Facebook App with fake identity as an Asian soldier, working for United Nations in the
United State of America which reliance, unsuspecting foreigners were caused to suffer loss
of about $300,0000 ( Three Hundred Thousand USD, which you converted to your Kuda Bank Account
Number 2018650772 and use same in building a Century Crip Inn Hotel, Gboko and thereby committed
an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)of the Cybercrime ( Prohibition and Prevention etc) Act
2015 and punishable under same Section of the Act.”
They all pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, prompting the review
of their cases by prosecuting counsel M.Yusuf, A.S.Idris, A.Gazali K.T.Sunday and Imadifon
Igbinidu, who urged the court afterwards to convict and sentence them accordingly.
After listening to prosecution and defence counsel, Justice Abubakar convicted and sentenced
Tamaraudeinyefa Brakekebebe to one year imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand
Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of N102,750,246.00 (One Hundred and Two Million,
Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty Six Naira), found in his Zenith Bank
Account No: 2650121856 and the sum of N64,762,169.00 (Sixty Four Million, Seven Hundred and Sixty
Two Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Nine Naira) to the federal government.
Godday Brakekebebe was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00
(Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of N56, 633,246 (Fifty-six
Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-three Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-six Naira) found in his Zenith
Bank Account No: 4068151050 and another sum of N200,929.00 (Two Hundred Thousand, Nine Hundred and
Twenty-nine Naira ), found in his Access Bank account No: 1462517972 to the federal government.
Asagh was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment or to pay N1,500,000,00 (One Million,
Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his Century Crip Inn Hotel, situated
at No: 41 Adekaa Yaji Street, Gboko North LGA, Benue State and registered as plot 5352 in Gboko
Land Registry and a Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic with Chassis No: WDDHFBQAA121814 and Registration
No: ABJ 367 CY to the federal government.
Elijah bagged one year imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.
In addition, he is to restitute the sum of N10million to his victim through the EFCC Recovery
Account and forfeit a Mercedes-Benz GLE with chassis No:4J6D5H876A44065 and Registration No ABJ
797 AL to the federal government.
Akindele was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment or to pay N100,000.00 ( One Hundred
Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he is to restitute the sum of N1,645,000.00 (One Million, Six
Hundred and Forty-five Thousand Naira) to his victim.
Ayanger was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment or to pay N100,000.00( One Hundred
Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he is to restitute the sum of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand
Naira) to his victim, while James was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment or to pay
N500,000.00 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of N8,050,124.00
(Eight Million and Fifty Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-four Naira) found in his Zenith Bank Account
No: 4256815018 and as well as $4977 ( Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy-seven US Dollars) USD
in his wallet account to the federal government.
The road to their ill-fate began when operatives of the Special Task Force (STF) of the Makurdi Zonal
Directorate of the EFCC followed credible intelligence on their involvements in fraudulent criminal
activities and arrested them in their hideouts.
The press release contains photos:
seven-convicts-forfeit-hotel-n230-3m-others-in-makurdi
**************************************************
13 FEB 2025
EFCC Arraigns 16 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Enugu
The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 arraigned 16 suspected internet fraudsters
before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, sitting in Independence
Layout, Enugu for fraud.
The defendants are: Chidera Nehemiah, Chikamso Nwabuisi, Nnamekwe Jeremiah Chukwu,
Chiemerie Christian Nworie, Azubuike Akachukwu, Onah Chisom Promise, Onoja Anthony
Enemari, Uboegbu Chisom Emmanuel and Ediekemi Patrick Udokaebe.
Others are: David Ugaji Izuhukwu, Asomugha Favour Chibuike, Onuoha Marvelous Onyeani,
Chidera Godwin, Modozie Chukwudalu Sixtus, Ugwu Chibuzor Pedro and Obiora Favour Ebube.
While Chukwu, Akachukwu, Promise, Udokaebe, Chibuike, Godwin and Sixtus were arraigned
on separate two-count charges, the rest of the defendants were arraigned on separate
three-count charges, all bordering on fraudulent personation, obtaining by false pretence,
money laundering and possession of fraudulent documents.
Count three against Nwabuisi reads: “That you, Chikamso Nwabuisi, sometime in January,
2025 in Awka, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria,
did commit a felony to wit: using and taking possession of the sum of Five Thousand US
Dollars ($5,000.00), knowing same to be fund that forms part of proceeds of an unlawful
act and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering
(Prohibition) Act, 2022, as amended and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”
Court three against Chukwu reads: “That you, Nnaemeka Jeremiah Chukwu sometime in January
2025, at Awka, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court committed
a felony to wit: using and taking possession of the sum of $5000.00, equivalent of N7, 679, 600
(Seven Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-nine Thousand, Six Hundred Naira) knowing same to be
funds that form parts 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”.
They all pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were separately read to them. In view of
their plea, prosecution counsel, Michael Ikechukwu Ani, prayed the court for a trial date
and for the defendants to be remanded in Enugu State Correctional Centre, while
defence counsel, Wisdom Ogbonna, E. J. Nwatarali, B. C. Okeke, O. E. Otakagu, D. O. Onyeji,
M. I. Odo and Segun Oyesanya informed the court of pending bail applications of the defendants
before the court. Prosecution counsel opposed the bail applications on the ground that they
were not due for hearing having been informed at a very short notice and needed time to file
counter-affidavits.
After listening to both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the matter involving Nehemiah, Nwabuisi,
Chukwu, Nworie and Onyeamari till February 14, 2025 for the hearing of their bail applications,
while those of Akachukwu, Promise, Emmanuel, Udoakebe, Izuchukwu, Sixtus and Ebube were adjourned
till February 21, 2025 for hearing of the bail applications. The rest were adjourned till March
7, 2025 for the same purpose. He ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Enugu State
Correctional Centre.
The defendants were among 37 suspected internet fraudsters arrested on Friday, January 17,
2025 in a sting operation at Dr. J. O. Ukwutinife Close, Commissioners Quarters, Ifite, Awka,
Anambra State, following actionable intelligence linking them to internet criminal activities.
Investigations revealed that the defendants specialized in forging documents, impersonating
foreign nationals and using fake social media accounts to defraud unsuspecting victims.
The press release contains photos of the suspects:
efcc-arraigns-16-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-enugu
************************************************
11 FEB 2025
Court Jails Internet Fraudster in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC has secured the conviction and sentencing of one Chika Stanley Okoh for
internet fraud, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court,
sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
He was arraigned in December 2024 on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrime.
The charge reads: “That you Chika Stanley Okoh sometimes in 2024, in Lagos,
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held out yourself
on facebook account @Zachary Levi as Zachary Levi, a male American actor, with
intention to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence
contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition
etc.) Act, 2015."
He pleaded "guilty" to the charge when it was read to him, following which
prosecution counsel, B.I. Oluseyi, invited an investigative officer of the EFCC,
Damilare Adeosun to give a review of the facts of the case.
Adeosun told the court that the EFCC sometime in November 2024 received credible
intelligence on the activities of internet fraudsters around the Lekki axis of Lagos
and that "Acting on the intelligence, a sting operation was conducted at Lekki County
Estate, Lagos State, where Okoh was arrested alongside several others," and was taken
to EFCC office where he volunteered his statement.
"The defendant misrepresented himself to be a white man from the United States
with the name Jonathan. The defendant also confessed that he does middle-man fraud
by facilitating proceeds of fraud for internet fraudsters. And he gets a certain
percentage from every transaction being facilitated. The defendant confessed to
have benefitted the sum of N2 million, which he used to purchase an iPhone 14 Pro
Max. The device was recovered from him upon his arrest. The phone was examined by
the forensic laboratory department and the forensic analysis revealed fraudulent
documents," he said.
Adeosun added that in the course of the investigations, Okoh raised a United Bank
for Africa (UBA) manager's cheque of N1 million as restitution.
The prosecution counsel tendered in evidence, Okoh’s confessional statement, the
device recovered from him, findings from the investigation and the manager's cheque
with no objection from the defence counsel, Peter Taiwo.
In his judgment, Justice Aneke held that the prosecution proved its case beyond
reasonable doubt and pronounced Okoh guilty as charged.
He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment or to pay a fine of N1,000,000 (One
Million Naira Only), to be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the
Federation. In addition, he is to serve 100 hours of community service.
The press release contains a photo:
court-jails-internet-fraudster-in-lagos
********************************************
11 FEB 2025
EFCC Arraigns 16 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Enugu
The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC has arraigned 16 (sixteen) suspected internet fraudsters before Justice
Folashade O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, sitting in Independence
Layout, Enugu State.
The defendants are: Ibemere Gerald Ifechukwu, Ngwu Chidozie Henry, Onwugbolu
Charles, Okeke Emmanuel Ebubechukwu, Ikechukwu Augustine Ibeanu, Samuel Obi
Chidera, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Chinsed and Onoja Sampson Kingsley.
Others are: Chukwudi Francis Chinenye, Nwodo Nelson Obinna, Muolukwu Ikenna
Anthony, Ebuka Peter Ejiofor, Okonkwo Nonso Chijioke, Ngwu Chidozie Sylvester,
Duru Christopher and Seth Hyacinth Chidera.
While Emmanuel, Ebubechukwu, Henry, Chidera, Christopher, Francis and Charles
were arraigned on separate two-count charges, the rest of the defendants were
arraigned on separate three-count charges, all bordering on fraudulent impersonation,
possession of fraudulent documents and money laundering.
Count three against Chidera reads: “That you, Samuel Obi Chidera, sometime in
January, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal
High Court of Nigeria, did commit a felony to wit: Using and taking possession
of the sum of Three Thousand United States Dollars ($3,000), knowing same to be
fund that forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act and you thereby committed
an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition)
Act, 2022 as amended and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”
Count three against Chijioke reads: “That you, Okonkwo Nonso Chijioke, sometime
in January, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal
High Court of Nigeria, did commit a felony to wit: Using and taking possession
of the sum of Five Hundred United States Dollars ($500), knowing same to be fund
that forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2022 as
amended and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”
They pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were separately read to them, following
which prosecution counsel, Michael Ikechukwu Ani prayed the court for a trial date
and for the defendants to be remanded in Enugu State Correctional Centre, while
defence counsel, J. O. Ezeh, D. O. Orji, Lizzy Otakagu, E. J. Nwatarali, Michael
Odom and Wisdom Ogbonna made bail applications for the defendants before the court,
which were opposed by prosecution counsel on the ground that he was just served the
applications and needed time to study them and file counter affidavits.
After listening to both sides, Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo adjourned the matters till
February 17, 2025 for hearing of bail applications and ordered that the defendants
be remanded in the Enugu State Correctional Centre.
The defendants were arrested on Friday, January 17, 2025 in a sting operation at
Dr. J. O Ukwutinife Close, Commissioners Quarters, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State,
following actionable intelligence linking them to online criminal activities.
Investigations revealed that while some of the defendants specialized in impersonating
foreign nationals and defrauding their victims using fake social media accounts, others
specialized on forging documents which they use in defrauding unsuspecting victims.
The press release contains a photo of each of the suspects:
efcc-arraigns-16-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-enugu
************************************************
8 FEB 2025
Alleged Cyber Terrorism, Internet Fraud: EFCC Witness Reveals How
He Was Instructed to Disguise As Female to gain Clients’ Trust
A First Prosecution Witness, PW1, in the trial of one Xiao Hong Will, a Chinese,
over an alleged cyber terrorism and internet fraud , on Friday, February 7, 2025,
told Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos how
he was instructed by his employers to present himself as a female to gain clients’
trust.
The witness, Rowland Turaki, a cyber security student, said he was one of the
employees of the Chinese standing trial for alleged cyber terrorism and internet
fraud.
Hong Will is a member of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment
and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a surprise
operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.
He was subsequently arraigned alongside Genting International Company Limited on
January 31, 2025 on a three-count charge bordering on an alleged case of cybercrimes,
cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft,
among others.
One of the counts reads: “XIAO HONG WILL and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO.
LIMITED, on or about the 18th of December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction
of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organised
to seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and
prevents cyber and related crimes) when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for
identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with
the intent to gain financial advantage for yourselves and you thereby committed an
offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes
(Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
At Friday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, informed the court
that the prosecution had its witnesses in court and was ready to proceed with trial.
Counsel to the defendant, however, B.A. Omateno told the court that the case was
quite tedious and that she might not be able to proceed with the cross-examination.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that the defence counsel’s submission was not
strong enough to discontinue the proceedings.
Consequently, Turaki, led by the prosecution counsel, began his testimony, saying,
“I met him at the office, where we work. He is one of our employers. Sometime in mid-
November, I was on Jiji.ng looking for a laptop for my cybersecurity studies, so I
saw an advert of a job opening for a Customer Service representative role at a Company
and the pay was 250k. I clicked on the ad and I was directed to a page with a WhatsApp
number, which I was asked to message. I messaged the number and I was added to the group.
“On the group, we were given an address and time to come in for the interview. I went
to the address at 7, Oyin Jolayemi in Victoria Island, Lagos for the interview. I was
tested for my typing skills and not for my computer proficiency skills. The test was
to beat a 30-word mark in one minute; and if that’s done, you are hired.
“I expected follow-up questions, but there was none. I was told to resume the next day
and I was informed of the rules and regulations of the company. I was also told of the
salary structure as well as accommodation and transportation arrangement. I went back
home and packed my stuff to resume at work the next day. “
In his further testimony, he said: “On getting to work, I was given a script and some
information needed as a guideline for my role in the company. My employers told me I
had to memorise all that I was given as a guideline for my new role. For the next three
days, I was made to study the script, which I will use to speak to clients.
“I was given a chat template; a set of instructions containing conversation between
Genting International Company Ltd. and a client. The chat was basically befriending
the client and gaining the client’s trust. A roadmap of how the chat will go and what
to say.
“I was to present myself as a woman to gain the client's trust. I was told not to
deviate from the template and adhere strictly to it. After three days of training,
they provided me with a desktop computer. We were given numbers to contact. We had
a time duration of five days to gain the client's trust, using the template provided.
I started chatting with multiple people, mostly men from European countries. I spent
about three weeks at the company. I had not gotten the company the number of clients
required and I was pressured for it. We were given deadlines and threats of sacking
without pay and there were fines. Because of this, I decided to leave the company
and when I told my superiors that I wanted to resign, a memo was passed around that
if you want to leave you have to give 15 days notice; otherwise, you will leave
without getting a dime. “
He also told the court that the company provided them with a model, whose job was
to provide them with pictures and videos, so that if they needed to do video calls
with the clients, it would be believable.
According to him , “The name of the model assigned to me is Amity Smith. The job
of the model was to gain complete trust of the client. Once this has been done,
and trust gained, my employers will send a message on the telegram group and tell
us to hand off and they take over from us. We stop chatting with the client and
move on to the next. Our supervisors are Chinese. I received payment for the
duration of my stay, via a bank transfer.
“My employer had armed police presence in the work and accommodation premises. Based
on the pressure from my employers, I didn’t think it was wise to flee given the high
level of security presence at the premises and I wanted to get paid.
“I wanted to get medication at a time, but the Chinese people told the security men
not to let us go.
“When they saw that we were creating a scene, they told the security men to forcefully
send us back. We were mostly youths of age 20 to 30. They threatened us and it contributed
to my decision to leave. Unfortunately, the EFCC arrested us before I could do that.”
The case was adjourned till March 18, 2025 for continuation of trial.
alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-efcc-witness-reveals-how-he-was-instructed-to-disguise-as-female-to-gain-clients-trust
419 Coalition questions: Again, 419 Coalition question: Who or what entity(ies) control
GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED? Where did the company's capital investment come from?
Where did the "profits" go? Inquiring minds want to know these things....
*******************************************************************
8 FEB 2025
Olukoyede Confers Posthumous Award of Bravery on Slain Officer
Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC,
Mr. Ola Olukoyede has conferred a Posthumous Award of Bravery on a slain
officer of the Commission, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE
II. Aminu Harisu Sahabi.
He disclosed this in Sokoto on Friday, February 7, 2025 when he paid a
condolence visit to the family of the late officer at the Gawon Nama area
of Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto State.
Sahabi was killed in cold blood in Awka, Anambra State on January 17, 2025
while on an official assignment to apprehend suspected internet fraudsters.
Accompanied by the Director, Finance and Accounts of the Commission, Commander
of the EFCC, CE Ahmed Pate, Ag. Director Sokoto Zonal Directorate, DCE Nwanneka
Nwokike and management staff of the EFCC Sokoto zonal Directorate, Olukoyede
consoled the bereaved family assuring that the Commission shares in their pains.
"As a Commission, we share in the pains and grief of the loss, but we cannot
question the time that the Lord calls us home. The late Aminu was a gallant
officer full of promise and in the services of his fatherland when he met with
the tragic incident. Indeed, Allah gives and Allah takes".
He further said "I am personally here to assure you that his sacrifice will never
be forgotten nor will those accused of the heinous act of his murder be allowed
to go free. They must and they will face the full wrath of the law".
"There is nothing on earth that can replace the loss of a loved one but let us
be consoled that Allah's timing cannot be questioned and continue to pray for
the repose of his soul", he added.
The EFCC boss then conferred a Posthumous Award for Bravery to the late officer
and a Condolence Letter on behalf of the EFCC and the Federal Government of
Nigeria to the family.
Continuing, the EFCC’s boss stressed that, "going forward, I want to assure you
that the family will not be forgotten as I will make time to visit intermittently
because for us in the EFCC, we are a family. We have finished processing the
benefits of the late officer and will be released to the next-of-kin immediately".
Responding on behalf of the late officer’s family, Justice Mohammed Lawal Shuaibu
JCA, thanked the Executive Chairman and his team for the visit. He commended the
Commission for its intervention in conveying the late officer’s corpse home for
burial.
His words "I was literally on the phone with the Chairman consecutively after the
incident and we also saw the delegation of the EFCC during the burial of our son
led by the Secretary to the Commission".
He added "As a family, we also express our gratitude to the family for naming a
building at the EFCC Academy, Abuja after our son to immortalise his sacrifice".
Upon arrival at the EFCC’s Sokoto Zonal Directorate, Olukoyede inspected a guard
of honour and held meetings with officers of the Commission.
The press release contains photos:
olukoyede-confers-posthumous-award-of-bravery-on-slain-officer
************************************
6 FEB 2025
EFCC Arraigns Additional Nine Chinese for Alleged Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud
in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
on Thursday, February 6, 2025, arraigned nine Chinese and a company, Genting International
Co. Ltd., before Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The defendants are Su Dong Fu, Zheng Xian Tao, Wang Shi Long, Pan Cai Qi, Ting Liao, Fan
Jia, Feng Li Cani, Lu Yong Yao and Yang Chen Cheng
They are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged crypto currency investment and romance
fraud suspects arrested on December 10, 2024 in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged
“Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.
The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-
terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretences and identity theft, among
others.
One of the counts reads: “That you, ZENG XIAN TAO (AKA A TAO AND ZHOU TAO) AND GENTING
INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, Nigeria within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems used for the purpose
of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and you thereby
committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition,
Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024) and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and
Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
They all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, M.K. Bashir, prayed the court for trial dates
and for the defendants to be remanded in the correctional centre.
Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till February 21, and March 7, 2025, for trial and also
remanded the defendants at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arraigns-additional-nine-chinese-for-alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos
419 Coalition question: Who or what entity(ies) control GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED?
*****************************************************
4 FEB 2025
Again, EFCC Arraigns 11 Chinese for Alleged Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud
in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, arraigned 11 Chinese and a company, Genting International
Co. Ltd., before Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The defendants are: Liu Ke Fan, Huang Hai Tao, Zhang Kian Feng, Wua Wang and Xiao Xin.
Others are: Wang Hong Lin, Wu Yong An (a.k.a Zenga Niu), Chen Yuan (a.k.a Xiao Doa),
Chen Dong Dong (a.k.a Cun Zhao) Weng Mao Rong, (a.k.a A Xiang and Wang) and Xiong Wei
(a.k.a Xiao Bai).
They are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance
fraud suspects arrested on December 10 , 2024 in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged
“Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.
The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-
terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among
others.
One of the counts reads: “That you, LUI KE FAN (AKA LINA, LIU CHEN), HUANG HAI TAO, ZHANG
JIAN FENG, WU A WANG and XIAO XIN, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, Nigeria, within the
jurisdiction of this Honourable court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems
used for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of
Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section l8
of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act. 2015 (as Amended, 2024) and Section
2 (3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022".
Another count reads : "That you, LUI KE FAN (AKA LINA, LIU CHEN), sometime in December
2024 at Lagos, Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to
gain advantage for yourself, and members of your criminal syndicate group, specialized in
romance scam, crypto currency fraud, cyber terrorism amongst others, domiciled at No. 7,
Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria did fraudulently impersonate a 28-
year-old "Lina", from the United States of America living in Germany, by holding yourself
out as such to unsuspecting victims via a fraudulent profile on your company assigned
Maya desktop computer and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b)
and punishable under Section 22 (2)(iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc
Act 2015".
Another count reads: "That you, WANG GONG LIN (AKA WANG JING LIN), sometime in January
2025 at Lagos, Nigería , within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully gave
false information to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the course
of investigation when you were being questioned for being part of a criminal syndicate group,
specialized in romance scam, crypto currency fraud, cyber terrorism amongst others; and in
order to mislead them, you falsely represented your name as WANG JING LIN and you thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 39(2)(b) of the same Act.”
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, M.K. Bashir, prayed the court for trial
dates and for the defendants to be remanded in the correctional centre.
Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till February 21, and March 7, 2025 for trial and
remanded the defendants at the Ikoyi correctional centres.
The press release contains photos:
again-efcc-arraigns-11-chinese-for-alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos
419 Coalltion question: Who or what entity(ies) control GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED?
*******************************************************
3 FEB 2025
Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Syndicate’s $222,729.86 Digital Wallet Assets
Justice A. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, February
3, 2025, ordered the interim forfeiture of digital wallet assets valued at $222,729.86
to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The digital wallet assets were recovered from an alleved syndicate of 792 cryptocurrency
investment and romance fraudsters who were arrested on December 10, 2024 by operatives
of the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, during a surprise operation
at 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Judge gave the order, following an ex parte application filed and moved by the EFCC
through its lawyer, Zeenat Atiku, pursuant to Section 44 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution
and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006.
Moving the application for interim forfeiture of the recovered digital wallet assets,
Atiku argued that the Commission had received intelligence about a large-scale fraud
involving foreign nationals operating in Lagos.
According to her, the syndicate financed its operations through a company, Genting
International Co. Limited (GICL).
Atiku further submitted that the digital wallet assets were “reasonably suspected to be
proceeds of an unlawful activity.”
After listening to the EFCC counsel, Justice Owoeye ordered the interim forfeiture of the
digital asset wallets .
The Judge also directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper to allow
anyone with an interest in the digital wallet assets to appear before the court within
14 days to show cause why it should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The court adjourned the matter till March 7, 2025 for a "compliance report".
court-orders-interim-forfeiture-of-syndicates-222-729-86-digital-wallet-assets
419 Coalition question: Who or what entity(ies) control GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED?
*******************************************************
3 FEB 2025
EFCC Arraigns 29 Chinese, 10 Filipinos, Three Others for Alleged Internet Fraud
in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
on Monday, February 3, 2025, arraigned 29 Chinese, 10 Filipinos, one Malaysian, one
Indonesian and one Pakistani before separate Federal High Courts sitting in Ikoyi,
Lagos.
They were arraigned alongside a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before
Justices Ayokunle Faji ; D.I. Dipeolu; Alexander Owoeye and C.J. Aneke, respectively.
The suspects are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment
and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024, in Lagos during a surprise
operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.
They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism,
impersonation, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among
others.
The defendants are: Zhang Hua Zhai; Chen Xin; Li Zhen Peng; Guo Long Long ; Ren Jia Wen;
Zhang Jian; Zhao Ying Bin; Yu Zi, (a.k.a.Wei Xue Huan); Zhang Yang; Wang Zhi Chenge; Cherry
De Leon (a.k.a. Yeah De Leon); Khurram Shanzad; Fernand Fu Fang (a.k.a. Kim); Tan Soon Kar;
Rex Jose Dilag (a.k.a. Madison); Jamal Polea; Kamilu Jayne Gongzalez (a.k.a Jam Galanza);
Hannah Jaramillo (a.k.a Max Deleon); Danica Manulit (a.k.a. Dan Ruiz); Vera Dela Cris (a.k.a
Nina Vera Gonzal); Joey Gracia; Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (a.k.a. Veb Sumayo) and Tricia Jenylyn
Castro (a.k.a. T. J. Castrol).
Others are: An Hongxu; Shitou Shizilong; Pan Jiong; Wanq Jia Qi; Huang Xiao Liang; Guo Giang;
Wen Zong Xu; Zhon Kun Li; Huang Ren Jian; Li Jin; Deng Wen Qiang; Lu Yi Liang; Pan Cai Yu;
Peng Li Jain (a.k.a. Han Li Jaun); He Kun; Zhao Jin Rong; Lin Hao Bo; Chen Fusheng and Xiang
Bing.
One of the counts reads: “That you, ZHANG HUA ZHAI and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED,
on or about the 18th of December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable
Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise
the constitutional structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related
crimes) when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves
out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for yourselves
and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 and 27 of the
Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”
Another count reads: “That you, VIERA DELA CRUZ (A.K.A NINA VIERA GONZAL) & GENTING INTERNATIONAL
CO. LTD., sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court,
willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize the constitutional
structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber related cries) when you procured/employed
Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality,
with the intent to gain a financial advantage for yourselves and you thereby committed an offence
contrary to and punishable under Section 18
of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As amended 2024)".
Another count reads: “That you, Shitou Shizilong and Genting International Co. Limited, on or
about the 11th December, 2024 at No.7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, within
the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, wilfully caused to be accessed, a computer
system which was organized to seriously destabilize the economic and social structure of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, by procuring and employing several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other
computer related fraud, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section
18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2015
(as amended).”
Another count reads: “That you, PENG LI JAUN A.K.A HAN LI JAUN and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED,
sometime in December, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, wilfully caused
to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure
of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when you procured/employed Nigerian
youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent
to gain financial advantage for yourselves and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable
under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”
They each pleaded not guilty to the offences when they were read to them.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, L.P. Aso, M.K. Bashir, N. K. Ukoha, T.J. Banjo, M. S.
Owede, B.B. Buhari, C.C.Okezie, H.U. Kofarnaisa and Z.B.Atiku, respectively prayed the court for trial
dates and for the defendants to be remanded in the appropriate correctional centres.
Justice Faji adjourned the matter till February 10, 11, 17, 18, 19 and 2025.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter till February 7, 15, 21, 24 and 28, 2025; Justice Owoeye adjourned
the matter till February 20, 21, 24, 28 and March 18, 2025; and Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till
March 7, 2025, for trial and remanded the defendants at both Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arraigns-29-chinese-10-filipinos-three-others-for-alleged-internet-fraud-in-lagos
419 Coalition question: Who or what entity(ies) control GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED?
***********************************************
31 JAN 2025
EFCC Arraigns 11 Chinese, One Filipino for Alleged Internet Fraud
In Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on Friday, January 31, 2025, arraigned 11 Chinese, one Filipino and a
company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the
Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The defendants are: Wang Zheng Ming, Li Yin Hui, Xian Hong Will, Zhang Xiao Lei,
Long Zhao Ming, Guo Xiao Fei, Yang Sheng, Wang Zheng Feng, Chen Wenyuan, Liu San
Hua, Luo Jia You and Rheign Dela Vega.
They are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and
romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a surprise
operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.
The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes,
cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity
theft, among others.
One of the counts reads: “That you, LI YIN HUI and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO.
LIMITED, on or about the 18th of December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction
of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed computer systems organised
to seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of Nigeria (which prohibits
nd prevents cyber and related crimes) when you procured/employed Nigerian youths
for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality,
with the intent to gain financial advantage for yourselves and you thereby committed
an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes
Prohibition, Prevention, Etc Act, 2015 (As Amended,2024).”
Another count reads: "That you, LUO JIA YOU (AKA A. YOU) sometime in December
2024 at Lagos, Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully
gave false information to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
in the course of investigation when you were being questioned for being part of a
criminal syndicate group, specialized in Romance scam, crypto currency fraud, cyber
terrorism amongst others; and in order to mislead them, you falsely represented your
name as A. YOU and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 39(2) of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable
under Section 39(2) (b) of the same Act.”
Another charge reads: “That you, LONG SHAO MING A.K.A LING YANG, sometime in December
2024 in Lagos , within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, with intent to defraud,
had in your possession documents containing false pretence, wherein you held yourself
out as 'Linda Maureen', a citizen of the United States of America, which document you
knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and punishable
under 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other fraud related Offences Act, 2006. “
They each pleaded “not guilty” to the offences when they were read to them.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, L.P. Aso, M. K.Bashir, T. J .Banjo, N. K .
Ukoha and B. Buhari-Bala, prayed the court for trial dates and for the defendants to be
remanded in the appropriate Correctional facilities.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter till 7, 14 and 21 February, 2025 for trial and
remanded the defendants at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres.
The press release contains a photo:
efcc-arraigns-11-chinese-one-filipino-for-alleged-internet-fraud-in-lagos
419 Coalition question: Who or what entity(ies) control GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO.
LIMITED?
**************************************************
27 JAN 2027
From NBC News(US)by way of Yahoo News(US):
Nigerian man extradited to U.S. accused of 'sextortion' of South Carolina
teen who died by suicide
A Nigerian man who was indicted in connection with the "sextortion" of a South
Carolina teen who died by suicide has been extradited to the United States to
face prosecution, the Justice Department said Monday.
Gavin Guffey, 17, died by suicide in 2022 after, prosecutors allege, Hassanbunhussein
Abolore Lawal extorted him using "compromising photos," the U.S. Attorney’s Office for
the District of South Carolina announced.
A lawsuit filed in South Carolina in 2023 alleges Lawal posed as a young woman and
coerced Guffey into sending him sexually explicit content in 2022. Lawal then threatened
to leak the content if Guffey didn't send him money, it says.
Lawal is alleged to have sent harassing messages to Guffey and some of his relatives,
threatening to leak the pictures and ruin their public reputation unless they sent him
money, court documents say.
Guffey was the son of state Rep. Brandon Guffey. After his son's death, Brandon Guffey
went on to sponsor a bill known as "Gavin's Law," which made sexual extortion a felony
offense in the state and an aggravated felony "if the victim is a minor, vulnerable adult,
or if the victim suffers bodily injury or death directly related to the crime," according
to Gov. Henry McMaster's office. McMaster signed the bill into law in August 2023.
Brandon Guffey did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A grand jury returned an indictment for Lawal in October 2023, according to the U.S.
attorney's office. He was charged with child exploitation resulting in death, child
pornography distribution, coercion and enticement of a minor, cyberstalking resulting
in death and interstate threat with intent to extort, the indictment said.
On Friday, FBI Columbia field office agents took custody of Lawal in Lagos, Nigeria,
and conducted the extradition with help from Nigerian law enforcement authorities.
He was arraigned Monday in federal court in Columbia.
"We will not allow predators who target our children to hide behind a keyboard or
across the ocean," said the U.S. attorney for South Carolina, Adair Ford Boroughs.
"Today we honor Gavin’s life and continue our fight against sextortion by holding
this defendant accountable."
If he is found guilty, Lawal could spend life in prison. He would also face "mandatory
minimum prison sentences on multiple counts," including a mandatory 30-year sentence
for the charge of child exploitation resulting in death, according to the U.S. attorney's
office. Lawal might also be ordered to pay the Guffey family restitution for the losses
in the scheme.
The investigation, arrest and extradition were a partnership between law enforcement
in the United States and Nigeria, and the case is part of Project Safe Childhood, "a
nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse,"
the U.S. attorney's office said.
The article includes a photo:
nigerian-man-extradited
*********************************
25 JAN 2025
EFCC Names Academy Building after Slain Officer
As a gesture of immortalizing a slain officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE1 Aminu Sahabi Salisu,
the Commission has named the administrative block of its Academy in Karu, Abuja
after him.
Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede disclosed this in Abuja on
Saturday, January 25, 2025 while addressing staff of the Commission at the
Annual Rewards and Recognition Ceremony held at the EFCC’s Academy.
According to him, Salisu paid the supreme price in the service of the nation and
his memory should be kept alive. “We are saddened by the loss of our officer while
on official assignment. He was a gallant officer and to this effect, the administrative
block of the Academy is hereby named after him”, he said.
At the ceremony, 36 officers of the Commission were rewarded in different categories.
The categories include section with highest recovery, section with highest conviction,
lawyer with highest conviction, best departmental staff, best zonal directorate, staff
of the year, among others.
Commenting on the winners of various rewards, the EFCC boss stated that "I want to
congratulate all the winners for their roles. I can only charge you all not to rest
on our oars. Excellence is not about doing things right once in a while, it is about
doing things right all the time. You need to continue to offer the best as the reward
for hard work is more work". Olukoyede also disclosed that 900 staff had been
promoted as well as the reinstatement of life and property insurance for staff.
He used the occasion to warn officers of the Commission against compromise of the core
values of the EFCC, stressing that "the internal cleansing going on in the Commission
will spare no one".
Among recipients of the rewards, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Alvan Gurumnaan
emerged Staff of the Year while the Sokoto Zonal Directorate emerged the Best Directorate
of the Year. The rest are: Bitrus Yakubu, Katmi Kefas, Halilu Dauda, Nenman Danladi,
Oluwakemi Aaron, Yusuf Umar, Michael Adukwu Uchechika, David Solomon, among others.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-names-academy-building-after-slain-officer
********************************************
24 JAN 2025
South-East Students to EFCC: “We are Sorry for the Loss of your Officer”
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-East Zone have condoled
with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on the loss of one of its
operatives, Aminu Sahabi Salisu, stressing that his death caused them grief and regret.
Salisu, an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE11 was killed in cold blood while
on a legitimate duty by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu
on January 17, 2025.
The students expressed their grief and solidarity with the Commission on Friday, January
24, 2025 when a delegation, led by Comrade Charles Obinna Ijeomah paid a condolence
visit to the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate
headquarters, Abuja.
While pledging the collaboration, cooperation and support of the entire Southeast students
to the Commission, Ijeomah stated that “As the coordinator of the National Association of
Nigeria Students (NANS), Southeast, the onus falls on me and my colleagues here to ensure
that we sanitize and give proper orientation to our students not to indulge in anything
that has to do with internet crime and we have been succeeding.
“We are very sorry for the incident that happened lately in Awka. Maybe you may have seen
our comments, our stand, we condemned it. An operative was shot in the process of carrying
out his official duty. Whatever that is going on in Southeast is being controlled by students
and I am their leader. I cannot watch and see things go wrong. That is why we condemned the
killing of that operative.
He stated further that, “we are here to let the authority of EFCC understand that we commiserate
with you and to tell you not to judge the Southeast with what happened. Such acts are not in our
blood. It is not in our nature. We are hardworking people. We don't indulge in crime. Anybody
that indulges in crime in the Southeast is not a true son of Igbo. We know how to make money
but this idea of being in one room with a device to trick someone is not in our blood.
“We are sad for the loss of the operative. We say sorry to the Enugu Zonal Command and to the
EFCC authority for what happened. We assure you that such a thing can never happen again. Our
aim of coming here is to let EFCC know that Southeast students are with them and that we're going
to partner with you more to educate our students in the Southeast region to avoid any kind of
internet crime. We are here to bring you the news that we are 100 percent open to any form of
interaction, collaboration and cooperation between the students of South-east and the EFCC. We
are promising you total collaboration. By the time I get to Enugu after this meeting, we will
be visiting the Zonal Command and pay a courtesy visit there too to let them know that they
are not alone, that we are with them. We are the people controlling the youth in the streets
of the South-east.”
Speaking further, Ijeomah disclosed that the union had programmes and proposals that when
implemented, will bring the EFCC closer to university campuses in the Southeast and help to
further sensitize the students. “We are promising you that we are going to work with you. We
want to let EFCC know that this also provides an opportunity for the Commission to come and
give orientation to our students in the Southeast. We will welcome you with an open heart”,
he said.
The Commission Secretary, Mr. Muhammad Hammajoda who received the delegation on behalf of
the Executive Chairman expressed appreciation to the students on the condolence visit, noting
that “every one of us is a stakeholder in the fight against corruption directly or indirectly.
We don't have any other country apart from Nigeria. You spent your personal money and time to be
with us for you to understand what we are doing and to also be part of us. We appreciate you
and we will continue to appreciate you. We will support you in trying to disseminate anti-
corruption information.”
While urging the students to take advantage of the federal government’s Student’s Loan Scheme,
he promised that the Commission will identify with all the noble programmes of the students in
the zone if invited. “We will be there for you in all the programmes that you outlined. Please
give us an invitation. We will be there. We will be there to be part of you.”
Hammajoda encouraged the students’ leaders on their crusade against students’ involvement in
internet crime. "We are sinking day by day with corruption. So let's educate ourselves that
this cyber crime will not take you anywhere. All of us are victims. Nobody has protection
against it. Anyone can be attacked. We have a very sound youth population with a very high
IQ (intelligence quotient) and ingenuity to do many things," he said.
While lending his voice against youths' involvement in internet crime, Chief of Staff to the
Executive Chairman, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe noted that “cybercrime has
done too much damage to us as a country. If you check and find out how much it affected us,
you'll be shocked. Internationally, the image of the country has been battered. When you travel
outside the country they look at you in a certain way with your green passport. So, cybercrime
is just one thing that all of us have to put our hands together and be deliberate and intentional
to see that we eliminate. EFCC has done so much in ensuring that.”
Besides leveraging on NELFUND, Nzekwe reminded the students of the Credit Scheme of the
federal government as a handy window of opportunity for meeting their needs. “There's
also the credit scheme that is available for students that this government has put in place.
So take that as a message to your students that they can assess this fund and the issue of
poverty will not even arise.”
Rather than diminish, he noted that the trend of internet crime is rather skyrocketing in the
Southeast. “You said that in the Southeast that you are hard working people and traders, but
can I be honest with you? the level of yahoo yahoo in the Southeast and other cybercrimes has
skyrocketed, and it has not just skyrocketed, it has gotten to the level which they call yahoo
plus. They have become ritualists and kidnappers. Why would you have a gun in the house and
open fire on someone on a legitimate duty? We are glad that you realized that this is wrong.
You have also seen our own Press Release. We have said it very clearly and with a strong voice,
that EFCC will not condone that or tolerate that from anybody, whoever the person is, never again.”
The press release incldes a photo of slain Officer Aminu Sahabi Salisu:
south-east-students-to-efcc-we-are-sorry-for-the-loss-of-your-officer
************************************************
23 JAN 2025
EFCC’s Works Impressive - US Director
The United States Director of Narcotics and Law Enforcement in the Nigerian Embassy,
Candace Spradley, has expressed delight with the efforts and successes of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in its crusade against economic and financial
crimes and other acts of corruption, describing them as impressive.
She made the observation in Abuja on Thursday, January 23, 2025 when she led a delegation
of officials of Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) on a courtesy visit to the Executive
Chairman, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters, Abuja.
“I am so pleased to be with you here, today. We've come just to greet you. I'm quite new
on my assignment. I've been in the country for about five months now. However, earlier
on in my career with the Department of State, I learned about the EFCC and all of the
very impressive work that you all have been doing to advance anti-corruption and financial
crime efforts. So, I've known for a very long time about the work of your organization
and it was part of the reason that I chose to come here because of the very strong and
impressive cooperation from EFCC and similar government bodies in the U.S.
Continuing, Spradley stated that, “I should just start by saying congratulations to
you for the impressive work that the organization has done under your tenure and certainly
the name that it has made for the government of Nigeria in Washington. It is an outstanding
and impressive work that has a very far reach”,
She also sought stronger collaboration “on issues of cybercrime, asset forfeiture and
recovery, and certainly on issues of anti-corruption and transparency which are top in
mind for the US Embassy and a priority for our Ambassador here”.
Olukoyede who expressed appreciation on behalf of the staff and management of the EFCC,
noted that there was a convergence in the mandate of the Commission and that of INL and
appealed for synergy between the two organizations.
“The mandates that are set before you and ours are quite similar. There is a relationship
between dealing in narcotics and money laundering. One of our key mandates is to fight
money laundering and money laundering has presumably become one of the biggest financial
crimes with global dimension. That is why it has become very imperative for the international
community to come together and form synergy to fight these crimes. So it is important for us
to work together”.
The EFCC’s boss further stated that the Commission had robust synergy with the American
Embassy and FBI. “We have a very strong partnership and we plan to build on that in the
area of capacity building. The relationship has been of mutual benefits and we will
continue to build on that,” he said. Olukoyede also drew the attention of the delegation
to the growing involvement of expatriates in internet fraud in Nigeria. He lamented the
trend and vowed that the country would be made inhospitable for such anti-social expatriates.
“You are aware of the recent international crime that was busted in Nigeria that involved
close to 200 foreigners. You now know who has been perpetrating cybercrime in our system
using the identity of Nigerians. That goes to show you that these crimes we are fighting
have international dimensions to them. Investigations have revealed that some of these guys
were dislodged from some parts of South Asia and they are now looking for a safe haven within
the African Continent from where they would be attacking targets across the world. Nigeria
is not going to create that environment for them to survive. We will deploy intelligence-driven
operations to get them out of our system”, he said.
The press release contains a photo:
efccs-works-impressive-us-director
419 Coalition comment: We'd also like to see "stronger collaboration" with various governments
and Counter-419 NGOs on "issues of cybercrime, asset forfeiture and recovery... and transparancy".
We'd also like to note that our interpretation of the mass arrest of 200 or so foreign nationals
among the recent arrest of 700 419ers made in a high profile office buiding in Lagos differs a bit
from the interpretation in the last paragraph in the article. Our view is that the 419 operation
targeted was operating much as most multi-national corprations do from their home offices. That
is, foreign nationals and native speakers are customarily hired for sales, customer service, and
other functions related to countries in which the multi-national wants to do, or is doing, business.
In short, our wiew is that the foreigners were most likely Staff of a Nigerian run 419 cartel,
rather than the Operators of said cartel who merely employed Nigerian nationals as staff. Our
view is that more likely it was Nigerian 419ers who were the Ogas of the operation, who recruited
and employed the foreigners as staff... rather than vice-versa, as asserted in the above article.
*************************************
22 JAN 2025
EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Awka
Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested 37 (Thirty-seven) suspected internet
fraudsters.
The all-male suspects were arrested in a sting operation at Commissioners’
Quarters, Dr. J. O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, following
credible intelligence linking them to fraudulent internet activities.
Items recovered from them include six exotic cars, laptops and mobile phones.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-37-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-awka
********************************************
19 JAN 2025
EFCC Condemns False Narratives on Loss of Officer
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, expresses grief on the
loss of one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE11
Aminu Sahabi Salisu who was killed in cold blood while on a legitimate duty
on January 17, 2025 by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze
Ikechukwu.
Additionally, the Commission views with great concern the irresponsible, callous,
inhuman and outrageous narratives being circulated on social media on the whys
and wherefores of the fatal accident. It is heinous to reduce the death of a
gallant officer who was carrying out patriotic and official duties to social
media razzmatazz.
More worrisome is the fact that some faceless commentators are pitching their
tents with an alleged criminal who unleashed terror on officers of the EFCC in
their line of duty. There is no justification whatsoever to rationalise a murderous
act. The milk of human kindness demands that a grieving family, Commission and
nation should be spared the shenanigans of false narratives and conjectures on the
death of the slain officer.
Salisu, alongside other investigators of the EFCC, were at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife
Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, to arrest some suspected internet fraudsters
in the early hours of January 17. The operation was duly documented at the Anambra
State Command Headquarters and Area Command of the Nigeria Police in line with
operational protocols.
The operation was initially smooth sailing with 37 suspected internet fraudsters
already arrested at a two-storey building housing Ikechukwu and other occupants
of the house.
However, Ikechukwu, who sighted the investigators through a CCTV Camera
mounted at his doorpost and who also confessed sighting them, declined
to open his door for the investigators who politely demanded entrance to
his apartment. Defying all the introduction and physical sighting of the
investigators, he resorted to firing shots at them and killed Salisu in
the process and wounded another officer detailed to conduct a search in
his apartment.
Preliminary investigations showed that Ikechukwu was involved in coding and online
medical supplies of doubtful legitimacy. Two laptops, ipads, several recording
devices were recovered from his apartment and his involvement in internet fraud
is already established. Though currently in police custody owing to the murderous
dimension of his case, the Commission will surely bring him to trial.
The EFCC also wishes to alert the public that the activities of internet fraudsters
are becoming patently hazardous to public safety and security. Intelligence has shown
that these criminals are carrying arms, involved in kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings
and other deadly acts. The public should not fold its arms or allow itself to be deceived
that they are mere “Yahoo boys and girls”.
As for the EFCC, every subsequent attack on any of its officers will be met with the
force of the law. The Commission will not fold its arms and allow any of its officers
to be killed again in cold blood. As a law enforcement agency of repute, the EFCC is
unrelenting in riding the nation of internet fraud and other acts of corruption.
While mourning the loss of its officer who paid the supreme price in the service of
the nation, the Commission appreciates the invaluable support, condolences and prompt
response of sister agencies and well-meaning individuals standing shoulder to shoulder
with it at this trying time.
efcc-condemns-false-narratives-on-loss-of-officer
419 Coalition note: We express our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues
of Officer Salisu. 419ing is not always a nonviolent crime. Victims have been killed
in the past. It was only a matter of time before an Officer was killed. Counter-419ing
is a dangerous operation where EFCC officers and counter-419 operations often deal with
powerful and dangerous 419 criminals. We are very sorry that Officer Salisu gave his
final measure while fighting the good fight. We thank him for his service and devotion
to duty, and honour his name. Coordinator, 419 Coalition
********************************************
17 JAN 2025
EFCC Arrests 25 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Yahoo Academy
Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday January 16, 2025 arrested 25 suspected
internet fraudsters in a cybercrime training centre in Benin City, Edo state
The suspects’ arrest at their hideout was triggered by credible intelligence
that indicated the apartment being used as a yahoo academy or training school
for internet-related fraud and other fraudulent activities.
Items recovered from the suspects include six 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-25-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-yahoo-academy
**********************************
16 JAN 2025
Court Jails Fake Spiritualist for Internet Fraud in Ilorin
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin
on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Odeyemi Hammed
Oluwaseun to one year imprisonment for internet fraud.
The convict, a self-styled spiritualist was prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal
Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a two-
count charge that bordered on internet fraud, impersonation and obtaining
by false pretences.
Count one of the charges reads: "That you, Odeyemi Hammed Oluwaseun, sometime
in December, 2023 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court,
dishonestly induced one Bose to send $3200.00 (Three Thousand Two Hundred
Dollars) worth of gift cards to you, with the impression that the same would
be used to diabolically influence her ex-husband to return and marry her, while
you pretended and represented yourself to be one Lord Hill, a female spiritualist
with email account hillor674@gmail.com, and you thereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 324 of
the same Penal Code.”
Count two reads: "That you, Odeyemi Hammed Oluwaseun, between August, 2023
to September, 2023 in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court,
dishonestly induced one Schneider Alina to send $4500.00 (Four Thousand, Five
Hundred Dollar) worth of gift cards to you, with the impression that the same
would be used to diabolically control her ex-boyfriend to return and marry her,
while you represented yourself to be a female spiritualist with Instagram account
_Visions_by_Tendo_12 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section
321 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 324 of the same Penal Code"
He pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him, following which
prosecution counsel, Sesan Ola reviewed the facts of the case, tendered the
convict’s extra-judicial statements and evidence, including the sum of $1000
(One Thousand United States Dollars) recovered from him and prayed the court
to convict and sentence him as charged.
Convinced that the prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt,
Justice Abdulgafar sentenced Oluwaseun to six months suspended jail term on
each of the counts, and ordered that the sum of $1000 (One Thousand United
States Dollars), iPhone 15 and 2008 Toyota Camry car recovered from him be
forfeited to the federal government.
Oluwaseun, a 23-year-old man that hails from Oyo State, defrauded his victims
on the internet by posing as an American-based female spiritualist with powers
to cause jilted women and estranged wives to regain the affection of their men.
The press release contains a photo of the convict:
court-jails-fake-spiritualist-for-internet-fraud-in-ilorin
******************************************
14 JAN 2025
EFCC Arrests Seven Suspected Internet Fraudsters
in Benin City
Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 arrested seven
uspected internet fraudsters 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 one Lexus car, laptops and phones.
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-benin-city
***********************************************
10 JAN 2025
EFCC Arrests 105 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, acting
on intelligence on emerging internet crimes involving foreigners, on Thursday,
January 9, 2025 broke another syndicate of fraudsters specializing in hotel
review job scam, targeting mostly United Kingdom victims.
They arrested 105 suspects comprising four Chinese and 101 Nigerians at Naka
Hall Plaza in Abutu Garba Street, Gudu, Abuja. 100 compact Work Stations were
recovered from the suspects.
How the Fraud Works:
Hotel Review Job Scam is a globally- entrenched internet-related fraud that
is newly appearing on the Nigerian space.
The modus operandi involves Chinese who usually recruit local and computer-savvy
Nigerians as Customer Service Representatives.
The Representatives are made to work on a prepared template of criminality online.
They are given identities and names usually foreign, through which they chat with
expatriates. The crime involves making false representation to victims to win
their trust to engage in hotel ratings with promises of $5 for every hotel that
is reviewed. As the victims get paid, they are encouraged to review more hotels
and the payment is increased to $10 per rating. After a long while, the victim
is encouraged to make bookings in any of the rated hotels for as much as $500
and that the company would pay back with chunky interest into a crypto wallet
bearing their names. After making bookings, the victim would not be able to
open the wallet and his or her money is lost.
The fraud is an intricate mechanism of defrauding foreigners and it is targeted
at victims in Europe and other parts of the world.
We are working with other law enforcement agencies across the world to dig deeper
into the global dimensions involved in this crime.
Abuja Arrest a Further Intelligence Connected to the Lagos 792 Fraudsters
The EFCC achieved this latest breakthrough barely a month after 792 suspected
investment and internet fraudsters were arrested by operatives of the Commission
on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. They were arrested at an edifice known as Big
Leaf Building at No 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. This is
almost concluded and the suspects will be charged to court in the coming days.
The press release contains photos:
efcc-arrests-four-chinese-101-others-for-suspected-internet-fraud-in-abuja
*********************************************
10 JAN 2025
From Vanguard(NG) newspapaper via Nigeriaworld(US and NG) website:
Nigerian man jailed 11 years in US for money laundering, passport fraud
A 37-year-old Nigerian man, Chukwunonso Obiora, has been sentenced to 11 years
in prison for his involvement in separate criminal schemes, including laundering
fraud proceeds and obtaining a U.S. passport through false statements.
The announcement via a statement was made on January 5, 2025, by U.S. Attorney
Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security
Investigations New England, through the U.S. Department of Justice.
He was arrested in October 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia, on a criminal complaint and
was held pending trial. In January 2024, he was indicted for his crimes.
The statement reads, “Between at least as early as March 2021 and May 2023, Obiora
and several co-conspirators agreed to receive and withdraw the proceeds of business
email compromises (BECs) from bank accounts that they controlled, and to direct those
funds to other co-conspirators, in exchange for a cut of the criminal proceeds. BECs
are a type of fraud scheme that targets companies that make regular business payments
by wire. Cybercriminals use email to impersonate trusted parties to the payments in
order to trick the victim companies into sending money to bank accounts controlled
by participants in the scheme.
“The defendant’s money laundering conspiracy, of which he admitted to being a leader
and organizer, involved obtaining individual victims’ means of identification and to
create fake driver’s licenses, incorporate businesses and open bank accounts in the
victims’ names; providing the bank accounts to co-conspirators involved in the BEC
schemes as accounts to which victims could be tricked into sending wires; withdrawing
money quickly from the bank accounts once the wire transfers arrived, before victim
companies learned that they had been tricked into sending money; and depositing the
proceeds into other accounts, and wiring BEC scheme proceeds to the defendant and
others in Nigeria, China and elsewhere.
“The defendant and his co-conspirators took steps to conceal the existence of the
conspiracy, including by forging business invoices and writing false memos on checks
to suggest that the BEC scheme proceeds deposited into Destination Accounts were
legitimate business revenues; and by making false statements to banks regarding the
nature of the BEC scheme proceeds that were deposited into Destination Accounts.
“The defendant and his U.S.-based co-conspirators shared at least as much as 40 percent
of the deposited BEC scheme proceeds as payment for their roles in the conspiracy. In
just two-plus years, the defendant and his co-conspirators engaged in at least $6.5
million in financial transactions involving the proceeds of BEC schemes.
“After immigration authorities removed the defendant from the United States in December
2021, he agreed with a close relative who is an American citizen to obtain a U.S. passport
in the relative’s name, which the defendant could use to re-enter the United States illegally.
The relative reported his passport lost or stolen and, in May 2023, applied for a new passport
at a U.S. Post Office in Watertown, Mass. The sworn application had the relative’s name on
it, but a picture of the defendant. The relative sent the issued passport to the defendant,
who, in October 2023, used the passport to travel from Nigeria to Detroit, Mich., where the
defendant presented himself as his relative at the U.S. border.”
The investigation received critical support from the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic
Security Service and its Criminal Investigations Division. The case was prosecuted by
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud
Unit.
The article contains photos:
nigeriaworld.com/news/source/2025/jan/10/30
***********************************************
8 JAN 2025
Billionaire Internet Fraudster Bags Two Years in Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the
conviction of one Chima Hyginus Nkwocha, a.k.a "Young Billionaire,"
for cheating by impersonation and money laundering.
He was jailed on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Nkwocha was arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court,
Maitama, Abuja, on a two-count charge bordering on cheating by impersonation
and money laundering.
One of the counts read: "That you, Chima Hyginus Nkwocha (AKA Frank Nils,
Frank Cobert, Frank Brown & Chettot), sometime in 2022 in Abuja within the
jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently impersonate Frank
Nils, Frank Cobert, Frank Brown, and Chiress Riffatt on Gmail and Google
Voice using the Gmail addresses frankcorbett272@gmail.com and chriressrifatt@gmail.com
with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtaining a cumulative sum of Three Hundred
and Forty-Five Thousand Dollars ($345,000) from Linda Wheeler, an American, and
receiving the naira equivalent through Ginux Global Nigeria Limited with account
No. 1228782493 domiciled in Zenith Bank, thereby committing an offence contrary
to Section 22(2) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015
and punishable under Section 22(4) of the Act."
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, Lanre Adeola Olariwaju, reviewed
the case against Nkwocha and prayed the court to convict him accordingly.
According to Olariwaju, the convict was arrested in August 2024 at the Lugbe
area of Abuja following an intelligence received by the EFCC's Advanced Fee
Fraud Section. Items recovered during his arrest included: A black Mercedes
Benz ML 350 with registration no. B-2 and Chassis no. 4JGDA5HB9DA105827,
two gold necklaces with pendants, one gold bracelet, $2,200 cash, N90,280,934.00
in the Ginux Global Nigeria Ltd Zenith Bank (account no. 1228782493), for
which Nkwocha was the sole signatory.
A three-bedroom terrace duplex at Cookies Court 2, 2nd Avenue, Ocean Palm Estate,
Ogombo, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos, a three-bedroom bungalow and two self-contained
apartments situated on Plot B023, Standard Estate, Galadima, Abuja, and a plot of
land measuring about 300 square meters at Eko Beach City, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos,
two Zenith Bank drafts worth N5,000,000 and N3,000,000, dated September 12, 2024,
and October 17, 2024, respectively. An iPhone 13 Pro Max, a Samsung Galaxy S21
Ultra, and a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Nkwocha also confessed to impersonating Frank Nils, Frank Cobert, Frank Brown,
and Chiress Riffatt using gmail and google voice to defraud Linda Wheeler, an
American, of $345,000. He received the naira equivalent through Ginux Global
Nigeria Ltd's Zenith Bank account.
Olariwaju tendered several pieces of evidence, including the defendant's
extrajudicial statements, electronic devices, forensic investigation reports,
among others . The defence raised no objections and the court admitted all
evidence as exhibits.
Justice Nwite, satisfied with the EFCC’s submissions, found Nkwocha guilty.
The court sentenced him to two years' imprisonment with an option of a fine
of N2,000,000.
Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of the following items, being
proceeds of crime, to the Federal Government of Nigeria: a black Mercedes Benz
ML 350, gold jewelry and $2,200 cash, N90,280,934.00 in the Ginux Global Nigeria
Ltd Zenith Bank account, properties in Lagos, Abuja, and Lekki, the Zenith Bank
drafts and the electronic devices recovered from the convict.
Nkwocha's journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested
for internet fraud. He was charged to court and pleaded guilty to two-count
charges raised against him.
The court thereafter found him guilty and sentenced him to two years imprisonment.
The court ordered the forfeiture of all he fraudulently amassed to the government.
billionaire-internet-fraudster-bags-two-years-in-abuja
**************************************************
6 JAN 2025
EFCC Dismisses 27 Officers for Fraudulent Activities, Misconduct
In its quest to enforce integrity and rid its fold of fraudulent elements,
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, dismissed twenty seven
(27) officers from its workforce in 2024.
The officers were dismissed for various offences bordering on fraudulent activities
and misconduct. Their dismissal, FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATION OF
THE STAFF Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, was ratified by the
Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
Olukoyede reiterated the commitment of the Commission to zero tolerance for
corruption, warning that no officer is immune to disciplinary measures. Every
modicum of allegation against any staff of the Commission would always be
investigated, including a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified
supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head. The core values of the
Commission are sacrosanct and would always be held in optimal regard at all
times.
The Commission also wishes to alert the public of the sinister activities of
impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its Executive Chairman to
extort money from high-profile suspects being investigated by the EFCC.
Two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim were recently
arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,
High Court, Abuja for allegedly contacting a former Managing Director of the
Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Kaka and demanding $1million from
him for “Olukoyede to give him soft landing” on a non-existing investigation.
Such characters are still on the loose seeking victims.
Olukoyede remains a man of integrity that cannot be swayed by monetary influences.
The public is enjoined to always report such disreputable elements to the Commission.
Additionally, the EFCC is aware of moves being hatched in some quarters to blackmail
officers of the Commission through unwholesome means. Suspects being investigated
for some economic and financial crimes who have failed to compromise their investigators
would always clutch at any straw. Such blackmailers should not be accorded any form
of attention.
efcc-dismisses-27-officers-for-fraudulent-activities-misconduct
*****************************************************