14 DEC 2025 Olukoyede Emerges Nation Newspaper’s Public Servant of the Year In what turned out as a bold appreciation of the overwhelming success of the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, The Nation Newspaper, on Sunday, December 14, 2025 named him as its Public Servant of the Year. Olukoyede was teamed among other distinguished Nigerians, including billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, named in different categories of the high-profile award. Commenting on his pedigree, Femi Macaulay, a columnist with the Newspaper, noted that “his performance underscores his sense of duty and grasp of the demands of his role”. “ Under his leadership, the Commission exhibits a renewed sense of responsibility that is self- reforming, even self-reinventing. He sets an exemplary standard for public service and institutional governance for social progress”. Macaulay also reeled out sterling records of the Commission in two years under his watch: “The Commission recovered over N566.3billion, $411.5million, 71,306(GBP) and 182,887euros. It secured the final forfeiture of 1502 real estate assets, including a large estate of 753 duplexes in Abuja and Nok University, which has since been converted to a federal university”. “Also, the Commission secured 7503 convictions and filed 10525 cases in court from over 19,000 petitions received and 29,000 cases investigated”. Recalling a remarkable applause for the EFCC’s boss , Macaulay stressed that, “President Tinubu, in a congratulatory message on his birthday, October 14, said Olukoyede has demonstrated professionalism and courage in the discharge of his duties, reinforcing the EFCC’s mission to rid the nation of economic and financial crimes. The President also acknowledged his commitment to the fight against corruption, transparency in governance, and institutional reforms within Nigeria’s anti-graft framework”. Other distinguished Nigerians that made the Newspaper’s honour’s list include, Aliko Dangote, Person of the Year; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Business Person of the Year; Femi Otedola, Business Person of the Year; REMA, Entertainer of the Year and Victor Osimhen, Sports Person of the Year. Others are, Wike vs Fubara, Conflict of the Year; The Mokwa Flood, Disaster of the Year; Akpabio vs Akpoti-Uduaghan, Controversy of the Year, The Super Falcons, Team of the Year, among others. Olukoyede’s bag of awards is full of honours from diverse segments of the nation. Only last week, December 7, 2025, he was honoured with the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-emerges-nation-newspapers-public-servant-of-the-year **************************************************** 12 DEC 2025 Olukoyede Bags Hero & Service Excellence Award The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, bagged the Hero and Service Excellence Award “for his dedication to justice, commitment to transparency, institutional reforms and result- driven investigation which has set new standard in Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape” The award was conferred on him by the Head and Executive Producer of Face Of Independence Nigeria Reality Tv Limited, Mrs. Catherine Oloidi at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi Abuja. While commending Olukoyede for his dedication to justice, Oloidi stated that under his leadership, the EFCC has handled landmark cases that restored “public confidence in our financial and governance system” “This award is presented to him in recognition of his outstanding leadership, his courage in handling critical cases and unwavering commitment to a better, safer and more accountable Nigeria. On behalf of Face of Independence Nigeria, we say thank you for your service, integrity and keeping the fight against corruption alive. The public will continue to join hands in fighting against corruption.” She said Receiving the award on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Head of EFCC Radio, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Nwanyinma Okeanu, appreciated the organizers of the award. “I am very delighted you have taken it upon yourselves to recognise those that are doing the work. Truly, the Executive chairman has been up and doing, I can tell you he does not rest, no public holiday as far as work is concerned. He is always there at all times to see that Nigeria takes a new shape and what shape are we talking about? The shape that will make every individual in the country to become what we need this country to be and so we are very delighted that young people are recognizing this fact” “The reality on ground is that everyone in Nigeria ought to be well geared up to the fight against corruption, because for this country to stand, for us to know where we would be in the next ten, fifteen years, the issue on ground which is the fight against corruption must be everybody’s business”, she said. Olukoyede called on Nigerian youth to shun cybercrime and join the EFCC in the fight against corruption. “It is a big honour that people are beginning to realise the work that is going on here in the Commission. I am sure the Executive would also tell you that it is not just enough to recognize the work that we are doing but also for you to be part of that work” “Integrity is the watchword and if the Chairman is not taking the issue of integrity very seriously, you wouldn’t have been able to see the extent of the work he is doing. So, on behalf of the Chairman, I want to thank the management of Reality TV”, she said. The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-bags-hero-service-excellence-award ****************************************** 8 DEC 2025 Ignore False Narratives About EFCC - Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on the media and civil society organisations, CSOs, across the country to ignore false narratives and wrong perceptions about the Commission and concentrate on its visible results in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption He stated this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at a capacity building workshop, organised by the Commission for media practitioners and CSOs. Olukoyede, who spoke through the Uyo Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Oshodi Johnson, dismissed a false narrative about the EFCC being a witch-hunting agency. "The operations of the Commission are intelligence- driven, and we have never invited anyone that did not have questions to answer". He urged participants to collaborate better with the Commission and also provide credible intelligence that is actionable. In his presentation, Head, Legal and Prosecution Department, Uyo Directorate, Deputy Director of the EFCC, DCE Ifeyinwa Azegbeobor, discussed the 'Issues and challenges' often encountered while prosecuting financial crimes in Nigeria, and proposed the way forward. She bemoaned the huge losses being suffered by individuals and corporate bodies due to the criminal activities of a few and the hydraheaded monster called corruption. Azegbeobor also reminded the CSOs and journalists that preserving evidence and verifying information before publishing are important to avoid undermining fair trials. On how the Commission is tackling newly emerging crimes, ACE II Emeka Ukpai enlightened participants on 'Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and Other Emerging Financial Crimes’ and pointed out that “criminal elements are devicing new ways of defrauding crypto investors, though the EFCC has ways of fishing them out, He charged the public to be careful of fraudsters who operate on different platforms and under different names to rob innocent investors. According to him, most fraudsters and looters of public funds often hide their illicit funds in crypto wallets as huge amounts could easily be moved around without requiring them to walk into any finance house to transact businesses Finally, the Commission's Spokesperson DCE Dele Oyewale, in a paper entitled, ‘The Role of CSOs and Media in Driving a Preventive Framework’, urged journalists to partner with the Commission in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes, and to ensure a change in the erroneous perception of the public towards the Commission. Representing Oyewale at the workshop, ACE 11 Aisha Mohammed, Head of the Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, educated participants on the prevention mandate of the Commission which is hinged on Section 6 of the EFCC Establishment Act. According to him, the Commission takes the prevention of crimes seriously, hence the rigorous engagements with youths via sensitization and establishment of Integrity and Zero Tolerance clubs in schools. Oyewale called for better parenting, which he said will help restore decaying moral codes and values in many homes. He also encouraged Nigerians to go on the Commission's updated EagleEye App, the website and social media handles to report corruption and financial crimes. The press release contains photos: ignore-false-narratives-about-efcc-olukoyede *********************************************** 5 DEC 2025 Olukoyede Lifts Business Day’s Public Service Award The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr.Ola Olukoyede, was, on Wednesday, December 4, 2025 honoured with a Public Service Award at the Business Day’s Newspaper’s Excellence Award 2025. The 7th edition of the Lecture Series and Award, themed “Shaping Nigeria`s Economic Future: Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities”, was dedicated to recognizing contributions of exceptional Chief Executive of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, driving the implementation of government policies and programs. The Newspaper’s Publisher and organizer, Frank Aigbogun congratulated all the awardees stating that "there is no higher calling in terms of a career than public service, which is a chance to make a difference in people's lives and improve the world. Given the current critical challenges the country is facing, there is no doubt that this year`s ceremony is apt. Service to others is the rent we pay for our rooms here on earth” Olukoyede lifted the Excellence in Public Service Award in an impressive ceremony that featured dignitaries like former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by former Senate President, Pius Anyim Pius, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, among others. He was represented by the Director, Public Affairs, Commander of the EFCC, CE Wilson Uwujaren at the ceremony. The press release contains photos: olukoyede-lifts-business-days-public-service-award **************************************************** 28 NOV 2025 Alleged $1.043m Fraud: Ajudua’s Absence Stalls Trial The trial of alleged serial fraudster, Fred Ajudua, before Justice M. A. Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, the November 28, 2025, was stalled due to his absence in court. At Friday's proceedings, Ajudua’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), informed the court that the defendant, who is currently in custody, was not produced by officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service. The court subsequently produced a letter received from the Correctional Service explaining his absence. Prosecuting counsel, S. K. Atteh, told the court that he was unaware of the letter until it was presented in court. Mr Ojo (SAN) further noted that the Correctional Service did not indicate when Ajudua would be brought before the court, and therefore requested a new trial date in the coming year. Justice M. A. Dada adjourned the matter to Thursday, January 19, 2026, for continuation of the trial. Ajudua is being prosecuted for allegedly obtaining $1,043,000 from one Abu Zalaf under false pretences. The case, which began in 2005 before Justice M. O. Obadina, has faced multiple delays, reportedly due to various legal tactics employed by the defendant. The press release contains a photo of Fast Freddie: alleged-1043m-fraud-ajuduas-absence-stalls-trial 419 Coalition note: That's a new one, gotta give a nod to Fast Freddie: Just get the Jailers to Not bring you in for the trial, and delay your conviction for who knows how long... after all, as the press release notes, he has been delaying it for 20 years already since 2005! The man is a genius in that regard :) ******************************************* 21 NOV 2025 Alleged $1.043m Fraud: Court Rejects Ajudua’s Fresh Bail Application Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has dismissed a fresh bail application filed by socialite Fred Ajudua, who is standing trial for allegedly defrauding Palestinian businessman Zad Abu Zalaf of $1.043 million. In a ruling delivered on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Justice Dada held that Ajudua failed to present new or compelling facts capable of justifying another bail request. She described the application as “not meritorious” and subsequently struck it out. The judge noted that the two medical reports submitted from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) offered no evidence that the hospital could not adequately manage the defendant’s health condition. According to her, “there is nothing alarming in the application that will warrant a change in the circumstance of the defendant… The application is unmeritorious and is hereby struck out.” Following the ruling, Ajudua’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), informed the court of a pending application dated November 17, 2025, challenging the competence of the third prosecution witness (PW3) to continue his testimony. Ojo noted that although the prosecution had been served with the motion, it had not yet filed a response. “It is expedient, my Lord, that this motion be heard and determined before the continuation of trial. Nevertheless, your Lordship’s decision is final,” Ojo said. Prosecuting counsel, Seidu Atteh confirmed receipt of the application and requested time to respond on points of law. The development follows a recent Supreme Court decision striking out a motion filed by Ajudua challenging its earlier judgment in the same fraud case. Before the ruling, Ajudua had already filed a notice of withdrawal of the application at the lower court. With the apex court’s decision clearing the way, the long-running trial resumed on October 31, 2025, before Justice Dada. The matter dates back to 2005, when it was first assigned to Justice M.O. Obadina of the Lagos High Court. Over the years, the trial has suffered several delays, largely attributed to various applications and legal maneouvres linked to the defendant. The case was later reassigned to Justice J.E. Oyefeso and subsequently to Justice Dada, before whom Ajudua was re-arraigned on June 4, 2018. Justice Dada on Thursday ordered the defence to proceed with the cross-examination of PW3, Afanda Bashir Emmanuel. The court adjourned the matter until November 28, 2025, for the hearing of the pending application and continuation of trial. The press release contains a photo of Fast Freddie :) alleged-1043m-fraud-court-rejects-ajuduas-fresh-bail-application 419 Coalition note: No bail for Fast Freddie ever or he will make like the beautiful Scarlett O'Hara and be Gone Like the Wind! ************************************************ 18 NOV 2025 £15,000 Fraud: Man Bags 50-Year Jail Term in Lagos Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Osaibovo Charles to a total of 50 years’ imprisonment for offences bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, stealing, possession of fraudulent documents and money laundering. Charles was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate I of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count charge bordering on the fraudulent collection of £15,000 from one Miss Shenika Garati. He deceived the victim by impersonating a popular Nigerian actor, Fredrick Leonard, claiming the funds were needed for a movie production in Nigeria. One of the charges read that : “Charles Osaigbovo and Charles Evans Osaigbovo (deceased), in June 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, conspired to obtain the sum of £38,000 (Thirty-Eight Thousand Pounds) by false pretence from Miss Shenika Garati.” Another count reads : “Osaibovo Charles, sometime between February and August 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, transferred the aggregate sum of £15,000 (Fifteen Thousand Pounds) derived directly from your illegal activity by concealing the illegal origin of the same.” Charles pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to them, prompting a full trial. The prosecution, led by T.J. Banjo called two witnesses and tendered several documents in evidence while the defence called one witness. Delivering judgment, Justice Ijelu held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. “Having reviewed the evidence, the court is satisfied that the prosecution has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant is found guilty as charged,” the judge ruled. The sentencing was as follows: on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, he was jailed 14 years; for obtaining money by false pretence, 14 years; and for stealing, 5 years. Other sentences include 14 years for possession of fraudulent documents and 3 years for money laundering. All sentences were without an option of fine. Meanwhile, Charles was discharged and acquitted on the count of retention of proceeds of crime. All the sentences are to run concurrently, amounting to a total of 50 years’ imprisonment. The court also ordered restitution of £15,000 to the victim, Miss Shenika Garati. The press release contains a photo: 15000-fraud-man-bags-50-year-jail-term-in-lagos ******************************************* 14 NOV 2025 Young Nigerians Should Drive Positive Change, Not Internet Fraud- Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged Nigerian youths to be drivers of positive change and not internet fraud. He gave the charge during the “You Against Crime Festival,” which took place across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, namely: Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, and AMAC, from Monday, November 3 to Monday, November 10, 2025. Speaking in the week-long event through the Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Muhammed, the EFCC boss highlighted the need for young people to cultivate integrity and discipline, describing them as the nation’s most valuable asset. He disclosed that EFCC’s youth-based initiatives were driven by the Commission’s desire to promote awareness on the dangers of cybercrime and corruption among young people and part of broader efforts at redirecting the minds of those at the impressionable age toward ethical behaviours, hard work and nation-building. The organizer of the festival, Mr. Tayo Folorunsho, emphasized the importance of such youth-centered initiatives, noting that events like “You Against Crime Festival” are essential in moulding responsible citizens and fostering safer communities. The festival provided a platform for students across the FCT to be tutored on the virtues of integrity, discipline and civic responsibilities, aimed at building a better society and safer financial space. Resource persons for the festival were drawn from the EFCC, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the Nigeria Police Force, NPF. The press release contains photos: young-nigerians-should-drive-positive-change-not-internet-fraud-olukoyede *********************************************** 14 NOV 2025 EFCC, Edo Youth Affairs Ministry Collaborate against Internet Fraud The Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Edo State, Charity Amayaevbo has called for collaboration between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and her ministry towards curbing social vices, especially internet fraud in the state. He made the call on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 when he paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission. The Commissioner who was received by the Acting Zonal Director, Deputy Commander of the Commission, DCE Sa'ad Hanafi Sa'ad stated that such collaboration will help to harness and redirect the energy and intelligence of the youth towards pursuing positive and legitimate endeavours. He revealed that the state’s Ministry of Youth Affairs was in the process of organising town hall meetings, where youths will be exposed to legitimate opportunities on the social media space and how to harness them for greater good. "We are looking at preventive measures rather than being reactionary. We are looking forward to you coming or sending a representative to engage with the youths," he said. Sa'ad, in his response, commended the Commissioner for the visit, describing it as a good development. He noted that such collaboration and sensitization was imperative and within the preventive mandate of the Commission. "We believe so much in collaboration and it is one of our core values. Our other core values are integrity, professionalism and courage. We uphold these core values in the discharge of our duties and every staff of the Commission is bound by it. All that we do in the course of our duties are guided by our core values and are in accordance with laid down rules and regulations," he said. Speaking further, Sa'ad noted that the EFCC under the leadership of Ola Olukoyede has amplified its sensitization efforts because of the Executive Chairman’s passion and concern for young people and the wellbeing of the country. "All these are geared towards enhancing our image as a country and ridding it of all forms of economic and financial crimes because of the bad image it brings to us as a people and as a country," he said. The press release contains photos: efcc-edo-youth-affairs-ministry-collaborate-against-internet-fraud ************************************************* 5 NOV 2025 Tread Path of Integrity, Shun Cybercrime, Olukoyede Tells Youths The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged Nigerian youths to tread the path of integrity and steer clear of cyber fraud and other social vices. He made the call in Abaji, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, at the Youth Against Crime Festival held on November 3, 2025, at Government Girls Secondary School. Speaking through the Commission’s Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 11 Aisha Muhammed, the EFCC boss highlighted the dangers of cybercrime and the need for young people to embrace honesty and hard work on their path to success. “Say no to cybercrime, no to stealing, no to lying and say no to examination malpractice and stand for integrity,” he said. He observed that the EFCC’s collaboration with youth groups and its school-based initiatives are driven by the need to raise youths’ awareness against unethical financial practices and discourage their involvement in them. He noted that youths are future leaders, whose today’s choices will shape the country’s tomorrow. Through such initiatives, the Commission he said, drives down its preventive mandate in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes to the youth. The organizer, Tayo Folorunsho, described the event as crucial in nation building, adding that such engagement was crucial in fostering unity and moral development of young Nigerians. In his contribution, the Area Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Ahmed Abdulqadir, cautioned youths against drug abuse. The press release contains photos: tread-path-of-integrity-shun-cybercrime-olukoyede-tells-youths ********************************************* 31 OCT 2025 Okim Assumes Duties as New Makurdi Zonal Director Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE I Effa Okim on Thursday, October 30, 2025, assumed duties as the new Ag. Zonal Director of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. He took over from Commander of the EFCC, CE Anselem Ozioko who was redeployed to Ilorin Zonal Directorate. Okim, Certified Fraud Examiner and top anti-corruption investigator, has undertaken many high -profile investigations. He has held different strategic positions including Team Lead, Advance Fee Fraud, Team Lead, Operational Studies, EFCC Academy, Karu, Head, Improved Service Delivery, SERVICOM and Head, Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Management, among others. The new Makurdi Acting Director is a member of several professional organizations locally and internationally including fellow, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Compliance Institute of Nigeria, among others. Prior to his posting to the Makurdi Zonal Directorate, Okim was the Ag. Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate. In his maiden address to staff of the directorate, he implored staff to adhere to all the rules and regulations guiding the Commission. "We must make sacrifices and shun corruption in all our official dealings by upholding the core values of the Commission”, he said The press release contains photos: okim-assumes-duties-as-new-makurdi-zonal-director ******************************************8 31 OCT 2025 Innovate and Inspire, Shun Internet Fraud-Olukoyede Charges Students The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to shun internet fraud and positively embrace the digital landscape by harnessing their skills and creativity in order to contribute positively to the society He gave this charge on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at a sensitization lecture at Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, as part of the Commission’s mandate to discourage the Nigerian youths from cyber-related crimes. Speaking on “Alternatives to Cybercrimes for Youths: Embracing Positive Digital Engagement”, Olukoyede, who was represented by Superintendent of the EFCC, SE Paul Inyang Ikpor, Head of Public Affairs Department, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission, said that by focusing on constructive alternatives, youths can become advocates for a safer and more inclusive online community, thereby redefining what it means to be a responsible digital citizen. “There are numerous positive and proactive alternatives that you can adopt that can enable you to channel your skills and ambitions into constructive avenues. Embracing the power of technology for good, not only benefits you but lays the foundation for a brighter and more ethical digital future”, he said. Outlining alternatives to cybercrimes, the EFCC boss said that cyber-security education and careers, creative digital content creation, open source projects and collaboration, volunteering for non-profit organizations, game development and designs, building apps that solve problems are viable alternatives to internet fraud. “As digital technologies continue to evolve, the demand for cyber security professionals is skyrocketing. You can harness your skills by pursuing education in cyber security, ethical hacking or information technology. This path not only provides a rewarding career, but also allows you to contribute positively to society by helping organizations protect sensitive information”, he said. According to the anti-graft czar, with platforms like YouTube, Tik-Tok and Instagram, young people can express their creativity and share their passions with the world. He noted that content creating ranges from vlogging and video editing to graphic design and writing. “By investing time in these activities, you can build a personal brand, gain an audience and potentially monetize your content”, he said. He said that many non-profit organizations are seeking tech-savvy volunteers who can help them with their digital needs, whether building websites, managing social media accounts or developing apps for educational purposes. “By volunteering, you can gain real-world experience while making a meaningful impact. This engagement fosters empathy, teamwork and a sense of responsibility, reinforcing the positive side of technology”, he said. He also enjoined the students to equally explore the option of learning programming languages and tools required for game design as it can steer them away from negative online interactions and plunge them into creative process, adding that by developing games that focus on education, teamwork or social issues, they can make a positive contribution to the gaming community and influence their peers. The press release contains a photo: innovate-and-inspire-shun-internet-fraud-olukoyede-charges-students **************************************************** 31 OCT 2025 Ebelo Assumes Duties as New EFCC Kano Director The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has appointed Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo as the new Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission. Ebelo took over from Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, who had been acting as the Zonal Director since July, 2025. The handover ceremony was held at the Directorate’s office in Kano. In his inaugural address, the new Zonal Director urged the staff to be upright and discharge their mandate with utmost professionalism and integrity. He emphasized the importance of diligence and adherence to the core values of the EFCC in the intensified fight against economic and financial crimes in the region. The outgoing Acting Zonal Director, Hanafi Sa’ad, expressed his gratitude to staff for their cooperation during his tenure. He specifically urged them to "double up the level of cooperation" extended to him and offer even greater support to the incoming Zonal Director to ensure the continued success and heightened performance of the Directorate. Ebelo brings to the role a distinguished career spanning over two decades. Prior to his deployment to Kano Directorate, he was Acting Director, Executive Chairman's Office and Coordinator, Special Duties since April 2024 where he oversaw investigations and prosecution, coordinated task forces and analyzed corruption trends. Ebelo was also former Commander, Makurdi Zonal Command as it then was from September 2021 – April 2024, Zonal Head, Ibadan (2019-2020) and Gombe (2018-2019). The press release contains a photo: ebelo-assumes-duties-as-new-efcc-kano-director ***************************************** 29 OCT 2025 Ozioko Takes Over as Ilorin Zonal Director of EFCC The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has a new Zonal Director. He is Commander of the EFCC, CE Anselem Ozioko, who formally assumed duty on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, following a brief handover ceremony held at the Commission’s Conference Room, GRA, Ilorin. Ozioko takes over from Daniel Isei, who has been redeployed to the Enugu Zonal Directorate as Zonal Director. In his remarks during the handover, Isei expressed gratitude to God and the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for the opportunity to serve in Ilorin. He appreciated the staff of the Directorate for their dedication and cooperation throughout his tenure, urging them to extend the same level of commitment and loyalty to his successor. “My experience in Ilorin has been fulfilling and enriching. I thank the staff for their support and the synergy we shared in advancing the mandate of the Commission. I have no doubt that the new Zonal Director will build on the progress we’ve made,” he said. Responding, Ozioko commended his predecessor for his leadership and contributions to the growth of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate. He pledged to sustain the tempo of excellence, professionalism, and teamwork that the EFCC is known for. “I appreciate the management of the Commission for the confidence reposed in me. I look forward to working closely with all members of staff to achieve our collective goal of combating economic and financial crimes. Together, we shall take the Ilorin Zone to greater heights,” he said. Ozioko, a lawyer by profession with over three decades of experience, has attended several professional courses and conferences both locally and internationally, including United States, Paris, Botswana, and Ghana. Before his posting to Ilorin, he served as the Zonal Director of the EFCC, Makurdi Office, and had previously worked in the Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Ilorin Zonal Directorates of the Commission as Head of Legal and Prosecution Department. The press release contains photos: ozioko-takes-over-as-ilorin-zonal-director-of-efcc *************************************************** 29 OCT 2025 Asset Recovery: EFCC Hands Over Properties, Cars to Fraud Victim in Ibadan The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on Tuesday October 28, 2025 handed over three properties, two exotic vehicles and the sum of N1,100,000.00 (One Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira) recovered as proceeds of crime from one fake spiritualist and advance fee fraudster, Fatai Olalere Alli, (a.k.a. Baba Abore, Baba Osun) by the Advance Fee Fraud Section of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC to a fraud victim, Daniel Babatunde Attiogbe. The three properties are: a five bedroom duplex with three (3) bedroom bungalow situated at Kasumu village in Odo-ona, Elewe, Ibadan; a bungalow of two set of three bedroom flat situated at plot 182, block D, Lapiti layout, Akanran road, Amuko in Ibadan; and a three bedroom bungalow situated at Idi Ayunre village, Oluyole local government area, Ibadan. Others are; one grey- colour Honda Pilot SUV with Chassis number: 2HKY18414H621545 and registration number: LND 696 CK and a Toyota Corolla Saloon with Chassis No. 2T1BU40E49C142502. The Ibadan Acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE 1 Hauw Garba Ringim made the presentation on behalf of the Executive Chairman in a brief reception at the Conference Hall of the Directorate. While handing over documents of the properties and papers to the vehicles to Attiogbe, Olukoyede said the recoveries are released to the victim as ordered by the court. “Obeying court orders is mandatory and as an agency of the federal government we know the importance and that is what we are doing here today. This is an indication that the EFCC carries out its activities within the ambit of the law. Also, this is to reassure Nigerians of the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “I want to assure you that the EFCC will continue to combat economic and financial crimes head on, and stop at nothing to ensure that any fraudulent person besmirching the image of the country through fraudulent activities will be brought to book”, he said. Receiving the ‘Letter of Release’ and documents of the properties, Attiogbe thanked the EFCC for its unequivocal commitment and diligence towards the fight against economic and financial crimes and the professionalism and integrity displayed by officers of the Commission while carrying out their official responsibilities. “Sincerely, I want to thank the EFCC, especially Ibadan Zonal office for its unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption. I almost gave up but the EFCC rekindled my hope, having submitted my petition and here we are today”, he said. The recoveries were handed over to the victim following a final forfeiture order by Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan. Judgment was delivered on November 13, 2024 in a fraud case that began in 2019, wherein Alli was found guilty of conniving with his syndicate and swindled the victim of his legitimate earnings to the tune of over N200million (Two Hundred Million Naira) under the pretext of providing spiritual cleansing to counter and erase visions of untimely death of the victim. Alli was first prosecuted on a thirty-three count charge but later amended to one-count charge in the course of the trial. He was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment and ordered to undertake with the Department of State Services (DSS) that he would be of good behavior without getting involved in any criminal activity again, The press release contains photos: asset-recovery-efcc-hands-over-properties-cars-to-fraud-victim-in-ibadan 419 Coalition note: We are always glad to read that 419ed monies and assets have been recovered and returned to the victim. ************************************************ 27 OCT 2025 EFCC Arraigns Man, Companies for Alleged N1.07bn Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday October 27, 2025 arraigned one Ajayi Edward Olushola alongside his companies, Hola-Jayu Nigeria Limited and Mozann Global Merchants Limited, for alleged involvement in a ?1.07 billion fraud involving the supply of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Lagos. Olushola and his companies were brought before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos, on a four-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence, conspiracy, and stealing to the tune of ?1,070,779,000.00 (One billion, seventy million, seven hundred and seventy-nine thousand naira). One of the counts reads: “That Mr. Ajayi Edward Olushola, Hola-Jayu Nigeria Limited, Mozann Global Merchants Limited and Hannah Nwaguzor Ify (at large), on or about 15th May 2024, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence, that you had the ability to supply one million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and with intent to defraud, obtained the total sum of ?986,000,000.00 (Nine hundred and eighty-six million naira) from Prince Chukwulota Benneth Onuoha for yourselves.” This contravenes Section 1(1)(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Another count reads: “Mr. Ajayi Edward Olushola, Hola-Jayu Nigeria Limited, Mozann Global Merchants Limited and Hannah Nwaguzor Ify (at large), on or about 16th May 2024, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence that you had the ability to supply eighty-two thousand litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), with intent to defraud obtained the sum of ?84,779,000.00 (Eighty-four million, seven hundred and seventy-nine thousand naira) from Irene Abidemi Ifanse for yourselves.” The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to all charges when they were read to them Following the plea, prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, requested the court to fix a trial date and to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial. In response, defence counsel, C.J. Jiakionna, prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable him to file a formal bail application for his client. Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe subsequently adjourned the matter to January 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial, and remanded the defendant in a Correctional Centre. The press release contains photos: efcc-arraigns-man-companies-for-alleged-107bn-fraud-in-lagos ********************************************* 27 OCT 2025 Reject Internet Fraud, Follow Ethical Standards, Olukoyede Tells Youths The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged youths across the country to choose the paths of integrity and ethical standards and shun internet fraud as they aspire to become future leaders. He gave the charge on Monday, October 27, 2025 in an orientation and sensitization programme, organised for the new students of the Air Force Institute of Technology, AFIT, Nigerian Air force, Mando, Kaduna for the 2025/2026 Academic Session. Olukoyede, who spoke through Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Nana Fatima Abubakar of the Public Affairs Department of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, educated the participants on the activities of the EFCC in a lecture on the "Dangers of Cybercrime." He reiterated the fact there was no shortcut to wealth as hard work, perseverance and dedication, remained the paths to success, noting that the desire to get rich quickly often leads to loss of freedom, image damage, depression, and untimely death in some instances. While observing that youths are largely the perpetrators of cybercrime in the country, he stated that they could use the same internet space positively and make good and legitimate earnings. He pointed to peer pressure, lack of patriotism, greed and laziness as catalysts for youth indulgence in internet fraud. He further observed that drug and substance abuses as well as criminal fetish activities have now become interconnected with internet fraud activities. While warning against the dire consequences of cybercrime on both individuals and the country, he implored the students to join in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes by reporting such crimes to the EFCC, through the Commission's Eagle Eye App, which among other things, guarantees the anonymity of the reporter. The press release contains photos: reject-internet-fraud-follow-ethical-standards-olukoyede-tells-youths ******************************************** 27 OCT 2025 Sa'ad Hanafi Sa'ad Assumes Office as Benin Ag. Zonal Director Deputy Commander of the Commission, DCE Sa'ad Hanafi Sa'ad on Friday, October 24, 2025, assumed office as the new Ag. Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Sa'ad, top anti-corruption fighter comes into his new office with several years of experience in investigation and prosecution of economic and financial crimes. He took over from Effa Okim , an Assistant Commander of the Commission, ACE1 who was recently deployed to the Makudi Zonal Directorate of the Commission. Prior to his posting to the Benin Zonal Directorate, Sa'ad was the Ag. Zonal Director of the Kano Zonal Directorate. He had also served as Ag. Director, Gombe Zonal Directorate and was at a time Head, Legal and Prosecution Department at Sokoto and Gombe Zonal Directorates. After the handing over formalities, Sa'ad in his brief remarks, promised to build on the successes that was achieved by his predecessor. He enjoined staff to adhere to Rules and Regulations as contained in the EFCC Staff Regulations as he was a stickler for excellence and discipline. 'I work by the books and we are guided by that as staff of the Commission. We will work together as a team to build on what has been achieved and God willing, we shall double it. The Executive Chairman has done so much for us as staff so we should reciprocate that by giving him good results." He further enjoined staff to uphold the core values of the Commission and shun any act of corruption. "For me it is zero tolerance for corruption", he stated, Sa'ad has attended several trainings both locally at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic studies (NIPSS) and internationally. He is a member of several professional organisations including being a fellow of the Security Institute The press release contains photos: saad-hanafi-saad-assumes-office-as-benin-ag-zonal-director *********************************************** 27 OCT 2025 EFCC Recovers N566bn, $411m, 1,502 Properties in Two Years of Olukoyede's Leadership The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has disclosed that under his leadership, the Commission has made unprecedented progress in the fight against economic and financial crimes in the last two years by recovering over N566 billion alongside other currencies and assets. He made this disclosure in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, while addressing journalists at the corporate headquarters of the Commission as part of activities marking his second anniversary in office. Olukoyede, who was appointed on October 18, 2023, and confirmed by the Senate the following day, said the period has witnessed significant reforms and record-breaking achievements across all operational fronts of the Commission. The EFCC’s boss who spoke through the Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, Commander of the EFCC, CE Wilson Uwujaren said between October 2023 and September 2025, the Commission received over 19,000 petitions, conducted 29,240 investigations, filed 10,525 cases in court, and secured 7,503 convictions. He disclosed that within the same period, the Commission recovered ?566,319,820,343.40, $411,566,192.32, £71,306.25, €182,877.10, and other foreign currencies from proceeds of financial and economic crimes. Olukoyede also announced the recovery of 1,502 non-monetary assets, comprising 402 properties in 2023, 975 in 2024, and 125 so far in 2025. “Among these recovered assets are two notable landmarks: the final forfeiture of 753 units of duplexes in Lokogoma, Abuja, and the forfeiture of Nok University, now the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State,” he said. The EFCC Chairman described the recoveries as tangible evidence of the Commission’s renewed drive to trace, confiscate, and return illicit assets to the Nigerian state and victims of fraud. He listed several high-profile cases prosecuted within the period, including those involving former governors Willie Obiano, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Darius Ishaku, Theodore Orji, and Yahaya Bello. Others are former ministers Olu Agunloye, Mamman Saleh, Hadi Sirika, Charles Ugwu, and former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. He further disclosed that the Commission in December 2024 arrested 792 suspects involved in investment and cryptocurrency fraud in Lagos, among whom were 192 foreigners who were prosecuted and deported. “This development sent a strong message that Nigeria will not allow its territory to be turned into a safe haven for cybercriminals,” Olukoyede stated. He added that the Commission also revisited and revived several longstanding corruption cases, including those involving Fred Ajudua, former People Democratic Party, PDP Chairman Haliru Bello Mohammed, former National Security Adviser, NSA Sambo Dasuki, and former Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF boss Ngozi Olojeme. The EFCC Chairman explained that part of the funds recovered by the Commission was deployed to key national initiatives, including the Students Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Scheme, with a total of ?100 billion invested. He noted that other government agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have also benefited from returned funds. “Some of the properties recovered have been allocated to government agencies for use as offices, in line with the Commission’s policy of ensuring that recovered assets are put to productive use,” he said. Olukoyede highlighted the establishment of a Task Force on Naira Abuse and Dollarisation of the Economy, which has made notable impact in sanitizing currency operations across the country. “The campaign against naira abuse, racketeering, and speculative currency trading has helped reduce pressure on the naira and complemented the Central Bank’s efforts in stabilizing the economy,” he said. The EFCC Chairman noted that his administration placed renewed emphasis on tackling cybercrime through both enforcement and prevention. He recalled that the Commission convened a National Cybercrime Dialogue in January 2024, which brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, academics, and youth representatives to discuss alternatives to cybercrime. This was followed by the National Cybercrime Summit in October 2024, where Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiled the Cybercrime Response Centre. Olukoyede also spoke on the Commission’s strengthened partnerships with foreign law enforcement agencies, including the Korean Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Spanish Police, and German Police. He added that cooperation with the FBI, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), INTERPOL, and Japan’s JICA has been deepened, resulting in several joint investigations and the repatriation of stolen assets to victims in Spain, Canada, and the United States. “In 2024, we had the honour of hosting the immediate past Director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, and the Director General of the NCA, Graeme Biggar — a testament to the global respect the EFCC commands today,” he said. At the regional level, Olukoyede’s leadership as President of the Network of National Anti- Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) led to the establishment of a permanent secretariat in Abuja. He was recently re-elected for a second term, the first in the history of the regional body. According to Olukoyede, the EFCC has witnessed significant internal reforms in the last two years, including the establishment of the Directorate of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) to strengthen corruption prevention. The Department of Internal Affairs was also renamed the Department of Ethics and Integrity to reflect the renewed focus on professionalism and accountability. Three new Zonal Directorates have been created in Ekiti, Anambra, and Katsina States, bringing the Zonal Directorates to 17. The new EFCC Academy in Giri is also under development, with a Cybercrime Research Centre as one of its flagship facilities. Other specialized units created include the Digital Transformation and Innovation Unit, International Assets Tracing and Recovery Unit, and Visa Fraud Section. Olukoyede reaffirmed his commitment to integrity and professionalism within the Commission, saying, “You cannot fight corruption with corruption.” He noted that all staff were directed to declare their assets upon his assumption of office. Those who breached ethical standards were sanctioned in line with due process — 55 officers have been dismissed over misconduct, including one currently facing prosecution for tampering with exhibits. He added that while errant staff have been disciplined, hardworking officers have been rewarded through regular promotions, provision of CNG buses, and payment of allowances. The EFCC Chairman reiterated that corruption prevention remains a cornerstone of his administration. “Prevention is a more cost-effective approach than enforcement. That is why we established FRAC to deploy risk-based strategies in monitoring the budget performance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies,” he said. In 2024, the FRAC Department ensured the successful delivery of more than 80 percent of the Presidential CNG Buses. The Commission also launched EFCC Radio 97.3FM, Nigeria’s first anti-corruption radio station, as a continuous platform for public sensitization and awareness. Olukoyede disclosed that the Commission is currently undergoing a rebranding process to realign its core values with its renewed vision of integrity and professionalism. “We are rebranding the EFCC for greater impact. A new logo and slogan will soon be unveiled as part of our effort to reposition the Commission for more effective service delivery,” he said. The press release includes photos: 1502-properties-in-two-years-of-olukoyedes-leadership 419 Coalitiom comment: We remain, as always, interested in figures estimating the total amounts stolem by 419 crimes, the amounts recovered, and the amounts verifiably repatriated to victims of 419. We like seeeing amounts for the last few years, but also for the amounts for the last 5 years, 10 years, and all time etc. We also like seeing how much in recovered 419ed funds has been, and is being, retained in the accounts of the Government of Nigeria without being forwarded onwards to victims of 419 (at one point the Nigerian government was saying several years ago that there was over $700 million being held in such accounts, that's the last figure that we have heard). We remain interested in how much in recovered 419ed funds and assets purchased by 419ed monies have been ordered to be Retained by the Government of Nigeria rather then being verificably repatriated to victims of 419. Inquiring minds want to know all these things, and we'd hope that the EFCC will address these questions in detail at some point in the immediate future. *************************************************** 27 OCT 2025 Fight Against Cybercrime: Olukoyede Urges Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged stakeholders across the public and private sectors to embrace a holistic cybersecurity built on collaboration, transparency, ethics, and citizen awareness. Olukoyede made this appeal IN Lagos while delivering the Opening Address at the 2025 FITC/NIBSS ThinkNnovation Cybersecurity Conference 6.0 themed “Securing Tomorrow: Cyber Resilience, Intelligent Defence, and the Architecture of Trust in a Borderless World.” on Wednesday 22, October 2025. The Chairman, who was represented by Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Ayo Oyewole, Head of Public Affairs, Lagos Directorate 1, called for an intensified national and global response to the growing threat of cyber-enabled financial crimes. He emphasized that cybersecurity is now a shared responsibility that must extend beyond institutional concerns and highlighted the urgency of securing Nigeria’s digital financial landscape against rising cross-border cyber threats. “Cybercrime has evolved from petty fraud to a global criminal enterprise sophisticated, syndicated, and systemically dangerous,” he noted. “It threatens not just our financial systems, but also national security, democratic institutions, and most importantly, public trust,” he added. He highlighted the Commission’s evolving role in combating cyber-enabled financial crimes, citing recent strategic reforms, including: The establishment of a Cybercrime Rapid Response Center, operating 24/7 with digital forensic tools and advanced technological capabilities; enhanced collaboration with local and international partners, including NIBSS, CBN, NCC, Interpol, and global Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the Commission’s workforce in handling increasingly complex digital crimes and the disruption of major cybercrime syndicates, leading to the recovery of billions of naira in stolen assets. “In a digital economy, trust is more valuable than technology. “Every failed transaction or data breach erodes public confidence. We must safeguard this trust as a matter of national security", he said. According to him, the EFCC is: Deepening collaboration with financial institutions to detect and deter insider fraud; Stepping up efforts to protect depositors from targeted cyberattacks; Working closely with regulators to strengthen cybersecurity laws and enhance asset recovery mechanisms for digital crimes. The EFCC Chairman concluded by urging stakeholders to move from awareness to action, from passive defenses to resilient ecosystems, and from basic compliance to systems that inspire enduring trust. The press release includes photos: fight-against-cybercrime-olukoyede-urges-multi-stakeholder-collaboration ************************************************* 27 OCT 2025 Shun Internet Fraud, Choose Integrity, Olukoyede Charges Youth The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged youths across the country to shun internet fraud and embrace integrity for assured future. He gave the charge in Abuja on Tuesday, October 22, 2025 at a programme themed "Nigeria @ 65 Conference: Reviving Values and Volunteerism Among the Youth" organised by the Citizenship and Leadership Training Center, CLTC. Olukoyede, who was represented by the Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, while commending the organisers, said integrity and hardwork are better pathways for youths than internet fraud. " Internet fraud is a dead end for youths but integrity is an open way. "As we gather to discuss reviving values and volunteerism among youth, I urge our young people to embrace integrity, transparency, and accountability. Volunteerism is a powerful tool for nation-building; let's harness it to create a corruption-free society. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Nigeria" The EFCC boss, while expressing worry over the involvement of youths in financial crimes, promised to continue to support every initiative from well-meaning Nigerians that will guide the youth away from internet fraud. In her welcome address, Rinsola Abiola said Nigeria’s strength laid in her citizens, especially the youths and called for a redirection of the nation’s leadership, a task she said begins with the people. She pointed out that the event provided a platform to reflect on the principles that once defined Nigeria as a people and to chart new pathways through which young people can reclaim the spirit of volunteerism, ethos she noted, drive active citizenship and national renewal. Other attendees include the Director General, National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, Brigadier General Olukunle Nafiu, representative of UNODC and stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, youths and civil society organisations. The press release includes photos: shun-internet-fraud-choose-integrity-olukoyede-charges-youth ********************************************** 19 OCT 2025 EFCC, NIS, NCoS Complete Deportation of 192 Foreigners Convicted for Cyber-Terrorism in Lagos The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has deported the remaining 51 foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos, bringing the repatriation of the 192 foreigners involved in the crimes to a successful close. The deportation exercise followed the arrest and successful prosecution of 759 suspects during a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The deportation exercise, which began on Friday, August 15, 2025, followed the conviction of the offenders by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and ponzi scheme operations. The first batch of 42 convicts comprising Chinese and Filipino nationals was deported on August 15, 2025. Subsequent batches followed throughout August and September. The final batch of 51 convicts, including 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, departed Nigeria on October 16, 2025, bringing the total number of repatriated foreigners to 192. The deported convicts include nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were deported in coordinated batches between August and mid-October 2025, in accordance with court directives and immigration procedures. All the deported convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested with their Nigerian accomplices believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and ponzi scheme syndicate operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited. The operation , based on credible, actionable intelligence, and subsequent investigations, confirmed that the convicted foreigners were involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes. Evidence revealed that they trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms aimed at defrauding victims both locally and internationally. The Nigeria Immigration Service deported them as directed by the court. The press release contains photos: efcc-nis-ncos-complete-deportation-of-192-foreigners-convicted-for-cyber-terrorism-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: We assume that the 567 remaining non-foreigners (the Nigerian nationals) have also all been convicted and punished as well. We are also interested in monies recovered and the amounts confirmably repatriated to the victims of this fraud syndicate. ************************************************************ 13 OCT 2025 EFCC Commences Investigations of Two Suspects for Undeclared $6,180,000, and £53,415 Cash at Lagos Airport Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos have commenced investigations of two travelers arrested by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, for allegedly failing to declare the sums of $6,180 and £53,415 cash in their possession. The suspects, Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, were intercepted during a routine check on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. Upon arrest, the suspects, who were scheduled to travel to Abuja, after arriving the country from Dubai enroute Addis Ababa, were immediately handed over to the Department of State Services, DSS, who subsequently handed them over to the Commission for further investigations and prosecution. Also found on the suspects are three mobile phones. The suspects and the exhibits were received by CSE Margaret Lamai on behalf of the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Ahmed Ghali. The press release contains a photo: efcc-commences-investigations-of-two-suspects-for-undeclared-6-180-000-53-415-cash-at-lagos-airport ********************************************************* 10 OCT 2025 EFCC Arrests 42 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Gashua Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 42 suspected internet fraudsters in Gashua Local Government Area of Yobe State. They were arrested in a sting operation on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at different locations within Gashua, following credible intelligence on their involvement in computer-related crimes. Items recovered from them include seven motorcycles, one Mercedes Benz car, fifty -five (55) phones and laptops, as well as playstation 5 (PS5) and playstation 4 (PS4) consoles respectively. Intelligence available to the Commission linked the suspects with various forms of internet-related fraud. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-42-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-gashua ************************************************* 1 OCT 2025 EFCC "Modernizes" Website... Again 419 Coalition Report: Well, the EFCC has "modernized" its website yet again, for at least the third time. It does look better than the former version, but as with the attempts the other two times, there are several problems that need to be fixed. The largest problem is that they have again Changed the root URL for the articles in their News section. The root URL for them is NOW https://www.efcc.gov.ng/efcc_site/news/ and before this it WAS https://www.efcc.gov.ng/efcc/news-and-information/news-release/ What this means is that All links everywhere on the internet to news articles using the older root URL will no longer work - including the many hundreds if not thousands on this site. Fortunately, on our site, we post the entire text of the news articles, so you will still be able to read them, but you will not be able to view pix, as they are only available in the previous link to the EFCC site - which no longer works. This in an incredibly counterproductive situation for the EFCC assuming it wants its News articles to be read by as many people as possible. Sometimes, even the best IT guys get "ahead of themselves" in website design. They like things all streamlined and current, which is understandable. But often, in their updating process, they forget that they must also maintain a very important aspect of the site - that being Continuity. As in, all the old links to the site out there in internet-land have to work, as well as all the new links. That seems to have been forgotten here by the EFCC IT guys. You'd think that they would remember this fron the Last time several years ago when they "upgraded" the site and changed the root URL of the entire site from efccnigeria.org to efcc.gov.ng which created a whole Mess of problems, even greater than this time acound. We'd suggest that EFCC go back to the OLD way of URLing the hews articles: www.efcc.gov.ng/efcc/news-and-information/news-release/ and do it Now before they get too many news articles in under the New URLing www.efcc.gov.ng/efcc_site/news/ This would keep continuity consistent on the EFCC site and also keep the kazillion links to EFCC News articles out there all over the internet still good. This is excellent advice and we hope EFCC takes it. You're welcome, EFCC. Coordinator, 419 Coalition ********************************************* 1 OCT 2025 Court Jails Two for Impersonation in Lagos Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, convicted and sentenced the duo of Joshua Victor David and Abdulmalik Adesanya Olayiwola to one year imprisonment each for impersonation. They were arraigned on one-count separate charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge against David reads: "That you, Joshua Victor David, sometime in August, 2025, at Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one “Clara Jane” by holding yourself out as such to one John Brill, an unsuspecting victim, via email address monexmindedloas767@gmail.com, with intent to gain advantage for yourself; and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015". The charge against Olayiwola reads: "That you, ABDULMALIK ADESANYA OLAYIWOLA, sometime in August 2025, at Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonatedone kylie Dowdy 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". They each pleaded “guilty” to the offence when it was read to them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Fadeke Giwa and Ukoha Nwandu, reviewed the facts of the cases, and thereafter, tendered the defendants’ statements as well as the mobile devices recovered from them. They also urged the court to convict them as charged. Justice Owoeye, consequently, convicted and sentenced David to one year imprisonment, with the option of a fine of N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira). The judge also ordered forfeited the convict’s iPhone 16 and the bank draft valued at N250, 000.00 to Federal Government of Nigeria. Olayiwola was sentenced to one year imprisonment, with the option of a fine of N600,000.00. The convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet fraud. They were charged to court and convicted. The press re;ease contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-two-for-impersonation-in-lagos ********************************************* 1 OCT 2025 EFCC Arrests 92 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin-City Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 92 suspected internet fraudsters in Edo State. They were arrested in a sting operation on Monday, September 29, 2025 at various locations within Benin City, Edo State. Their arrest was based on credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in computer related crimes. All the lawful procedures of arrest were followed in the course of the arrest. Upon their arrest, 11 vehicles and mobile devices were recovered from them. Preliminary investigations by the Commission linked the suspects with various forms of internet-related fraud They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-92-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ********************************************* 29 SEP 2025 Court Jails Internet Fraudster in Kaduna Justice M.J Zubairu of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna on Monday, September 29, 2025 convicted and sent Solomon Ilemona Emmanuel to jail for fraud. He was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a one-count charge, bordering on impersonation and of internet fraud. His charge reads: "That you Solomon Ilemona Emmanuel (a.k.a SANTI XII) sometime in June, 2025 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently presented yourself as one SANTI XII on Facebook (a social media platform) to unsuspecting victims and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 142 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017.” He pleaded “guilty” to the charge, prompting the prosecution counsel, M.J. Argungu to urge the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Justice Zubairu, thereafter convicted and sentenced him to three years imprisonment or to pay N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited a Tecno Camon Pro mobile phone and had earlier restituted the sum of N6,057,488.13 (Six Million Fifty Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty Eight Naira, Thirteen Kobo) to his victims. Emmanuel was among those arrested in Kafanchan axis of Kaduna State by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. He turned out to be a picker who receives illicit money through a Chinese vendor andtransmits to members of the syndicate. The press release contains photos of the 419er: Court Jails Internet Fraudster in Kaduna ****************************************** 25 SEP 2025 Court Jails Four for Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of four internet fraudsters before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The convicts, Martins Emmanuel, Abeeb Olamide Asiru, Iremide Owolabi and Quadri Abdulrasheed Adio, were arrested on August 29, 2025 in a sting operation at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, following credible intelligence received by the Commission on the activities of a syndicate of suspected internet fraudsters operating at the hotel. They were subsequently arraigned on one-count separate charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation and internet related crimes. One of the charges reads: “That you, ABEEB OLAMIDE ASIRU (a.k.a Dolly Parton), on or about 29th August, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one 'Dolly Parton' by holding yourself out as such on your Facebook account 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.” Another charge reads: “That you, MARTINS EMMANUEL, sometime on the 29m of August, 2025 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 "ROSE HEATHERS56" on your Tiktok account knowing same tobe 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.” They each pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa, reviewed the facts of the case through the investigating officers, Ibrahim Bukar, Samson Aguma and Ruth Odang. Kofarnaisa, thereafter, tendered the defendants’ statements and mobile devices recovered from them. She also urged the court to convict them as charged. Justice Dipeolu, consequently, convicted and sentenced Emmanuel to three months imprisonment, with the option of a fine of N600,000.00 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira). The Judge also convicted and sentenced Asiru to six months imprisonment, with the option of a fine of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira). Both Owolabi and Adio were each sentenced to three months imprisonment, with the option of a fine of N800,000.00 (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira). Their mobile devices were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. They were all arrested for internet-related fraud, charged to court and convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-four-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ********************************************** 25 SEP 2025 Court Jails Man One Year for Impersonation in Lagos Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Imran Mujeeb Ayomide to one year imprisonment for impersonation. Ayomide was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Imran Mujeeb Ayomide to one year imprisonment for impersonation. Ayomide was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The press release contains photos of the 419er court-jails-man-one-year-for-impersonation-in-lagos ************************************************* 24 SEP 2025 EFCC Arrests 49 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Akwa Ibom State Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, have arrested forty nine( 49) suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation carried out at different locations in Akwa Ibom State. 31( thirty-one) of the suspects were arrested on Monday September 22, 2025, at Ikpa Road, Ekpri Nsukara, Nwaniba, and Shelter Afrik Extension, all in Akwa Ibom State, while the remaining eighteen(18) were arrested on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Oron, and Calabar-Itu Road. The arrested suspects include, undergraduates, traders and artisans. Items recovered from them include, one car, 54 mobile phones and nine laptops. The suspects will soon be charged to court. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-49-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-akwa-ibom-state ******************************************************* 23 SEP 2025 Ex-Legislative Aide Jailed Eight Years for N120.5m Employment Scam in Ilorin The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, September 22, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of a former legislative aide and banker, Mr. Goni Yilkan, for offences bordering on obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N120.5 million before Justice F. E Messiri of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Jabi, Abuja. Yilkan, who hails from Nguru, Yobe State, was found guilty on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act, and consequently sentenced to eight years imprisonment without option of fine. The convict was arraigned alongside one Mohammed Adamu in October 2023, following investigations into a petitioner's claims of being defrauded by the convict. According to the petitioner, Yilkan deceived her between 2020 and 2021 into believing that he had the capacity to secure employment slots in government agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). On this strength, the petitioner collected varying sums of money from over 60 jobseekers, amounting to N120,580,550.00 (One Hundred and Twenty Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty Naira), which she allegedly remitted to the convict. However, the purported employment offers never materialized, prompting Bello to petition the EFCC. One of the charges read: “That you, Mohammed Goni Yilkan, Mohammed Adamu and others at large between 3rd January 2020 and December 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N120, 580, 550 (One Hundred and Twenty Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty Naira) from Mrs. Hindatu Bello under the false pretence that you had the capacity to secure jobs for her candidates in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria 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 Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” In the course of the trial, the prosecution, led by Cosmas Ugwu, called six witnesses and tendered documentary evidence, while the defence, led by J.A. Oguche, presented two witnesses, including Yilkan himself. In his judgment, Justice Messiri held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, convicted Yilkan, but discharged and acquitted his co-defendant, Adamu. The judge further sentenced Yilkan to eight years’ imprisonment without an option of fine. Yilkan’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he collected the sum of N120.5 million from desperate job seekers in the guise of offering them slots of employment. He neither offered them the jobs nor returned their money to them. The prees release contains a photo of the Employment 419er: ex-legislative-aide-jailed-eight-years-for-n120-5m-employment-scam-in-ilorin ********************************************************** 22 SEP 2025 Poor Parenting Driving Youths’ Involvement in Financial Crimes, Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has attributed youths’ involvement in economic and financial crimes to parenting failures and neglect by members of the family unit. He made the observation in Kaduna on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, while speaking on “Family Neglect and Youth Involvement in Economic Offences." Speaking through the Acting Director of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, he stated that “Family neglect impacts dire consequences on the lives of young people, including increased exposure and vulnerability to financial and economic crimes. By addressing the root causes of family neglect and providing support services, education and job opportunities, we will be working towards reducing youth involvement in economic and financial crimes and promoting ethical behaviours in young people" “The neglect can arise as a result of poverty, ignorance, deliberate abdication of responsibility, drug abuse or addiction and manifests in the failure of members of a family unit in providing adequate emotional, psychological and material support to children or dependants.” Speaking further, he noted that “The nexus between family dysfunction and youth criminality is one that calls for a multi- dimensional approach in both the diagnosis of the negative outcomes and the adminstration of the required therapies,” adding that “provision of family support systems, youth mentorship and sporting programmes could be handy in providing avenues for talent development and alternative ways of harnessing positive energies of young people.” While affirming his commitment to reducing youth’s involvement in economic and financial crimes and to the promotion of ethical behaviours in young people, he regretted that some students of tertiary institutions, arrested by the Commission for their involvements in internet fraud often cite inadequate financial support from their families as reason for their actions. “On numerous occasions, some students of tertiary institutions whom we arrested following credible intelligence that exposed their involvements in internet fraud, would often plead they are indigent students who are self-financing their education and that their involvement in the crime followed the inadequacies of their lean financial strength,” he said. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s government for intervening in the direction of student’s financial need with the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFund, drawn from EFCC’s proceeds of crime. “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is happy and proud that N50 billion seed capital of NELFUND was drawn from the Commission's recovered proceeds of crime. Our preventive mandate aligns with any lawful action or policy that would take our youths away from the path of economic and financial crimes,” he said. He highlighted the preventive and reorientation programmes of the Commission, designed to shield young people and the youth demography from financial and economic crimes to include EFCC Integrity Club, which is a ''catch them young " anti- corruption social engagement for primary and secondary school students; Zero Tolerance Club for tertiary institutions and EFCC/NYSC CDS Group for members of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC and the yearly National Cybercrime Summit of the Commission, which addresses the problem of youths’ involvement in internet fraud. Thw press release contains photos: poor-parenting-driving-youths-involvement-in-financial-crimes-olukoyede 419 Coalition comment: Over 25 years ago, 419 Coalition, at an annual conference of the Association of Nigerians Abroad, suggested that Nigeria include civics classes and other curricula in Nigerian schools which include ethics training to reduce corruption and 419 crimes. We were poiltely booed for our remarks. It was gratifiying to see the Nigerian government belatedly adopting the types of curriculum etc. that we suggested. But even we did not dsre to blame Nigerian parentling for corruption and 419 fraud, as EFCC has now done. We sort of cast the matter as more of a societal over time type issue. So we are a bit surprised by EFCC's comments about Nigerian parenting above, but who knows, maybe they have a point. Maybe EFCC eill get politely booed for these comments ae we were all those years ago for ours. Maybe not. It will be an interesting thing to watch and see what heappens. *******************************r********************* 20 SEP 2025 Olukoyede Advocates Elaborate Reforms to Reduce Foreign Investment Risks in Africa The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has described elaborate reforms as the panacea to investment risks across the African continent. He made this disclosure on Friday, September 19, 2025 in Washington DC, United States of America at the EBII Group African Leaders & Partners Forum. According to him, lowering investment risks in Africa requires broad-based and radical reforms that would make the continent a beautiful bride to investors around the world. “De-risking Africa requires us to pay attention to reforms to improve the ease of doing business, respect for the rule of law and human capital development. Success in this regard, requires strong institutions in view of the challenges, which already exist in the agricultural, renewable energy and solid minerals sectors”, he said. The EFCC’s boss, who joined other world leaders at the Forum to discuss de-risking investment in Africa’s strategic sectors: agriculture, energy transition and critical minerals, pointed out that Africa had huge potentials and deep riches in minerals and talents of its young and tech savvy population but needs fully-integrated reforms to attract more foreign direct investments. He particularly showcased the rising successes of the EFCC in tackling various economic and financial crimes in Nigeria, owing to effective reforms and operational dynamics. According to him, the EFCC, in its 22 years of existence has maintained a trajectory of vigorous investigations, prosecutions and assets tracing, recovery and return. The consistency of the Commission in plying its mandate, he explained, has made it possible for it to deepen and widen the investment fortunes of Nigeria.“There can be no greater incentive to investors than assurance of due process and rule of law. From a background of zero conviction for financial and economic crimes, we have achieved over 13,000 convictions in 22 years of operation. In 2024, the Commission secured 4111 convictions. This rekindles confidence that investors who for whatever reason felt cheated can seek redress and get justice’’, he said. Besides, he stressed that the Commission also offers advisory service, on demand, to foreign investors seeking information to navigate potential risks in Nigeria's investment landscape. “At intervals, EFCC issues alerts, to put the investing public on notice regarding trends in the investing environment that could expose them to unmitigated risks. An example was the notice on 58 Ponzi Schemes masquerading as investment schemes, which was published in March, 2025” Referencing his reforms and initiatives since he assumed office about two years ago, the anti-graft czar affirmed that the corruption prevention aspect of the EFCC’s mandate was enhanced in 2024 by the activities of the Department of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control. Created in 2023, and mandated to deploy risk-based approaches in preventing corruption in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, the department recorded major milestones in tracking the disbursement and utilization of public funds. It evaluated the over $50m contract under the Pi-CNG project ensuring Ninety-five percent delivery of buses and conversion kits. Other milestones of the Commission he placed before the global audience include the arrest of 792 crypto currency and internet fraudsters in Lagos in one single operation and in one day, the unmasking and forfeiture of 753 duplexes and other apartments in Abuja, the involvement of the EFCC in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance compliance with global standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFTto exit the FATF's grey list, the investigation and prosecution of sophisticated digital assets and investment fraud including the Crypto Bridge Exchange, CBEX, scam in which subscribers to a phony crypto investment scheme lost over half a billion dollars. “Some of the masterminds are being prosecuted before courts in Nigeria. Before CBEX, the Commission also investigated Binance, one of the major Crypto exchanges. The investigation was a revelation in terms of the quantum of resources controlled by the exchanges outside of the Nigerian financial system”, he said. He beckoned to the rest of the world to learn from the evidential successes of the EFCC as it collaborates in joint operations with the FBI, National Crime Agency, Canadian Royal Mounted Police and others to drive reforms in financial crimes investigations. Olukoyede assured the global community that Nigeria and the rest of Africa hold better prospects. “Whether we like it or not, there is an ongoing scramble for Africa,which confirms global expectations of a continent waiting to unleash its potential. However, this time, the scramble is not in terms of territorial influence, as was the case in colonial times. Rather, forward-looking partners who are willing to key into the vision of Africa are already active in the continent, helping to build the foundation of our prosperity”. Other speakers at the Summit include, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, American Congressman, Jonathan Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency- NEPAD, AUDA-NEPAD, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Rwandan Ambassador to the United States, Matilde Mukantabana, Chief Executive Officer, National Bankers Association and Executive Director, National Bankers Association Foundation, Nicole Elam and Director| Chief Investigator, Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Centre. olukoyede-advocates-elaborate-reforms-to-reduce-foreign-investment-risks-in-africa 419 Coalition note: We included this press release largely for the statistics cited in it. At some point, we'd like to see stats that include figures beoken out on the number of 419 advance fee fraud crimes, total monies stolen by same, number of convictions for same, total amount stolen, total amount recovered, and total amounts of recovered funds verifiably repatriated to 419 victims. We've been asking for this for like... forever. How about it, EFCC? *************************************************************** 20 SEP 2025 EFCC, Korean National Police Agency Sign MoU on Tackling Financial Crimes The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the National Office of Investigation, Korean National Police Agency, KNPA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on tackling economic and financial crimes and strengthening institutional capacities. The signing of the MoU took place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea at the 3rd International Counter-Fraud Conference, themed "Global Fraud Shield: Coordinated Defense against Evolving Threats," hosted by the Korean National Police Agency. The MoU focusses on information exchange, best practices sharing, capacity building, institutional strengthening, research collaboration, asset recovery coordination, public education, mutual support platform, training exchange, international cooperation and flexible expansion and was signed by Olukoyede and the Deputy Commissioner General of KNPA, Park Seong-Ju. The pact represents formalization of bilateral commitment to enhanced cooperation in combating economic and financial crimes between the two agencies. The EFCC’s boss articulated how the partnership aligned with his strategic agenda of economic development focus, transparency and accountability and international image boosting of Nigeria as contained in his three-pronged agenda on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023 Commenting on the MoU, Olukoyede stressed that anti-corruption work is fundamentally about building stronger societies. "This partnership represents more than just institutional cooperation, it embodies our shared commitment to creating a safer, more transparent global financial ecosystem", he said. He further stated that “we are creating a model for how nations can collaborate effectively against crimes that know no boundaries" In his own remark, Seong-Ju appreciated Olukoyede’s visionary leadership in driving the MoU, stressing that the agreement was proof of EFCC's successful collaborations with law enforcement organizations worldwide. He expressed commitment that the MoU would provide an enhanced platform for information-sharing, capacity-building, and joint operations . He further acknowledged Nigeria's reputation as a reliable partner in international crime-fighting efforts and commended the EFCC's “operational excellence and strategic partnerships globally” Seong-Ju recalled the longstanding Nigeria-Korea partnership, particularly noting that KNPA experts had previously visited Nigeria in 2019 to deliver capacity-building initiatives in digital forensics. Already, the MoU has begun to yield dividends with an ongoing KNPA investigation with Nigerian connections on some fraudulent dealings. The press release contains several photos: efcc-korean-national-police-agency-sign-mou-on-tackling-financial-crimes ********************************************************* 20 SEP 2025 EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Warri, Owerr Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, have arrested thirty-seven (37) suspected internet fraudsters in Warri, Delta State and Owerri in Imo State. They were arrested on Friday, September 19, 2025 for their alleged involvement in internet and cryptocurrency fraud following credible intelligence about their activities. Specifically, the fraudsters were apprehended while operating different brands of internet- enabled devices in defrauding their victims. Suspected kingpin of the fraudsters, Robert Ebuka Chukwuedo on Commissioner Street, Warri, took to his heels to evade arrest. However, some of his accomplices were arrested in his mansion. They were all allegedly involved in cryptocurrency scam, money laundering and other internet-related crimes. Items recovered from them include different brands of exotic cars, smartphones, laptops and fetish items. The suspects will be charged to court. The press release contains several photos: efcc-arrests-37-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-warri-owerri ***************************************************** 19 SEP 2025 EFCC Arrests 19 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Niger State Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Directorate have arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, comprising 18 males and one female. They were arrested on Friday, September 19, 2025 following credible information that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include: a Honda Civic car, 33 mobile phones, five laptop computers, one peak power generating set, three bluetooth speakers, a white calabash and other fetish items. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-19-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-niger-state ************************************************* 18 SEP 2025 Edo Court Jails 10 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of 10 internet fraudsters before Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City. The convicts are: Okoro Emmanuel, Billwise James Dikoru, Enoma Osasumwen, Samson Festus, Godspower Afolorunikon, Omonle Godwin Damien, Sunday Uanseoje, Sylvester Iziren Udu, Ani Emmanuel Chucks and Amilegbe SaviourThey were prosecuted on separate one-count charges, bordering impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Okoro Emmanuel reads: "That you Okoro Emmanuel (m) on or about the 10th of September, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, on your iPhone 11 with IMEI Number 356867116691538, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained 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.” They all pleaded “guilty” to their charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, K.Y. Bello and Isa.K Agwai to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced all to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. All the convicts forfeited their mobile phones and laptop computers, being tools of their crime and money found in their respective bank accounts, being proceeds of their crimes to the federal government and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.The convicts’ journey to jail began with their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press releas contains photos: edo-court-jails-10-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ************************************************ 18 SEP 2025 EFCC Arraigns Man for $500,000 Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Ndubisi Kenechukwu Ugonna before Justice E. Okpe of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gudu, Abuja for fraud. Ugonna was arraigned on a one-count charge, bordering on advance fee fraud and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of $500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars). The charge against him reads: “That you Ndubisi Kenechukwu Ugonna sometime in 2020 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtain the total sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars (500,000.00 USD) from one Kofoworola Olagunju under the false pretence that you had capacity to invest in global security on his behalf and that the investment business was genuine which pretence you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) off 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,” following which prosecution counsel Joshua Saidi asked the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a correctional centre, while the defence counsel reminded the court of the defendant’s bail application and urged the court to remand him in the custody of the EFCC. The judge thereafter, adjourned the matter till September 25, 2025 for the hearing on the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-man-for-500-000-fraud ********************************************** 16 SEP 2025 Olukoyede Charges South-South Youths against Fraudulent Practices The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on youths in the South-South region to resist the lure of internet fraud and other financial crimes, describing fraud as a deadly trap that destroys lives and future. He gave this charge in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday, September 15, 2025 at an event organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA). Speaking on the theme, “Uniting South-South Youths in the Fight Against Cultism, Pipeline Vandalism, Internet Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Abuse, Human Trafficking and Economic Sabotage,” Olukoyede , who spoke through Head, Advance Fee Fraud Section, Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, warned that while fraud may appear to offer “easy money,” it ultimately leads to shame, imprisonment, and lost opportunities. “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo- yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today,” he said. The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities. Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad. The EFCC’s boss urged the youth to channel their talents into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and creative industries, all of which offer sustainable opportunities without the risks of crime. He also reminded the audience that Nigeria’s strength lies in its young population: “Youths are the engine of our nation. If you choose fraud, you are choosing to destroy your tomorrow. But if you choose creativity, innovation and honesty, you are building a Nigeria that will compete with the best in the world”, he said. The Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to continue its sensitization, enforcement, and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and related crimes, while calling on all stakeholders, especially young people to be partners in building a nation defined by integrity and prosperity. In his remark, representative of the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Assistant Commander General, Narcotics, Mathew Ewah, warned that drug abuse remains one of the most dangerous threats to Nigerian youths. “Drug abuse is a social problem. Sadly, youths are the majority abusing drugs in Nigeria, and this is worrisome. It turns many into social misfits, affecting their families, communities, and ultimately the country,” he said. He stressed that prevention is the most effective weapon in the war against drug abuse, adding that the youth stage of life is a “make or mar period” that must be carefully guarded. Speaking on ‘Uniting the Youths in South-South against Pipeline Vandalism’, Assistant Superintendent of Corps, Kabiru Zakari who represented the Commander General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC addressed the dangers of pipeline vandalism and its devastating effects on communities. “Oil spillage from vandalism leads to serious health issues, destroys creeks and farmlands, and weakens agriculture in the South-South. Youths must stop being tools of vandalism and instead serve as community surveillance officers who protect, not destroy, our resources”, he said. Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Director General of CONYSSA, Ade Mario Emmanuel, emphasized the role of young people in shaping Nigeria’s future and the need to support security agencies that are genuinely committed to ending insecurity. He called on all youths to unite in the fight against pipeline vandalism, cultism, and economic sabotage, stressing that “all of us must get into the fight for a greater country. The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-charges-south-south-youths-against-fraudulent-practices ********************************************************* 10 SEP 2025 Court Jails 21 Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, recently secured the conviction and sentence of twenty-one (21) internet fraudsters before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan and Justices O.S. Adeyemi, Ladiran Akintola, R.B. Olawoyin, O.S. Adeniyi, O.A. Adetujoye, M.O. Ishola and Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. The convicts are Waheed Hamid Aromose, Aliu Abayomi Victor, Ugbe Emmanuel Ukali, Ajewole Segun Abraham, Abeeb Ridwan Bidemi, Kolawole Oreoluwa Johnson, Olorunyomi Sina Ayo, Ajewole Ojo Kayode and Adewale Adetola Adedotun. Others are: Olatunji Waliu Adegbaro, Shodeinde Joshua Adeyemi, Adeoye Bayo Lanre, Taufeek Rafiu Olamide, Adegbite Oluwaseyi Damilare, Hamzat Qowiyu Ajibola, Ayorinde Festus Morakinyo, Damilola Moore Ayomide, Ayinde Oluwaseun Ridwan, Ogunsami Farouk Adeyinka, Sheriff Funso Oparinde and Adewale Bolaji Al-Ameen. They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on advance fee fraud, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, possession of fraudulent documents and impersonation. The charge against Al-Ameen reads: ”That you Adewale Bolaji Al-Ameen ‘M’ on or about 16th December, 2024 at Ibadan, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated by representing yourself to be a white man by the name Joshua Smith from the United States of America to one Jonathan Tocobel, through your Instagram account (Jonathan Tocobel), with intent to gain an advantage for yourself and therefore committed an offence contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.” All the defendants pleaded “guilty”, causing the prosecution counsel, Modupe Akinkoye, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsudeen Bashir, Umar Abiso, A.M. Aliyu to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Consequently, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Adegbaro to six months community service or to pay a fine of N250,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and ordered the forfeiture of a silver colour Mercedes Benz GLK 2015 car with the registration Number: MUS-783-JA and Chassis Number: WDCGGHB2FG349958, while Kayode, Adedotun and Oparinde bagged one year imprisonment each or to pay a fine of N60,000.00 (Sixty Thousand Naira), N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) and N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively. Also, Victor, Bidemi and Abraham were convicted and sentenced to three months community service each or a fine of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) each by Justice Akintola while Ukali was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of N40,000,00 (Forty Thousand Naira). Justice Adeyemi convicted and sentenced Aromose to three months community service, Ayo to six months community service and forfeited a red colour Toyota Camry 2013 Model vehicle with Registration Number: ABC-348-PJ, while Adeyemi bagged one week community service, all without an option of fine. Johnson was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment or to pay a fine of N200,000,00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) by Justice Olawoyin as Adeyinka bagged six months community service without an option of fine on the order of Justice Ishola. On his part, Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced Al-Ameen to four months community service and to a fine of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) and Idris to three months community service without any option of fine. Ajibola was convicted and sentenced to two months community service, also without an option of fine. Justice Agomoh convicted and sentenced Damilare, Ayomide and Ridwan to one year imprisonment each but gave Damilare an option of N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine as Ayomide forfeited a black 2013 Model Toyota Camry car with Registration Number: AKR-860-AL and Chassis Number: 4T1BF1K4CU083639. Furthermore, Justice Adeniyi convicted and sentenced Lanre to five years imprisonment and Olamide to two years imprisonment without an option of fine. All the convicts forfeited their mobile phones, laptop computers and other gadgets, including monies found in their respective bank accounts, being the proceeds of their crimes to the federal government. The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested by the investigators of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that uncovered their involvements in fraudulent internet activities. They were charged to court and convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-21-internet-fraudsters-in-ibadan ******************************************* 5 SEP 2025 Olukoyede Seeks Greater Involvement of Nigerians in Tackling Internet Fraud The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged Nigerians to show stronger commitment towards the fight against internet fraud. He gave the charge at a Security Summit in the Oju Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Speaking on the topic, "Social and Legal Implications of Cybercrimes in Nigeria", he called on all stakeholders in the anti-graft fight to be more focused, determined and patriotic in breaking the siege of internet fraud on the nation. Olukoyede, who spoke through the Zonal Director, Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Commission, Commander of the EFCC, CE Anselem Ozioko, stressed that cybercrimes have become monstrous threats to the growth and development of the nation and requires the involvement of every reform-minded Nigerian to tackle them. " The dangers posed to our development by cybercrimes have made it necessary for all citizens to continually lend their voices against the scourge". Cybercrimes have become a severe menace that we cannot deny, ignore or wish away. Individuals, groups and nations continue to count their losses to these crimes”, he said. Decrying the rising indulgence of youths in the fraud, Olukoyede stated that “it is undeniable that youths involvement in these crimes is alarming and worrisome". 2328 cases of cybercrimes occur daily globally with financial losses to hit £10.5 trillion by 2035. Cybercrimes portend a manifest and present danger to everyone in the global community”. Continuing, the EFCC’s boss explained “this reality strokes EFCC’s fight against cybercrimes, we are not only analyzing the problem, we are fighting the scourge by enforcing the laws against it and aggregating workable solutions through the Cybercrime Prohibition Prevention Etc, Act 2016, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and the Money Laundering Prohibition, Prevention Act 2022 as well as through institutional policies and administrative framework”, “In line with the corruption prevention mandate of the commission, the EFCC has established a Cybercrime Response Desk to receive and process real time information on suspected cybercrimes for immediate enforcement action, this initiative will help in reducing incidences of cybercrimes and possible loss of money by victims. I wish to appeal to the conscience of parents, opinion leaders across the country to regard the fight against cybercrime as an urgent and compelling warfare. We must all join hands to tackle the hydra-headed monster which cybercrime has become", he said. Other speakers at the Summit are: Major General M.K.Gara, and Dr. Nka Obi'Bisong, State Director, Department of State Services, DSS. The Summit was facilitated by Hon. David Agada Ogewu, member representing Oju/ Obi Federal Constituency, Benue State. The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-seeks-greater-involvement-of-nigerians-in-tackling-internet-fraud ************************************************* 4 SEP 2025 Court Jails Fake Investor for $71,000 Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of one Dennis Tamarakuro (a.k.a. Keisha Reynolds) before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. Tamarakuro was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrimes. The lone charge reads: “That you, DENNIS TAMARAKURO (a.k.a Keisha Reynolds) sometime in December 2024 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, falsely represented yourself as Keisha Reynolds, a female private investor in the United States of America, and in that assumed character obtained the sum of $71,795.41 (Seventy-One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Five Dollars, Forty-One Cents) from one Philbert, through Bybit, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 as Amended in 2024 and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.” He pleaded guilty when the charge was read to him. Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, Maryam Aminu Ahmed, presented an EFCC investigator, Ogunjobi Olalekan, to review the facts of the case. Olalekan told the court that intelligence from the Jackson Township Police Department in the United States revealed that a Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Pregnancy Support Network, was defrauded of $71,795.41. Investigations showed that the NGO’s bank details were compromised and the funds diverted through a romance scam turned money mule scheme. The funds were traced through several intermediaries, including a suspect identified as Libson Junior, before being converted to cryptocurrency and sent to a Bitcoin address on Bybit exchange. Further investigations revealed that the wallet was owned by Tamarakuro. According to Olalekan, Tamarakuro received 0.27 Bitcoin twice from Libson Junior, and later withdrew $18,000 worth of cryptocurrency through Busha exchange. Responses from both Bybit and Busha exchanges confirmed that the accounts belonged to the convict. “Upon arrest, the allegation was brought to his attention in the presence of his lawyer. He was interviewed under video recording, cautioned and he made a voluntary statement,” Olalekan said. He added that out of the $71,795.41 defrauded, the EFCC recovered over $42,000 in cryptocurrency, while the balance was blocked by a U.S. bank. The prosecution tendered documents including Tamarakuro’s statement and correspondences with the exchanges, which were admitted as exhibits. It also confirmed the recovery of $22,157.40 from Bybit and $20,121.41 from Busha exchange, and urged the court to forfeit the sums to the victim. Justice Nwite convicted Tamarakuro as charged. Meanwhile, defence counsel, Laye Aeemokoya, pleaded for leniency, citing his client’s status as a first-time offender, a father and caregiver to an aged mother, and the fact that all proceeds of the crime had been recovered by the EFCC. In his judgment, Justice Nwite sentenced Tamarakuro to one year imprisonment with an option of N1 million fine payable to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He also ordered that the recovered sums be forfeited to the victim and directed the convict to depose to an affidavit of good conduct. The press release contains a photo: court-jails-fake-investor-for-71-000-fraud ***************************************** 3 SEP 2025 Olukoyede Harps on Collaboration as Breaker of Cross Border Crimes at Cambridge Symposium Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on law enforcement agencies across the world to forge stronger alliances and collaboration among themselves to combat the monster of cross border economic crimes. He gave the charge on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Jesus College, Cambridge, United Kingdom while leading discussions on “Problems Facing Enforcement and Judicial Agencies in Dealing With Cross Border Economic Crimes” at the 3rd Session on Cross-Border Organized Crime and Terror. The EFCC’s boss, who spoke through EFCC’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN and addressed more than 1000 participants at the 42nd International Symposium on Economic Crimes, cited sophistication and extensive network of criminals, increasing sophistication of digital technology, weak regulatory and enforcement frameworks across jurisdictions; tracing, recovery, and return of proceeds of crime that are stashed in foreign jurisdictions, differences in laws and regulations across jurisdictions, information sharing by international law enforcement organisations and poor national identity infrastructure as well as limited capacity of law enforcement agencies in the face of increasing sophistication of cross-border criminals, as monstrous challenges standing in the way of tackling cross border economic crimes. “One of the major problems in dealing with trans-border financial crimes is the sophistication and extensive network of accomplices. Advances in digital technology make it easy for criminals to defraud their victims and move the proceeds of crime across several borders in a matter of minutes. Increasing sophistication of digital technology makes the tracing of proceeds of organized crime also difficult”, he said. In breaking these hurdles, Olukoyede harped on collaboration as the most potent framework. “Collaboration is the only way the world can harness its resources to deal with cross-border economic crimes as no nation is spared”, he said. He drew attention to the rising success of the EFCC in tackling economic crimes within and beyond the shores of Nigeria, owing to joint operations with agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigations, FBI, Canadian Mounted Royal Police, Interpol, among others. “We benefit from collaboration and joint operations with international law enforcement organisations like the FBI and I will recommend the model to the rest of the world”, he said. The 42nd Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crimes took off on Monday, September 1, 2025 . For more than four decades, the gathering has been an annual rallying point of policy makers, law enforcement agencies, judges, administrators and government functionaries in more than 100 countries to discuss topical issues on economic crimes. The Symposium will end on Monday, September 8, 2025. The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-harps-on-collaboration-as-breaker-of-cross-border-crimes-at-cambridge-symposium ********************************************* 2 SEP 2025 Court Jails Eight Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 convicted and sentenced eight internet fraudsters to jail. The convicts are: Friday Osamudiamenwen, Monday Moses, Wisdom Idahosa, Osazuwa Oghomwen, Christopher Victor, Odion Desmond Osas, Monday Louis Adagboyin and Bright Ogbiede. They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one-count charges, bordering on advance fee fraud, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Osas reads: "That you Odion Desmond Osas (m) on or about the 15th of August, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, on your iPhone 14 with IMEI Number 351246958475661, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained 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,” prompting prosecution counsel, K.W Chukuma-Eneh, I.M Elodi, I.K Agwai, M.S Dahiru and Ibrahim Al-Amin to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Osamudiamwen, Idahosa and Victor to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N300, 000 (Three hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. He convicted and sentenced Moses and Oghomwen to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N250, 000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand) fine, respectively. He convicted and sentenced Desmond and Adagboyin to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. He convicted and sentenced Ogbeide to two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One hundred Thousand Naira).All the convicts forfeited their mobile phones and laptop computers, being the tools of their crimes and money found in their respective bank accounts, being the proceeds of their crimes to the federal government and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth. The convicts’ journey to jail began with their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that exposed their involvements in fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-eight-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ********************************************** 29 AUG 2025 Edo Court Jails Two Brothers, 10 Others for Internet Fraud Two brothers, Teddy Ovbokhan Hart and Rooney Odion Hart and 10 others were on Thursday, August 28, 2025 convicted and sentenced to jail by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City for fraud. The 10 other convicts are: Thompson Ogbeide, Iria Saturday Blessed, Igbinomwania Lucky Godspower, Ojiezele Felix, Akhigbe Gideon, Osazuwa Oghomwen, Agbonifo Iziegbe, Lucky Osagie, Osemwegie Efosa Michael and Victor Ojeisemi.They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one-count charge, bordering on advance fee fraud, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Teddy Hart reads: "That you Teddy Ovbokhan Hart (m) on or about the 15th of August, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, on your iPhone 12 with IMEI Number 359879850558150, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained 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.” They all pleaded “guilty” to their charge, following which prosecution counsel, I.M Elodi, K.Y Bello, I.K Agwai, Ibrahim Faisal, M.S Dahiru and Ibrahim Al-Amin asked the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Felix, Iziegbe and Osagie to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N300, 000 (Three hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. He convicted and sentenced Ogbeide, Blessed, Godspower, Gideon, Michael and Oghomwen to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. He also convicted and sentenced Teddy and Rooney Hart to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N350, 000 (Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, respectively and convicted and sentenced Ojeisemi to two years imprisonment or to pay N150,000 (One hundred Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. All the convicts forfeited their mobile phones and laptop computers, being the tools of their crimes and money found in their respective bank accounts, being the proceeds of their crimes to the federal government and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.The convicts’ journey to jail began began with their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: edo-court-jails-two-brothers-10-others-for-internet-fraud ******************************************** 29 AUG 2025 EFCC Arrests 38 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lagos Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters. The arrests were made on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Mambillah Hotel, Omodisu Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, following credible intelligence and thorough surveillance regarding alleged internet fraud activities in the area. Items recovered from the suspects include cars, mobile devices and a mix of psychoactive and controlled substances.The suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations. The press release contains several photos: efcc-arrests-38-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos ************************************************ 28 AUG 2025 Court Jails Five Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Blessing Osakporlor Zabayo, Divine Eromosele Aisuegbehien, Daniel Destiny Adeniyi, Uche Destiny and Saturday Michael Idongesit were on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City for fraud.They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one- count charges, bordering on advance fee fraud, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Aisuegbehien reads: "That you Divine Eromosele Aisuegbehien (m) on or about the 15th of August, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, on your iPhone 12 Pro, with IMEI Number 356689111827978, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained 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.” They all pleaded “guilty” to their charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, I.K Agwai, Ibrahim Faisal, M.S Dahiru and Ibrahim Al-Amin to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Aisuegbehien, Zabayor and Adeniyi to two years imprisonment, respectively or to pay N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. Destiny and Idongesit also bagged two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. All the convicts forfeited their mobile phones and laptop computers, being the tools of their crimes and money found in their respective bank accounts, being the proceeds of crimes to the federal government and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth. Their journey to jail began with their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that exposed their involvements in fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-five-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ***************************************** 28 AUG 2025 Sting Operation at OOPL: Court Jails Three More for Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday , August 27, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of three internet fraudsters before Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The convicts are: Shodeinde Taiwo Samuel, Oyetunde Eniola Ayomide and Akinola Samuel Bolutife. They are among the 93 suspected fraudsters arrested in a sting operation on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at a hotel within the precincts of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State. They were arraigned on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, on a one-count charge bordering on impersonation, identity and internet fraud. The charge against Samuel reads: “COUNT 1 That you SHODEINDE TAIWO OLADIPUPO SAMUEL, on or about the 10% August, 2025. within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and with intent to gain advantage, held out yourself as "Andy Dante", a female foreign national through Facebook Account to unsuspecting members of the public, wherein you gain financial benefit to yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition Prevention etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” The charge against Ayomide reads:” That you, OYETUNDE ENIOLA AYOMIDE (a.k.a 'Jessicabrowns'), sometime in January, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession a "Tik tok Account titled: 'jessicabrown" wherein you fraudulently represented yourself as 'Jessica Brown' a White Female to one Jason Duke through your TikTok account, which is connected to your IphoneX 11 with no: 09010295681 with intent to gain advantage for yourself contrary to S. 22(2) (b)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under S. 22(2b) (iv) of the same law.” The charge against Bolutife reads: “ That you, AKINOLA SAMUEL BOLUTIFE, (Male) sometime in 2025 within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held out yourself on Telegram as Mabella Smith, with intention to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishment Section 22 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” They pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, I.G.Akhanolu, Ayanfe Olowonihi and M.S.Yabo, called on AbangArmstrong Bisong and Umar Abbah Giade, who are operatives of the EFCC, to review the facts of the cases. The prosecution counsel, thereafter, respectively sought to tender, in evidence, the extra-judicial statements of the defendants; the iPhone 14 and a Samsung phone recovered from Samuel, the N250,000 manager’s cheque issued by him; the iPhone 11 recovered from Ayomide; the iPhone 6 pro recovered from Bolutife and the N45,000 manager’s cheque issued as restitution by him as well as the forensic investigation documents printed from their mobile devices. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. The judge, in view of the defendants’ guilty pleas and evidence tendered by the prosecution, found them guilty and convicted them accordingly. The defence counsel, A.A. Okoli and J. Jacob, passionately prayed the court to “temper justice with mercy,” and grant their clients non- custodial sentences, adding that they were first-time offenders who have shown remorse. Delivering judgment, Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced Samuel, who confessed to have benefitted $200, to three months imprisonment from the day of arrest, with the option of a N300,000 fine. The judge also ordered his mobile devices as well as the 250,000 manager’s cheque issued by him to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Justice Dipeolu ordered Ayomide to pay a N50,000 fine. The judge also ordered his iPhone 11 forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria The judge also convicted and sentenced Bolutife, who confessed to have benefited the sum of €25 , to one month imprisonment from the day of arrest, with the option of a N100,000 fine. The iPhone 6 pro and the N45,000 bank draft he issued as restitution were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains a photo of each 419er: sting-operation-at-oopl-court-jails-three-more-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ***************************************************** 28 AUG 2025 Olukoyede Charges Student Leaders to Uphold Digital Integrity, Reject Cybercrimes The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on student leaders across the country to take the front seat in the fight against cybercrimes by upholding digital integrity and becoming change agents in their respective communities. Olukoyede gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, while delivering a keynote address at the Zero Tolerance for Social Immoralities Initiative, ZETSI, Leadership Conference 3.0. The Chairman who was represented by Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC II, Aisha Mohammed, stressed that youths are critical stakeholders in the battle against corruption and financial crimes, warning that cybercrimes not only destroys individual potentials but also undermines national development. “There is no virtue in deceit, no honour in impersonation, and no sustainable wealth in stealing from others. Nation builders cannot emerge from business breakers,” he said. He lamented that Nigeria has lost significant financial and reputational wealth to internet fraud and urged students to reject cultism, fraud, money laundering, drug abuse, child trafficking, and economic sabotage. Speaking on the theme “Digital Integrity and the Fight Against Cybercrime: Empowering Student Leaders as Change Agents”, the EFCC Boss explained that digital integrity entails truthfulness, accountability and respect for users and their data in the digital space. He outlined best practices for individuals and institutions to safeguard themselves online, including the use of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, updated software, antivirus protection, and vigilance against phishing attempts. Highlighting EFCC’s initiatives, Olukoyede mentioned the establishment of a 24/7 Cybercrime Rapid Response Desk, the hosting of a National Cybercrime Summit, and the Commission’s collaborations with student unions and institutions through enlightenment programmes and anti-corruption clubs. He emphasized that empowering student leaders with knowledge and integrity will not only reduce cybercrimes but also build a generation of ethical leaders who can shape a better Nigeria. On his part, the Inspector General of Police, represented by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Solomon Abba, delivered a paper on “Campus Safety and Crime Prevention: Strengthening Youth Leadership for Safer Communities.” He stressed that true security is not merely the absence of crime but the presence of values, urging students to shun cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, and other vices. He applauded the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to deepening collaboration with youth-led groups through initiatives, including the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV). Similarly, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by Etuka Chizoba Ifeoma, warned of the devastating effects of drug abuse on the nation’s youth. Presenting a paper on “Drug Abuse Awareness and Prevention: A Leadership Approach to Securing the Future of Nigerian Students,” Marwa described the menace as a national development challenge. He urged student leaders to lead by example, provide peer support and collaborate with stakeholders to secure campuses against substance abuse. Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairperson of ZETSI Africa, Ambassador Ibrahim Abdulrazak Imam, noted that over 1,000 student leaders from across Nigeria and Africa registered for the conference, with a large percentage joining virtually. He said the gathering was established to provide a national platform for grooming student leaders as moral reformers and change agents against vices such as drug abuse, sexual harassment, cybercrime, examination malpractice and cultism. He also announced the inauguration of the Students Against Immoralities Club (SAI-Club) as a peer-led movement to institutionalize moral re-orientation and ethical leadership on campuses. The press release contains photos: olukoyede-charges-student-leaders-to-uphold-digital-integrity-reject-cybercrimes ********************************************* 27 AUG 2025 EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Taraba State Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 37 suspected internet fraudsters in Wukari, Taraba State. They were arrested behind Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State on Wednesday August 27, 2027 following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in cybercrimes. Items recovered from them include; two cars, 12 laptops and 46 phones. The suspects would be charged to court soon. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-37-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-taraba-state ******************************************* 26 AUG 2025 Court Jails Man Three Months for Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Innocent Owie Ochuko to three months imprisonment for internet fraud. He was arraigned on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrime. The charge reads: “That you, INNOCENT OWIE OCHUKO, on or about the 20th June, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and with intent to gain advantage, held out yourself as "Hibrave Thugger" with an email: hibravethugger@gmail.com, through Google Account profile to unsuspecting victims, wherein you gained financial benefit to yourself through Bitcoin Investment Scam, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition Prevention etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, I.G. Akhanolu called on Leonard Ayokor, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case . In his review, Ayokor stated that “the defendant confessed his involvement in a Bitcoin investment scam. He also confessed that he assumed the fictitious name, Exxes, from the United States of America and that he benefited the sum of $1,000 AUD( One Thousand Australian Dollars). During investigations, an iPhone 15 and a Samsung S9 were recovered from him. He has restituted the sum of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) through Zenith Bank manager’s cheque.” Justice Dipeolu, , in view of the defendant’s plea and evidence tendered by the prosecution, found him guilty and also convicted him. He also sentenced him to three months imprisonment ,with an option of a N700,000 fine. He equally ordered that the mobile devices recovered from him as well as the N300,000 manager’s cheque issued as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested on June 20, 2025 at County Estate, Lekki, Lagos in a sting operation by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for being involved in internet fraud. He was charged to court and jailed. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-man-three-months-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ****************************************** 26 AUG 2025 Edo Court Jails Five Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Five internet fraudsters, James Joseph, Osamuyimen Okunbor, Osabuochien Aisogbonbu Francis, Mathew Odosa Obedience and Samuel Friday were on Monday August 25, 2025 convicted and jailed by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charges, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Francis reads: "That you Osabuochien Aisogbonbu Francis (m) on or about the 15th of August, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, on your iPhone Xs Max with IMEI Number 358744092932905, 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. ”They all pleaded “guilty” to their charge, following which prosecution counsel, K. Y. Bello and M.S Dahiru prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they were first time offenders who have become remorseful for their actions.Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced each of them to two years imprisonment or to pay N300, 000 (Three hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. In addition,they forfeited their mobile phones and laptop computers, being the tools of their crimes and money discovered in their respective bank accounts, being the proceeds of their crime to the federal government and further undertook in writing to be of good behaviour going forward. The convicts’ journey to jail began with their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in a sting operation that followed credible intelligence that exposed their involvements in fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: edo-court-jails-five-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city" ************************************************ 25 AUG 2025 Plateau Court Jails 24 internet Fraudsters The Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of 24 internet fraudsters to various jail terms before Justice N. L. Musa of the Plateau State High Court, sitting in Jos, Plateau State. The convicts are: Peter Sinclair Nandi, Aaron Mantudu Dauda, Promise Sunday, Godswill Thomas, Philip Samuel Umana, Samuel Adakole Godwin,Peter Israel Bawa, Abel Adams, Tyoden Munashak Philibus, Joseph Abbah Benjamin, Abraham Felix Eseoghene, George Emmanuel Nankwat, OnoviranVictor Ovie, Alfred Ugo, Dominic John Aliyuda and Jerry Asiku. Others convicts are: Abbah Lucky, Destiny Mawiyau Lot, Paul Danjuma, Dawuk Reshtak George, John Zang Iliya, Chimezie James Ekemizie, Sado Simon Chukwuemeka and Isreal James. They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges that bordered on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence and possession of fraudulent documents by the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge against Tyoden Munashak Philibus reads: "That you Tyoden Munashak Philibus( M) (23 years old) sometime between 1st January 2024 and 16 July 2025 in Jos, Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud created a fake Telegram account with user name " BetBeareu" which you use for a betting scam by giving your victims betting odds that didn’t exist and obtained about N2,900.000 ( Two Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) from unsuspecting victims paid via tour Pal Pay Bank Account no: 9018498424 and Moniepoint account no: 6792671438 and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1)(a) of the Advance Fraud and Other Fraud Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3)the same Act.” The charge against Joseph Abbah Benjamin reads: “That you, Joseph Abbah Benjamin "m" 22 years sometime between 1st January 2024 and 12th July 2025 in FCT, Jos, Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud created a fake Facebook account and impersonated by disguising to be "Will Parfait" a British Club Striper and obtained about $550USD from one Yolanda, a Spanish citizen and other victims /foreign nationals of United States of America (USA) paid via Gift Card which you converted and transferred to your Opay Bank Account No: 7045957663 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)(b) of the same Act.” They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, Yusuf Musa and Uwais Yusuf to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while counsels to the defendants prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice N.L.Musa convicted and sentenced them to various jail terms with an option of fine each. The judges in addition to their sentences ordered that all the convicts forfeited their phones, laptop computers and sums of money found in their bank accounts to the federal government. Their journey to the Correctional Center began when they were arrested in Jos, Plateau State by operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. They were charged to court and convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: plateau-court-jails-24-internet-fraudsters **************************************** 25 AUG 2025 Court Jails Man Three Months for Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, August 25, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Chubude Christian Okoli to three months imprisonment for internet fraud.He was arrested on July 13, 2025 at Cruizer Hotel in Ajegunle, Lagos in a sting operation by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, following credible intelligence received by the Commission about the activities of some individuals allegedly involved in internet fraud at the hotel.He was arraigned on Monday on one-count charge bordering on cybercrime. The charge reads: “That you, CHIBUIDE CHRISTIAN OKOLI, on or about the 7th July, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and with intent to gain advantage, held out yourself as "Donald Wallace", through Gmail Account donaldwallace6506@gmail.com to unsuspecting members of the public for financial benefit, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition Prevention etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, I. G. Akhanolu, called on Abdulrahman Lamido Muhammad, an operative of the EFCC, to review the fact of the case. In his review, Muhammad stated that the defendant confessed his involvement in an online dating scam in his statement to the Commission.He also stated that “He confessed that he benefited the sum of $600(Six Hundred United States Dollars). “During investigations, a Samsung S23 Ultra was recovered from him. He has restituted the sum of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) through a manager’s cheque.” The judge, in view of the defendant’s plea and evidence tendered by the prosecution, found him guilty and also convicted him.His lawyer, K. B. Ijaodola, pleaded with the court for leniency. He also prayed that he be granted a non-custodial sentence, adding that he “is a first-time offender.”The judge, consequently, sentenced him to three months imprisonment, with the option of a N1 million fine.Justice Dipeolu also ordered that the Samsung S 23 recovered from him as well as the N300,000 manager’s cheque be ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-man-three-months-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ************************************************* 22 AUG 2025 INVITATION TO CBEX VICTIMS The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is inviting victims who invested their funds through individuals linked to the CBEX offices in Ibadan and Idimu, Lagos, to report to its Ibadan Zonal Directorate and Lagos Zonal Directorate 2. Ibadan Zonal Directorate Address: 16A, Reverend Oyebode Crescent, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State. Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 Address: 71, Okotie-Eboh Street, Ikoyi, Lagos. There are several large graphics in this press release, please go to the link: invitation-to-cbex-victims *********************************** 22 AUG 2025 Sting Operation at OOPL: Five More Internet Fraudsters Jailed In Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, August 22, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of five more internet fraudsters before Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The convicts are: Jinadu Rasaq Gbemisola, Salako Peter Kunle, Adeshina Kehinde Ibrahim, Olawale Quam Alao and Oladele Opeyemi. They are among the 93 suspected fraudsters arrested during a sting operation on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at a hotel within the precincts of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State. They were arraigned on Friday on one-count separate charges bordering on impersonation, identity and internet fraud. Some of the charges reads: ”That you, Jinadu Rasaq Gbemisola, sometime on or about 10th August, 2025 in Nigeria,within the Judicial Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, with intent to defraud, fraudulently held out yourself on Facebook account titled "Daniel Lamon", a woman, in order to defraud 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(3) (a) (c) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition etc) Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” Another charge reads: “That you , Salako Peter Kunle, on or about the 10th August 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and with a dishonest intent, held out yourself as "Karen Crowe" (female) through your Gmail Account; crowekaren92@gmail.com to various unsuspecting members of the public and procured financial benefit to yourself, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act. 2015.” Another charge reads:” That you, Adeshina Kehinde Ibrahim (male), sometime in August, within the Lagos jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently held out yourself out on 'Bigo Live' as one Natasha Smith', with the intention to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2025.” They each pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Godsent Akhanolu, S.M.Yabo and Ayanfe Olowonihi, called on EFCC's Investigagors Taiwo Owolabi, Muhammad Sani Raji and Adamu Yakubu, who respectively reviewed the facts of the cases. The prosecution counsel, thereafter, respectively sought to tender, in evidence, the extra- judicial statements of the defendants; the N525,999 manager’s cheque raised as restitution by Gbemisola; Kunle’s iPhone 15 pro max ; Alao’s one Samsung phone and the N500,000 manager’s cheque issued as restitution as well as the forensic investigation documents printed from their mobile devices. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. The judge, in view of the defendants’ guilty pleas and evidence tendered by the prosecution, found them guilty and convicted them accordingly. The defence counsel, O.O. Akintoye, Ifeoma Ubabudu, A.O. Idowu, D.I. Oluseyi and D.Y. Oluwole, respectively, prayed the court to “temper justice with mercy,” and grant their clients non- custodial sentences, adding that they were first-time offenders who have shown remorse. Delivering judgment, Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced Gbemisola, who confessed to have benefited the sum of $350 Dollars( Three Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars) to three months imprisonment, with an option of fine of N300,000( Three Hundred Thousand Naira). The judge also ordered that the N525,999 manager’s cheque raised as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Justice Dipeolu also convicted and sentenced Kunle, who confessed to have benefited $8,900 Dollars =( Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars) from his criminal activities, to one year imprisonment from the day of his arrest, with the option of fine of N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira ). The Lexus Rx 350 he acquired with the proceeds of his criminal activities was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The judge also convicted and sentenced Ibrahim to one month community service at the EFCC office. Alao, who confessed to have benefited the sum of $600( Six Hundred United States Dollars) was sentenced to two months community service at the EFCC office. The judge further ordered that the Samsung phone recovered from Alao and the N500,000 manager’s cheque issued as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The judge convicted and sentenced Opeyemi to two months community service to be carried out between 8am and 5pm at the EFCC office. sting-operation-at-oopl-five-more-internet-fraudsters-jailed-in-lagos ******************************************** 22 AUG 2025 Ibadan Royalties Applaud Olukoyede’s Efforts at Tackling Internet Fraud in Southwest The Council of Mogajis of the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiatives, ICPI, Oyo State has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede for his relentless efforts at tackling the scourge of cybercrime among youths in the Southwest region and the country as a whole. The commendation was given on Thursday, August 21, 2025, by the president of the Mogajis of Ibadan, Mogaji Asimiyu Adepoju Ariori, when he led a six-man delegation of the Council to pay a courtesy visit to the Acting Director of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, ACE I Hauwa Garba Ringim. “The Executive Chairman of the Commission has left no stone unturned when it comes to tackling cybercrime and this is evident in the recent sting operations in Ogun State that led to the arrest of 55 and 93 internet fraudsters respectively. The EFCC under the current leadership is poised and determined to curb, if not eradicate cybercrime among youths and the Council of Mogajis under the express approval of the Olubadan designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja is absolutely ready and willing to lend their voices, unequivocal support and time in collaborating with the EFCC to combat the scourge of cybercrime in the Southwest, especially Ibadan,” Ariori said. Ariori, who noted the importance of periodic community engagement with the EFCC, assured Ringim of timely sharing of credible information, regarding fraudulent internet activities or gatherings within and around Ibadan metropolis with the EFCC. Ringim, who expressed delight with the visit, assured the Council of EFCC’s readiness for collaboration with all relevant stakeholders and solicited improved information flow from the communities under the Mogajis’ jurisdictions that could leverage the Commission in its fight against internet fraud in the region. The press release contains photos: ibadan-royalties-applaud-olukoyedes-efforts-at-tackling-internet-fraud-in-southwest ************************************************ 21 AUG 2025 Benin Court Jails Three for Internet Fraud Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City, on Thursday, August 21, 2025 convicted and jailed the trio of Efosa Richard, Victor Nwachukwu and Ekaye Emaike for internet fraud. They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one-count charges, bordering on advance fee fraud, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Richard reads: "That you Efosa Richard (m) on or about the 1st of August, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your iPhone 16, with IMEI Number 35776226117235, 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.” They all pleaded “guilty,” prompting prosecution counsel, I.M. Elodi and K. Y. Bello to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced them to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively.All the convicts forfeited their mobile phones and laptop computers, being the tools of their crimes as well as money found in their respective bank accounts, being the proceeds of their crimes to the federal government and further undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth. Their journey to jail began with their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that exposed their involvements in fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos: benin-court-jails-three-for-internet-fraud ****************************************** 21 AUG 2025 Sting Operation at OOPL: Court Jails Two More Internet Fraudsters in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of the duo of Asimiyu Oluwaponmile Olatunji and Hassan Makinde for internet fraud before Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. They are among the 93 suspected fraudsters arrested during a sting operation on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at a hotel within the precincts of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The suspects were arraigned on Thursday on one-count separate charges bordering on impersonation, identity and internet fraud.One of the charges reads: “That you, ASIMIYU OLUWAPONMILE OLATUNJI (male) sometime in August, 2025, at Lagos, within the Lagos jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently opened a Facebook Account with the name Janet Milner, and held out yourself as such, and deceitfully obtained the sum of $350 (Three Hundred and Fifty United State Dollars), thereby committing an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 22 (3)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” They each pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them.In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Pereagbe Ebareotu and S.M.Yabo, reviewed the facts of the cases, respectively. The prosecution counsel, thereafter, respectively sought to tender, in evidence, the extra- judicial statements of the defendants; Olatunji’s iPhone 12 and N350,000 manager’s cheque issued as restitution ; Makinde’s iPhone 16 as well as the forensic investigation documents printed from their mobile devices.They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. The judge, in view of the defendants’ guilty pleas and evidence tendered by the prosecution, found them guilty and convicted them accordingly.The defence counsel, respectively, most passionately prayed the court to “ temper justice with mercy,” and grant their clients non- custodial sentences, adding that they were first-time offenders who have shown remorse. Delivering judgment, Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced Olatunji, who confessed to have benefited the sum of $350 ( Three Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars) to three months imprisonment, with an option of fine of N500,000( Five Hundred Thousand Naira). The judge also ordered that the mobile device recovered from him as well as the N350,000 manager’s cheque raised as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Justice Dipeolu also convicted and sentenced Makinde , who confessed to have benefited $10,000 Australian Dollars , translating to N1.5m from his criminal activities, to three months imprisonment, with an option of fine of N500,000 ( Five Hundred Naira ). The iPhone 16 recovered from him was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. sting-operation-at-oopl-court-jails-two-more-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos ************************************************ 21 AUG 2025 EFCC, NIS Repatriate 51 More Foreign Nationals Jailed for Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, and the Nigerian Immigration Service NIS, have repatriated 51 more foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.The repatriated foreign nationals include 50 Chinese and one Tunisian. This brings the total repatriated convicted foreign nationals to 102 in the ongoing exercise that commenced on Friday, August 15, 2025.The convicts are among the 192 foreign nationals arrested during a sting operation by the Commission in Lagos, following actionable intelligence about the operations of one of the largest foreign -led cybercrime syndicates in Nigeria.Further deportations are scheduled in the coming days. The press release contains a photo: 51-more-foreign-nationals-jailed-for-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud 419 Coalition comment: We'd quibble with the assertion that this was a "foreign-led cybercrime syndicate".... This syndicate did use hunreds of foreign, mostly Chinese, staffers/criminals in their operation, but they also used hundreds of Nigerian nationals. As to who "led" the operation, that is an open question, as Somebody had to sponsor all these foreigners' visas to come to work in Nigeria, they did not simply materialize out of nowhere. Our view is that this syndicate was most likely Nigerian led, and chose to bring in foreigners to target their various nationalities more effectively by using their native language. We have yet to see actual Proof from the EFCC or Government of Nigeria that this syndicate was "foreign-led". That it had foreign staff is a a fact.... that it was foreign-led is an Allegation only at this point, not a fact, as we understand it. On a side note, we are also vary curious as to what the EFCC has done about the hundreds of Nigerians who worked for this syndicate, we've not seen any reports of mass arrests and convictions of those individuals as yet... as has been the case with the foreigners. We'd also quibble with the "cyber-terrorist" label for these foreigners, as our view is that they were primarily in the game for the Money, which is the primary motivation for most 419 syndicates, though many do indeed have diverse (shall we say) interests. And, we'd ask, that if these particular foreigners were indeed "cyber-terrorists" aren't their Nigerian co-workers who toiled away side by side with them Also "cyber-terrorists"? Inquiring minds want to know. *************************************************** 20 AUG 2025 Sting Operation at OOPL: Court Jails Seven for Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 secured the conviction and sentence of seven internet fraudsters before Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The convicts are: Azeez Aliu Olalekan, Tijani Babatunde, David Damilola Ogunmuyiwa, Agada Prosper Osinakachukwu, Awwal Mashood, Amusa Wareez Oluwatobi and Olujimi Damilola. They are are among the 93 suspected fraudsters arrested during a sting operation on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at a hotel within the precincts of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The suspects were arraigned on Wednesday on separate charges bordering on impersonation, identify and internet fraud. The charge against Olalekan reads: “That you, AZEEZ ALIU OLALEKAN, (male) between 2020 and 2025 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently opened a Gmail Account, wherein you represented yourself as Mary Latham, a United States of America citizen, with intent to gain advantage for yourself, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 22 (3) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” The charge against Babatunde reads: “That you, Tijani Babatunde (male), sometime in 2025, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently held out yourself on your Whatsapp account, as Beth Lee an American Female Citizen, 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) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” The charge against Ogunmuyiwa reads: “That you, DAVID DAMILOLA OGUNMUYIWA, (Male) ,between January 2025 and August 2025 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently opened a Facebook Account, wherein you represented yourself as Mountain Girls Sarah, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 22 (3) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” The charge against SINAKACHUKWU, reads: “That you, AGADA PROSPER OSINAKACHUKWU, on or about the 10th August, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and with an intent to gain advantage, held out yourself as "Rachel Starr", through Facebook Account @rachel.sterr.214930 to unsuspecting members of the public, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition Prevention etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” The charge against Moshood reads: “That you AWAL MOSHOOD, on or about the 10th August, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and with intent to gain advantage, held out yourself as "Miss Mary Moody", through Facebook Account @moody_mary8270 to unsuspecting victims, wherein you gain financial benefit to yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition Prevention etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” The charge against Oluwatobi reads: “That you, Amusa Warees Oluwatobi, sometime in August, 2025 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held out yourself on Instagram page; @will.parfittofficial as Will Parfitt, a British content creator, with intent to gain advantage for yourself, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, 2015.” The charge against Damilola reads: “That you, Olujimi Damilola, sometime in August, 2025 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held out yourself on Facebook as Karlee Grey, a white female with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, 2015.” They each pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them. In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Pereagbe Ebareotu, Ayanfe Olowonihi and S.M. Yabo, called on called Babatunde Osodi-Glover, Adamu Yakubu, Eze Chijioke, Collins Izuchukwu and Bamanga Mohammed, who are all investigative officers of the EFCC, to review the facts of the cases, respectively. The prosecution counsel, thereafter, respectively sought to tender, in evidence, the extra-judicial statements of the defendants; Olalekan’s iPhone 16 pro max, Samsung S10 E and N1.2m bank draft issued as restitution ; Babatunde’s iPhone 13 and N4m bank draft issued as restitution; Ogunmuyiwa’s iphone 16 and N70,000 bank draft issued as restitution; Prosper’s iPhone 12 Pro max; Moshood’s iPhone 11 and N400, 000 bank draft issued as restitution; Oluwatobi’s iPhone 13 and N200,000 bank draft raised as restitution; Damilola’s iPhone 12 and the N1m bank draft raised as restitutions as well as the forensic investigation documents printed from their mobile devices. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. The Judge, in view of the defendants’ guilty pleas and evidence tendered by the prosecution, found them guilty and convicted them accordingly. The defence counsel, respectively, most passionately prayed the court to “temper justice with mercy,” and grant their clients non- custodial sentences, adding that they were first-time offenders who have shown remorse. Delivering judgment,Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced Olalekan, who confessed to have benefited the sum of $1,500 ( One Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars) to three months imprisonment, with the option of fine of N500,000( Five Hundred Thousand Naira). The Judge ordered that the mobile devices recovered from him as well as the N1.2m manager’s cheque raised as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Justice Dipeolu also convicted and sentenced Babatunde , who confessed to have benefited between N5m and N10m from his criminal activities, to three months imprisonment, with the option of fine of N1m ( One Million Naira ). The Judge ordered that the iPhone 13 recovered from him as well as the N4m manager’s cheque be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Ogunmuyiwa, who confessed to have benefited the sum of N70,000 ( Seventy Thousand Naira) from his criminal activities, was convicted and sentenced to one month imprisonment, with the option of fine of N200,000( Two Hundred Thousand Naira). His iPhone 16 and the N70,000 manager’s check raised as restitution were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Judge also convicted and sentenced Osinakachukwu to three months imprisonment, with the option of fine of N200,000( Two Hundred Thousand Naira). His iPhone 12 Pro max was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Justice Dipeolu also convicted and sentenced Moshood, who confessed to have benefited the sum of 600 Australian Dollars, to three months imprisonment, with the option of fine of N750,000. The Judge also ordered that his iPhone 11 and the N400,000 manager’s cheque raised as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Also, the Judge convicted and sentenced Oluwatobi, who confessed to have benefited the sum of $200 USD, to three months imprisonment, with the option of fine of N300,000. The Judge ordered that the iPhone 13 recovered from him as well as the N200,000 manager’s cheque raised as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Justice Dipeolu also convicted and sentenced Damilola, who confessed to have benefited the sum of $150 USD, to six months imprisonment, with the option of fine of N6m. The Judge also ordered that his iPhone 12 and the N1m manager’s cheque be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: sting-operation-at-oopl-court-jails-seven-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ****************************************************** 20 AUG 2025 Court Jails Man Three Months for Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Salami Ponmile Bassit to three months imprisonment for internet fraud. He was jailed after being arraigned on Wednesday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrime. The count reads: “That you, SALAMI PONMILE BASSIT, on or about 10th August. 2025 at Lagos within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one "Katia Banks", a white woman from United States of America on Facebook Mobile Application with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act, 2015.” He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him. In view of his charge, prosecution counsel, M. S. Yabo called on Ilyasu Dauda, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case. Dauda stated that the defendant, who represented himself as a white female, was into internet scam. He also stated that the defendant was sending phonographic images to his unsuspecting victims. According to him, an iPhone 16, which he used to perpetrate the criminal activity, was recovered from him during investigation. The prosecution counsel, thereafter, sought to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s extra- judicial statement, the iPhone 16 recovered from him and a forensic investigation document printed out from his device. There was no objection by his lawyer and the documents were admitted in evidence by the court. Justice Dipeolu, after considering the defendant’s guilty plea and the evidence tendered by the prosecution, found him guilty and convicted him. His lawyer, thereafter, prayed the court for leniency, saying he was “a first-time offender.” Delivering judgment, Justice Dipeolu convicted the defendant and sentenced him to three months imprisonment , with the option of fine of N2m. The Judge also ordered that the iPhone recovered from him be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested, alongside others, on July 31, 2025 at Lekki Garden Horizon Height , Lagos during a sting operation by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following intelligence received by the Commission about the activities of some individuals allegedly involved in internet fraud in the area. He was charged to court and jailed. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-man-three-months-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos *********************************************** 20 AUG 2025 EFCC Arrests 36 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 36 suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. They were arrested on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 in a sting operation at various locations within Port Harcourt following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet- related fraud. Items recovered from them include different models of exotic vehicles, a Q-link Motorcycle, various brands of phone and laptop containing incriminating and fraudulent documents. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-36-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-port-harcourt ************************************************ 19 AUG 2025 Sting Operation at OOPL: Court Jails Additional Two Internet Fraudsters in Lagos Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, convicted and sentenced the duo of Yusuf Ramon and Ganiyu Ibrahim for internet fraud. The convicts are among the 93 suspected fraudsters arrested during a sting operation on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at a hotel within the precincts of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State. They were arraigned on Tuesday on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, identity and internet fraud by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge against Ramon reads: “That you, YUSUF RAMON, on or about 10in August, 2025 at Lagos within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one "ANNA MARRY", a white woman on your Instagram handle, "@marie barbelon with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act, 2015.” The charge against Ibrahim reads: “That you, GANIU IBRAHIM (a.k.a 'Elena Pears') sometime n August, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession a Facebook Account titled: 'Elenapears" wherein you fraudulently represented yourself as 'Elena Pears' a White American Female to one Brad through your Facebook account which is connected to your Iphone 13 with no: 09050610185 with intent to gain advantage for yourself contrary to S. 22(2)(b) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under S. 22(2) (b) (iv) of the same law.” They each pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them. In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, S.M. Yabo called two investigative officers, Chukwu Christian and Izuchukwu Collins, respectively, to review the facts of the cases. Yabo, thereafter, sought to tender, in evidence, the extra-judicial statements of the defendants; Ramon’s iPhone XX and iPhone XX Max; Ibrahim’s iPhone 13; the N200,000 bank draft in restitution made by Ibrahim as well as the forensic investigation documents printed from their mobile devices. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. The judge, in view of the defendants’ guilty pleas and evidence tendered by the prosecution, found them guilty and convicted them accordingly. The defence counsel, respectively, pleaded with the judge to “temper justice with mercy, ”adding that their clients were first-time offenders who have shown remorse. Delivering judgment, Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced Ramon to one month imprisonment from the day of his arrest, with the option of fine of N200,000( Two Hundred Thousand Naira). The judge ordered that the mobile devices recovered from him be forfeited to the Federal Government. Justice Dipeolu also convicted and sentenced Ibrahim, who confessed to have benefited the sum of $150( One Hundred and Fifty Dollars ) from his criminal activities, to one month imprisonment, with the option of fine of N200,000 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira ). The Judge ordered that the iPhone 13 recovered from him as well as the sum of N200,000 bank draft be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: sting-operation-at-oopl-court-jails-additional-two-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos ************************************************** 19 AUG 2025 Edo Court Jails Six Internet Fraudsters Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City has convicted and jailed six internet fraudsters. The convicts are, Idemudia Destiny, Osifo Destiny, Nomanidobo Favour, Dauda Ahmed, David Samuel and Wisdom John.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 Idemudia Destiny reads: "That you Idemudia Destiny (m) on or about the 1st of August, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, on your iPhone 16 Plus, with IMEI Number 355648184280359, 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.” They all pleaded “guilty,” following which the prosecution counsel, K. Y. Bello prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced all to two years imprisonment or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively.All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptop computers and money in their bank accounts, being the tools and proceeds of their crimes, respectively to the federal government. They also undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth. The convicts were arrested and prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: edo-court-jails-six-internet-fraudsters ******************************************* 19 AUG 2025 Internet Fraudster Bags Two Years Imprisonment in Kaduna Justice M.J. Zubairu of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, convicted and jailed Muhammad Kabiru for fraud. Kabiru was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a one-count charge that bordered on criminal impersonation. The charge reads: "That you Muhammad Kabiru, (a.k.a Jennifer Aniston) sometime in July, 2025, in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an offence to wit: falsely presented yourself as Jennifer Aniston (a citizen of United States of America) to several unsuspecting victims via 'Telegram' chat (an online social media application) in a bid to lure them into love scam, 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”, following which the prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Justice Zubairu convicted and sentenced him to two years imprisonment or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 14 Pro to the federal government. The convict was among the suspects arrested by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Governor Road, Kaduna metropolis, following intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419er: internet-fraudster-bags-two-years-imprisonment-in-kaduna ************************************************* 18 AUG 2025 Sting Operation at OOPL: Court Jails Three for Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, August 18, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of three internet fraudsters before Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The convicts, Oyatokun Damilola Qudus, Adenekan Adewole Ayinde and Adisa Okikiade, are among the 93 suspected fraudsters arrested during a sting operation on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at a hotel within the precincts of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State. They were arraigned on separate one-count charge bordering on impersonation, identify and internet fraud. The charge against Qudus reads:” That you, Oyatokun Damilola Qudus, sometime in August 2025 in Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held out yourself on Instagram page; @ericmelissa as Eric Melissa, a white female with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, 2015.” The charge against Ayinde reads: “That you, Adenekan Adewole Ayinde, sometime in August, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held yourself as a white woman from United States of America on your google account; agoldberg374@gmail.com, with intent to gain advantage for yourself, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2) (b)] of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.” The charge against Okikiade reads: “ That you, ADISA OKIKIADE, (Male) between 2024 to 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held out yourself on Google as Anthony Krenn, with intention to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishment Section 22 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” They each pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them. In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, S.M.Yabo, called the investigative officers, Adamu Yakubu, Ilyasu Dauda and Umar Giade, to review the facts of the cases. Yabo, thereafter, sought to tender, in evidence, the extra-judicial statements of the defendants, Ayinde’s iPhone 14 pro, Okikiade’s infinix smart phone used to perpetrate the crime, the N200,000 bank draft in restitution made by Ayinde as well as the forensic investigation documents printed from their devices. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. The judge, in view of the defendants’ guilty pleas and evidence tendered by the prosecution, found them guilty and convicted them accordingly. The defence counsel, respectively, pleaded with the judge to “temper justice with mercy,” adding that their clients were first-time offenders who have shown remorse. Delivering judgment, Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced Qudus to one month imprisonment from the date of arrest, with the option of fine of N300,000( Three Hundred Thousand Naira). The Judge also convicted and sentenced Ayinde, who benefited the sum of $180 ( One Hundred and Eighty United States Dollars ) from his criminal activities, to one month imprisonment, with the option of fine of N250,000( Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira ) The judge ordered that the iPhone 14 pro and the sum of N200,000 in restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Okikiade was sentenced to one month imprisonment, with the option of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. The judge also ordered that the Infinix smart phone recovered from him be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. sting-operation-at-oopl-court-jails-three-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos *************************************************** 15 AUG 2025 Sting Operation at OOPL: Court Jails Four For Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, August 15, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of four internet fraudsters before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The convicts, Bisiriyu Roqeeb Abiodun, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, Akinwale Isaac and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo, are among the 93 suspected fraudsters arrested in a sting operation at a hotel within the precincts of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State They were arraigned on Friday on separate charges bordering on impersonation, identify and internet fraud. The charge against Abiodun reads: “ That you, BISIRIYU ROQEEB ABIODUN (a.k.a 'Sharon') sometime in August, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession a 'Zangi' Account no: 1037375804 wherein you fraudulently represented yourself as 'Sharon' a White American Female to one Cinton from Knoxville Tennessee through your 'Zangi' account which is connected to your Samsung Galazy S20 with no: 09070156448 with intent to gain advantage for yourself contrary to S. 22(2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under S. 22(2) -(b) (iv) of the same law.” The charge against Olatunji reads: “That you ,Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, sometime in August, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held yourself as one "Camila" on your google account; jonescamila966@gmail.com with intent to gain advantage for yourself, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.” One of the counts against Isaac reads: “ That you,Akinwale Isaac (Male) sometime in 2025, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently held out yourself on your Whatsapp account, Monica and Daisy a Female, 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) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” The charge against Oshundairo reads: “ That you, Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo (Male) sometime in 2025, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently held out yourself in your Gmail account,perezdavis2377@gmail.com to unsuspecting members of the public as an expert in service certificates and internal revenue preparer, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.” They each pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them. In view of their guilty pleas , prosecution counsel, Franklin Ofoma and S.M. Yabo, respectively called the investigative officers, Bamanga Mohammed , Umar Shuaib and Usman Ciroma Suleman, to review the facts of the cases. The prosecution counsel, thereafter, respectively sought to tender, in evidence, the extra-judicial statements of the defendants, the mobile devices used to perpetrate the alleged crimes, forensic investigation documents printed from their devices as well as bank drafts of restitution made by the defendants. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. The judge, in view of the defendants’ guilty pleas and evidence tendered by the prosecution, found the defendants guilty and convicted them accordingly. Counsel to the defendants respectively pleaded with the Judge to “temper justice with mercy,” adding that their clients were first-time offenders who have shown remorse. Delivering judgment,Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced Olatunji to one month imprisonment from the date of arrest, with the option of fine of N500,000(Five Hundred Thousand Naira). The Judge convicted and sentenced Oshundairo, who benefited the sum of N600, 000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) from his criminal activities, to 30-day community service at Igbesa in Ogun State from 8.00am to 5.00pm to be supervised by the EFFC and the Correctional Centre. Akinwale, who confessed to have benefited the sum of $500( Five Hundred United States Dollars) was convicted and sentenced to three months imprisonment, with the option of fine of N1,000,000( One Million Naira). The judge also ordered that the iPhone 16 pro max, Galaxy Note 9, the sum of N400,000 in restitution as well as the 2017 Toyota Camry recovered from him be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Justice Dipeolu also convicted and sentenced Abiodun, who confessed to have benefited the sum of $200( Two Hundred United States Dollars), to one month imprisonment, with the option of N500,000 ( Fine Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. The judge also ordered that the Samsung Galaxy S20 and the N200,000 in restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. sting-operation-at-oopl-court-jails-four-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos *********************************************** 15 AUG 2025 EFCC Arrests 47 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin, Recover Rifle Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 47 suspected internet fraudsters in Edo State with a Pump Action rifle and live cartridges, recovered from one of them. Their arrest on Friday, August 15, 2025 followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.Other items recovered from them include, six vehicles, mobile phones and laptop computers. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-47-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-recover-rifle ******************************************* 15 AUG 2025 EFCC Arrests 12 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, have arrested twelve suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation conducted around Stadium Road, Unity Road, and Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. They were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet crimes. Items recovered from them include 20 mobile phones and three laptops. They will be charged to court at the conclusion of ongoing investigations. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-12-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo ******************************************** 14 AUG 2025 Sting Operation at OOPL: EFCC Arraigns 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters Friday Sequel to the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters at a hotel within the precincts of former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, will, on Friday, August 15, 2025 arraign 23 out of the suspects before Justice D. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. Upon profiling, almost all the suspects arrested have been indicted for alleged offences bordering on impersonation, identity and internet fraud. The arraignment of the suspects, scheduled in batches, is coming on the heels of their arrest at a Pool Party where they were celebrating their exploits. The party was initially planned to hold in two locations but was shifted to the hotel in OOPL ostensibly to escape possible arrest by operatives of the EFCC. The planners got wind of the Commission’s intelligence and scampered to the OOPL expecting a sort of covering from arrest. The former President’s facility was not a target of EFCC’s operations. The suspects were the target and have confessed their involvement in internet crimes. The arraignment of the remaining suspects is expected to follow shortly. sting-operation-at-oopl-efcc-arraigns-23-suspected-internet-fraudsters-friday ************************************************ 13 AUG 2025 Court Jails Five Internet Fraudsters in Benin The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 secured the conviction and sentence of five internet fraudsters before Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.The convicts are, Ayo Korede, Ogbemudia Osaretin, Harry Ehimien, Osasumwen Osahenator and Efosa Richard.They were prosecuted 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 Osaretin reads: "That you Ogbemudia Osaretin (m) on or about the 31st of July, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, in your iPhone 14 Pro Max documents which you knew or ought to have known contained 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.” They all pleaded “guilty” to their charge, following which the prosecution counsel, I. M. Elodi, I.K Agwai, K.Y. Bello, A. A. Ibrahim, Ibrahim Faisal and M.S.Dahiru prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Korede, Osaretin, Osahenator and Richard to two years imprisonment, respectively or to pay N200,000 (Two hundred thousand Naira) fine, each, while he convicted and sentenced Ehimien to two years imprisonment or to pay N100,000 (One hundred thousand Naira) fine or do community service. All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptop computers and balances in their respective bank accounts, being the tools and proceeds of their crimes, respectively to the federal government and further undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth. The convicts were arrested by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that exposed their involvements in fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of each 419er: court-jails-five-internet-fraudsters-in-benin ******************************************* 12 AUG 2025 Court Jails Man Three Months For Internet Fraud In Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of an internet fraudster, Raheem Akinyemi Damilare, to three months imprisonment before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. Damilare was arraigned on Thursday, August 7, 2025 on a one count charge bordering on cybercrime. The charge reads: “That you, Raheem Akinyemi Damilare, sometime in 2020 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, fraudulently held out yourself as Emily Olivia, a white female from the United States of America, with intent to gain advantage for yourself, which you knew or reasonably ought to have known to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22 (2)b of the Cybercrimes ( Prohibition etc.) Act 2015.” He pleaded “guilty” to the charge preferred against him. Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel A.A.Usman, called on Onyekachi N. Okorokwo, an operative of the EFCC, to give a review of the facts. Okoronkwo stated that “During investigations, fraudulent documents and iPhone 6 were recovered from him, he had benefited over $500 from his involvement in some fraudulent activities. He refunded the sum of N350,000 (Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) through a manager’s cheque.” Usman, thereafter, sought to tender in evidence the defendant’s extra judicial statement, the iPhone 6, the N350,000 managers cheque, and forensic investigation documents print out, which were all admitted as exhibits. Consequently, Justice Dipeolu, convicted and sentenced the defendant to three months imprisonment, with an option of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) fine. The Judge also ordered that the iPhone 6 and the N350,000 be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convict bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested by operatives of the EFCC. He was charged to court and jailed. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-man-three-months-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ****************************************** 11 AUG 2025 Edo Court Jails 15 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City on Monday, August 11 convicted and sentenced 15 internet fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicts are Osasere Uyi, Osayande Godstime Edosa, Ewaen Agbonma, Godstime Ehighagwan, Peter Miracle, Ehondor Lucky Etinosa, Ezomo Osamudiamen Desmond, Itobore Divine, Iyase Aisosa, Dominion Idehen, Ejiroghene Theophilus, Destiny Nosakhare, Efosa Imuetintan, Ahmed Aliyui and Samuel Osakpamwan. 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 Godstime Ehighagwan reads: "That you Godstime Ehighagwan (m) on or about the 31st of July, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, on your iPhone 15 pro Max with IMEI Number 358759859798828, 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 charges when they were read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, I.K Agwai, K. Y. Bello, A.S.Bala-Ribah and M.S.Dahiru 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 Itsueli convicted and sentenced Osasere Uyi, Osayande Godstime Edosa, Ewaen Agbonma, Godstime Ehighagwan, Peter Miracle, Ehondor Lucky Etinosa, Ezomo Osamudiamen Desmond, Itobore Divine, Iyase Aisosa, Dominion Idehen, Ejiroghene Theophilus, Destiny Nosakhare, Efosa Imuetintan, Ahmed Aliyui and Samuel Osakpamwan to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000 (Two hundred Thousand Naira). 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 undertook 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 jailed. The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers: edo-court-jails-15-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ******************************************* 10 AUG 2025 EFCC Arrests 93 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abeokuta Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun State. They were arrested on Sunday, August 10, 2025 in a sting operation in Abeokuta, Ogun State, following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet crimes. Upon their arrest, 18 vehicles and mobile devices were recovered from them. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-93-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abeokuta ************************************************ 9 AUG 2025 EFCC Arrests Suspected Internet Fraudster with Two Local Pistols Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a suspected internet fraudster with two locally made pistols. He was arrested alongside 55 others at K- Hotel in Itori, Ewekoro area of Ogun State on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 following reliable intelligence on his alleged fraudulent and criminal activities. Other items recovered from the suspects are six posh cars, 89 mobile phones, laptops and several incriminating documents. They will soon be charged to court. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-suspected-internet-fraudster-with-two-local-pistols ********************************************* 8 AUG 2025 Court Jails Man Six Months for Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of one Lawal Oluwadamilare Samuel before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. He was jailed after being arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrime. The charge reads: “That you, Lawal Oluwadamilare Samuel (a.k.a Sandra Brooks), sometime in 2022 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court and with intent to defraud over the internet, wherein you represented and held out yourself on Google as "Sandra Brooks, a white female from Virginia, USA, to one Keith with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, 2015.” He pleaded “guilty” to the charge preferred against him. Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel A.A. Usman called on Muhammad Al-mustapha Bello, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case. Al-Mustapha Bello stated that Samuel was arrested on May 16, 2025 at his hideout in the Command, Ipaja area of Lagos State by operatives of the Commission during a raid, following intelligence received by the Commission. He also stated that the suspect created a fake Facebook account with a female profile and represented himself as Sandra Brooks, a female from Virginia, United States of America to one Keith based in Illinois , USA, and that in that assumed character fraudulently obtained the total sum of $700 (Seven Hundred Dollars) from the unsuspecting victim. He said: “During the investigation, one Samsung Galaxy S9, one HP laptop, one Samsung tab and a Mercedes Benz C300 2008 car were recovered from him. “He restituted the sum of N500(Five Hundred Thousand Naira) via Zenith Bank.” Usman, thereafter, sought to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s extrajudicial statements, the Samsung Galaxy S9, HP laptop, Samsung tab and forensic investigation documents print out, which were all admitted as exhibits. The defence counsel, Kehinde Sanni- Mutoshi, prayed the court to “temper justice with mercy,” adding that “he is a first-time offender, and he is very remorseful.” Justice Dipeolu, thereafter, convicted and sentenced the defendant to six months imprisonment, with an option of fine of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million Naira ). Justice Dipeolu also ordered that the Samsung Galaxy S9, HP laptop, Samsung tab, Mercedes Benz C300 2008 model and N500,000.00 be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested for internet- related crimes. He was charged to court and jailed. The press release contains a photo: court-jails-man-six-months-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ********************************************* 8 AUG 2025 Gombe Courts Send Six Fraudsters to Jail Justices H.H. Kereng and Abdulhamid Yakubu of the Gombe State High Court 2 and 3 sitting in Gombe, Gombe State on August 5, 2025 convicted and sentenced Maigari Abba, Joseph Samuel Bulus, Kasheaure Joseph, Emmanuel Dilibe, Livite Ibrahim and Awolowo Martins to various jail terms for fraud. The convicts were separately arraigned on one -count charge bordering on breach of trust, cheating and impersonation by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. ?The charge against Joseph Samuel Bulus reads: “That you, Joseph Samuel Bulus, sometimes between 2024 and 2025, at Gombe, Gombe state, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, dishonestly impersonate one Peter Elis, by pretending to be a former Kings Guard in the UK, creating and operating fake Facebook and tiktok accounts and luring unsuspecting individuals to deliver money to you (mostly via gift cards) and in the process gained to your advantage the sum of $1,500 (One thousand Five Hundred Dollars) and thereby committed an offence contrary to 321 and punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code Law." ?Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting prosecution counsel, SE Okemini and AB Kware to urge the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy. Justice Kereng, having listened to both prosecution and defence counsel, convicted and sentenced Abba to six months imprisonment with an option of N60,000 (Sixty Thousand Naira) as fine and Martins bagged six months imprisonment or a fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira). Justice Yakubu convicted and sentenced Bulus, Joseph, Dilibe and Ibrahim to twenty four months imprisonment each or a fine of N50,000 each. In addition, the courts ruled that the aggregate sum of N2, 800,000(Two Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) recovered during investigation and being proceeds of crime be used to restitute the victims of crime. Furthermore, the courts ordered that the convicts forfeit one Laptop and five mobile phones recovered at the point of arrest and being instrutments of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts’ journey to prison began when the Commission received intelligence regarding their nefarious activities. They were apprehended and prosecuted accordingly. The press release contains photos of the six 419ers: gombe-courts-send-six-fraudsters-to-jail ****************************************** 7 AUG 2025 EFCC Arrests 11 For Alleged Internet Fraud in Lagos Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos. The suspects are: Tony Efe Ebafua, Azubike Kelvin Chukwuka, Osawea Joshua Tobechukwu, Raymond Tochukwu Kennedy, Ejike Collins Nwigbo and Adedeji Festus Olusegun. Others are: Harrison Chinaza Agha, Odigie Ireme Emmanuel, Osarobo Ehigiator, Godwin Mensha and Ajah Simon. They were arrested on Thursday, August 7, 2025 during a sting operation at Tulip Heaven, Chevron, Lekki, Lagos State, following credible intelligence on the activities of some individuals suspected to be involved in computer- related fraud. Upon their arrest, items recovered from them: one Range Rover, three Mercedes -Benz vehicles, two Lexus vehicles, one Toyota vehicle, 15 iPhones, two Android phones, one Nokia torch phone, one Mac desktop computer, two Apple laptops, two Dell laptops, two iPads, one ECOWAS passport and one yellow card. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-11-for-alleged-internet-fraud-in-lagos *********************************************** 6 AUG 2025 Court Jails Man Six Months for Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of one Farouq Olayinka Aremu before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.He was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrime. The count reads: “That you, Faruq Olayinka Aremu, sometime in 2025, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, fraudulently held out yourself on Instagram as @jeoglenn bearing the name Jeo Glenn, a white man with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby by committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22 (3) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition etc ) Act 2015.”He “pleaded” guilty to the charge preferred against him. Following his guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, A.A.Usman, called on Muhammad Nuhu, an operative of the EFCC, to review the fact of the case. Nuhu stated that the defendant was arrested by operatives of the EFCC on May 16, 2025 at the Command, Ipaja area of Lagos State, following intelligence report received by the Commission on the activities of a group of cybercriminals operating in the area. According to him, “The group specializes in defrauding unsuspecting users of the internet, particularly social media , via romance scam.“ He confessed to have benefited the sum of €500 (Five Hundred Euro) from his fraudulent activities. “However, investigation revealed that he benefited the sum of €1,100 (One Thousand, One Hundred Euro)from his activities”.Continuing, he further stated that “He presents himself as Jeoglann on Instagram; and he uses mikejeoglann@gmail.com and technologylogistics@gmail.com for his fraudulent activities. “During the investigation, an iPhone 12 Pro, HP laptop as well as fraudulent documents were recovered from him.“He restituted the sum of N600 ( Six Hundred Thousand Naira) through a bank draft.”Usman, thereafter, sought to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s extrajudicial statements, iPhone 15 pro and forensic investigation documents print out, which were all admitted as exhibits.The defence counsel, Nneka Nkama, prayed the court to “temper justice with mercy,” adding that “he is a first-time offender, and he is very remorseful.”Consequently, Justice Dipeolu, convicted and sentenced him to six months imprisonment, with an option of N1,000,000.00 (One million Naira) fine. The Judge also ordered that the iphone pro, HP laptop and N600,000 be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convict bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested by operatives of the EFCC for internet crimes. He was charged to court and jailed. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-man-six-months-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ************************************************* 2 AUG 2025 PRESS STATEMENT: EFCC’s Operations At Majesty Estate, Port Harcourt In response to a distress call by residents of Majesty Estate, Nigerian Television Authority, NTA Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, concerning the nefarious activities of internet fraudsters in their neighbourhood, operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, August 1, 2025 carried out a sting operation that yielded 37 suspected fraudsters. In the course of the operation, the apartment of one of the residents that the Commission’s intelligence flagged was visited. For some inexplicable reasons, the residents refused to open their doors even when operatives of the Commission properly introduced themselves and announced their mission. On this score, one of the doors of the apartment was prized open and search operations were carried out. No arrest or recovery was made and no unprofessional conduct happened in the course of the operations. The Commission finds reports of a viral video of a broken door and harassment of residents in the Estate strange and unwarranted as many residents profusely appreciated and commended the Commission for coming to their aid in making some arrests of suspected internet fraudsters. The Commission remains resolute in upholding sound professional conduct in its operations and will not hesitate to take disciplinary measures against any of its operatives found to be overzealous in the discharge of his duties. press-statement-efccs-operations-at-majesty-estate-port-harcourt ************************************************* 1 AUG 2025 EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 37 suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. They were arrested on Friday, August 1, 2025 at various locations in Port Harcourt following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet-related activities. Items recovered from them include different brands and models of vehicles, phones and laptops containing incriminating items. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-37-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-port-harcourt ************************************************ 1 AUG 2025 Five Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Gombe Justices H. H Kereng and Abdulhamid Yakubu of the Gombe State High Court sitting in Gombe, Gombe State have convicted and sentenced five fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicts are: Illiyasu Mohammed , Dan Musa , Elisha Elkana, Nasiru Mohammed and Saidu Mohammed Laddo. Mohanmed and Musa were arraigned on one- count charge of cheating and impersonation before Justice Kereng , while Elkana , Nasiru and Laddo were arraigned on charges bordering on cheating before Justice Yakubu. The convicts were arraigned by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, between July 29 and July 30, 2025 The charges against Saidu Mohammed Laddo and Nasiru Mohammed read: "That you Nasiru Mohammed and Saidu Mohammed Laddo sometimes in 2022 at Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud induced one Umar Adamu Musa to deliver to you the sum of Two Million Six Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (N2,620,000) as payment to help him secure employment with the Nigerian Immigration Service for his brothers, a representation which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Law." ?The charge against Elisha Elkana reads: "that you, Elisha Elkana, sometimes in July 2024 at Gombe , Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud induced one Blessing Johnson to deliver to you the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naira ( N300,000) for the purpose of repaying one Jamila Adams which you ended up diverting same to your personal used and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria. " Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, SE Okemini and ME Ugbe to urge the court to convict and sentence them accordingly but counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy. Justice Kereng thereafter convicted and sentenced Mohammed and Musa to six months imprisonment or a fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) each. Justice Abdulhamid convicted and sentenced Elkana to twelve months imprisonment with an option of N30,000( Thirty Thousand Naira) fine . Mohammed and Laddo were convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each. In addition, the courts ruled that the convicts restitute the aggregate sum of N2,920,000 to the victims of crime and forfeit Samsung S8 and Techno Camon 16 mobile phones being instruments of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested by the EFCC for internet crimes. They were charged to court and jailed. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: five-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-gombe ***************************************** 1 AUG 2025 Court Jails Two Fraudsters in Maiduguri Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, convicted and sentenced the duo of Abubakar Rabiu Wada (a.k.a Sadiq Gali) and Abba Mohammed to various jail terms. The defendants were arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count separate amended charges. While Wada was docked on charges bordering on criminal misappropriation and theft to the tune of N7,000,000.00 (Seven Million Naira), Mohammed was arraigned for unlawful possession of 13 Automated Teller Machines, ATM cards belonging to different individuals. The charge against Wada reads: “That you ABUBAKAR RABIU WADA (aka SADIQ GALI) with National identification Number 22361298201 sometime in 2023 at Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly misappropriated and converted to your own use the aggregate sum of N7,000,000.00 (Seven Million Naira) monies belonging to Sadiq Zubairu purportedly as payment for the supply of broken rice and thereby committed an offence and punishable under Section 308 and 309 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State, Cap 102 Vol. 13 1994”. While the charge against Mohammed reads: “That you, ABBA MOHAMMED on or about May, 2025 in Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, took unlawful possession of Thirteen (13) automated teller machines (ATM) cards of different financial institutions belonging to unsuspecting members of the public without their consent and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 273 and punishable under Section 274 of the Borno State Penal Code Law and other matter connected therewith (No. 3 Vol. 48 Law 2023) respectively”. The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them by the EFCC. In view of their separate pleas, prosecution counsel, A.D Abdulmalik and S.O Saka prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Consequently, Justice Kumaliya convicted and sentenced Wada to three years imprisonment with an option of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. Mohammed was sentenced to one-year imprisonment with an option of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. Wada’s journey to jail started when he purportedly requested money from his victim for the supply of rice and neither the rice was supplied nor his money paid back. Mohammed, on the other hand, was brought to the EFCC by Staff of a Bank that he made attempts to swap and steal ATM cards belonging to unsuspecting customers of the bank. The press release contains photos of each 419er: court-jails-two-fraudsters-in-maiduguri ******************************************** 1 AUG 2025 EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 37 suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. They were arrested on Friday, August 1, 2025 at various locations in Port Harcourt following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet-related activities. Items recovered from them include different brands and models of vehicles, phones and laptops containing incriminating items. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-37-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-port-harcourt ********************************************* 31 JUL 2025 EFCC Arraigns Eight Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abuja Zonal Directorate, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 has arraigned eight suspected internet fraudsters before Justice Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa of the Federal High Court Lafia, Nasarawa State. They were arraigned on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretences. The suspects are Timileyin Jude, Kelvin Godwin, Benedict Simon Udoh and Israel Ugwu. Others are Friday Onigbe, Ismaila Jemilu, Salifu Mustapha Achema and Paul Attah. Godwin’s count reads, “That you Kelvin Godwin sometime in the year 2025 at Karu, Abuja within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria fraudulently impersonated one Bad Ass Kylie from America by means of your iPhone 14 Pro mobile device via a fake Telegram social media account with intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals, under the guise of which you benefitted the sum of $200 (Two Hundred States Dollars) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b)(i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b)(iv) of the same Act”. Udoh’s count reads, “That you Benedict Simon Udoh sometime in the year 2025 at Karu Nasarawa state within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court fraudulently through your iPhone 14 Pro Max fraudulently impersonated black military man from the United states of America using different social media site Neckter-recovery of Instagram, Wizzytechassit on email and anededepablo on Facebook with intent to obtain money and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b)(iv) of the same Act”. All suspects pleaded guilty, prompting prosecution counsel S.N. Robert to urge the court to convict and sentence them. In his ruling, Justice Onoja-Alapa convicted and sentenced all the defendants to oneyear imprisonment. While Jude, Godwin, Jemilu and Achema have the option to pay a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), Udoh and Ugwu have an option of N150, 000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). Attah has an option of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) while Onigbe is to pay the balance of $204.35 having restituted $215 to his victims. Justice Onoja-Alapa also ordered that all phones used to perpetrate the crimes be sold and monies paid to the Proceeds of Crime Account. All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet crimes. They were charged to court and jailed. The press releae contains photos: efcc-arraigns-eight-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja ******************************************************** 31 JUL 2025 EFCC Arrests 47 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday July 31, 2025 arrested 47 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within 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 16 exotic cars and phones.The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contians photos: efcc-arrests-47-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ************************************ 31 JUL 2025 EFCC Arrests 18 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Akwa Ibom Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, arrested eighteen suspected internet fraudsters at Ikot Ekpene, Nelson Mandela Street, Ikot-Udoro, and Tippa Road all in Akwa Ibom State. The intelligence- driven sting operation led to the arrest of the suspected fraudsters, whose ages fall between 19 and 28years. Items recovered from them include: three cars, 30 mobile phones, three laptops and a wristwatch. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-18-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-akwa-ibom ************************************************* 28 JUL 2025 Kaduna Court Jails Two for Internet Fraud as EFCC Arraigns One Justice A.A. Bello of the Kaduna State High Court sitting, in Kaduna State has convicted and jailed Stephen Ime Ibanga and Augustine Mmesoma Umunnabuike for fraud. They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, cheating and impersonation. Ibanga’s charge reads: “That you, Stephen Ime Ibanga (a.k.a James Armstrong) male, sometimes in March, 2025 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, impersonated James Armstrong (a citizen of United States of America) on 'Facebook' (an online social media application) and benefitted the total sum of N744,968.00 (Seven Hundred and Forty-four Thousand Nine Hundred and Six-eight Naira, only) from several unsuspecting victims 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.” That of Umunnabuike reads: "That you, Augustine Mmesoma Umunnuabuike (a.k.a Demian) on or about the 16th of June, 2025 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, impersonated one Demian (a Korean national) via Facebook platform and in such assumed character, cheated unsuspecting members of the public and you thereby an offence contrary to Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017 and punishable under the same law.” They both pleaded “guilty,” following which prosecution counsels, M.O. Arumemi and M.E. Eimonye urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Bello, thereafter, convicted and sentenced Ibanga to three years imprisonment or to pay N100,000.00 (One Hundred thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 15, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $USD70 (Seventy United States Dollars) and N744,968.00 (Seven Hundred and Forty-four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty-eight Naira), being the proceeds of his crime to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Umunnabuike to two years imprisonment or to pay N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 15 Pro, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Both were arrested in Kafanchan LGA and Mahuta axis of Kaduna State, following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. In a related development, the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC has arraigned one Samaila Adamu Gambo before Justice A.Isiaka of the State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State for fraud. He was arraigned on a three-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence and forgery. Count one of his charge reads: "That you, Samaila Adamu Gambo, sometime in January, 2020, in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira, only) only from one Aminu Dalha Haruna for the sale of a plot of land situated at No 3 Pampa Ida Millennium City, Kaduna, when you falsely presented yourself as the rightful owner of the said plot, a pretence you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 a d punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” Another charge reads: “That you, Samaila Adamu Gambo, sometimes in January, 2020, in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly used a genuine forged a document titled: Provisional Offer of Grant/Re-Grant of Statutory Rights of Occupancy No. KDL/100275, purportedly allocated to one Abubakar Datti Yahaya which you knew same document to be forged and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 347 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017 and punishable under Section 345 of the same Law.” He pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, M.Lawal to urge the court to fix a date for commencement of trial the defendant bail. Justice A. Isiaka, granted him bail in the sum of N2 million, with one surety in like sum. The surety, the judge held, shall be a landed property owner, covered by a digital certificate of occupancy, to be verified by KADGIS. He adjourned the case till November 4, 2025 for hearing and ordered that the defendant be remanded in correctional centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. Gambo walked his way to prosecution following a petition by one Aminu Dalha Haruna, alleging that the defendant approached him, sometime in January, 2020 and introduced himself as the rightful owner of a plot of land situated at No.3 Pampa Ida Millennium City, Kaduna State which he said, he has up for sale. He claimed that they arrived at the cost price of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira, only) which he paid to the defendant. He further claimed that unknown to him, the defendant went ahead and sold the same plot of land to another person without his consent and that all efforts to recover his money proved abortive. The press release contains photos: kaduna-court-jails-two-for-internet-fraud-as-efcc-arraigns-one ***************************************** 25 JUL 2025 EFCC Arrests 32 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Bauchi Operatives of the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Friday, July 25, 2025 arrested 32 suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested in Sabon Kaura and Gwalameji areas of Bauchi, Bauchi State capital following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include: nine Samsung mobile phones, 15 iPhones, one infinix phone, three Redmi phones, two iPads, one Peugeot 406 car, two Playstation 4, one PlayStation 5, four Neonx Auto bike, eight laptop computers, one Maxi E50KWH generator and one pistol. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-32-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-bauchi *************************************************** 24 JUL 2025 Alleged $1,043,000 Fraud: Ajudua Absent in Court, Seeks Fresh Bail Application The trial of Fred Ajudua before Justice M.A. Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, could not proceed on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, due to the defendant’s absence. Justice Dada informed the parties that the court had received a letter from the Ikoyi Correctional Centre confirming that Ajudua had been admitted to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, for medical treatment. Following this development, Ajudua’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, presented a fresh bail application on behalf of the defendant. However, the prosecuting counsel, Seidu Atteh, noted that he had not been served a copy of the letter from the Correctional Centre regarding the defendant’s medical status. He informed the court that the business of the day was the continuation of trial and that the prosecution was fully prepared to proceed. “We have two witnesses present in court and ready to testify; one travelled from Enugu, and the other from Port Harcourt,” Atteh said. Justice Dada, however, adjourned the matter to Wednesday, July 30, 2025, for continuation of trial and hearing of the fresh bail application. Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly defrauding a Palestinian national, Zad Abu Zalaf, of the sum of $1,043,000 (One Million, Forty-Three Thousand U.S. Dollars) under false pretenses. The case, which began in 2005 before Justice M.O. Obadina of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, encountered several delays due to legal technicalities employed by the defendant that stalled the proceedings and complicated his arraignment. The matter was subsequently reassigned to Justice J.E. Oyefeso and later to Justice M.A. Dada, before whom Ajudua was finally arraigned on June 4, 2018. Following the denial of his bail by Justice Dada, Ajudua appealed to the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, which granted him bail on September 10, 2018. Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s ruling, the EFCC appealed to the Supreme Court. The Commission also filed a separate appeal with suit number SC/912C/2018 challenging the appellate court’s decision to transfer the case from Justice Dada to another judge to commence afresh (de novo). Both issues were resolved in favour of the prosecution by the apex court which ordered Justice Dada to continue the trial of the case. alleged-1-043-000-fraud-ajudua-absent-in-court-seeks-fresh-bail-application 419 Coalition comment: Ole "Fast Freddie" - one of the greatest 419ers ever - the man is a 419er legend... And he's Still working the system after all these years. Now he wants bail (hopefully he will never get that) and a do-over of his trial (hopefully he won't get that either). But the man has brass balls for sure, bless his evil heart :) ************************************************************ 24 JUL 2025 Five Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Calabar Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State has convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters to six months jail terms each. They were jailed on Tuesday July 22, 2025, after pleading guilty to separate charges bordering on criminal impersonation on the internet, preferred against them by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The convicts are: Okon Dennis Akpan, Franklin Agara Mbeh, Peter Chinedu Okpaga, Nwofoke Celestine and Paul Egede Chinedu. One of the charges reads: 'that you, Nwofoke Celestine "M" sometime in 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did fraudulently impersonate Victoria Chiara 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'. The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them by the Commission, and in view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Temiloluwa Oladipupo reviewed the facts of the case and urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Ojukwu immediately convicted and sentenced each of them to six months jail term and a fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) each They forfeited all items used in committing the crimes to the Federal Government. The convicts got to the Correctional Centre when they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC for internet crimes. They were charged to court and jailed. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: five-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-calabar *********************************************** 24 JUL 2025 Court Jails One for Internet Fraud in Kaduna Justice R.M Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced one Musa Yakubu to jail for fraud. He was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge, bordering on impersonation and cybercrime. The charge reads: "That you, Musa Yakubu (a.k.a T.S Malofinha), Male, sometime in February, 2025 in Shiroro Minna, Niger State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one T.S Malofinha (a citizen of California, United States of America) on Facebook (an online social media application), with intent to gain advantage to yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.” He pleaded "guilty to the charge, following which the prosecution counsel, F.A.I. Asemebo prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Justice Aikawa, thereafter, convicted and sentenced him to three years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 13 Pro max, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. The convict was among those arrested in Shiroro, Minna, Niger State, following intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-one-for-internet-fraud-in-kaduna ********************************************** 23 JUL 2025 EFCC Arrests 25 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Kano Operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested twenty-four (24) suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation on Monday, July 21, 2025. They were arrested opposite Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Site, following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in cybercrime activities. All suspects apprehended are confirmed to be undergraduate students of Bayero University Kano (BUK). Items recovered during the operation include, mobile phones, laptops, internet routers and one Honda Accord car. The suspects, Ismaíl Nura, Suuleyman Ayeh, Usman Abdulrazaq, Emmanuel Chigozie, Akabe Seth, Daniel Imoter, Abdulganiyu Jimoh, Jafar Abubakar, Usman Nuraddeen, Mohammad Adnan, Abubakar Abusufyan, Abdulmalik Ibrahim, Abubakar Sadiq, Daniel Masamu, Abdulrasheed Abdulsamad, Issac Dosunu, Nuraddeen Ogunbiyi, Onyeyemi Kaleem, Miracle Joseph, Danjuma Musa, Ibrahim Mubaraq, Yusuf Salihu, Lawal Ibrahim Edebo, Abdulmajeed Suleiman and Dauda Abdulhamid were arrested following weeks of surveillance linked to their alleged involvement in internet fraud, identity theft, and financial scam. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-25-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kano **************************************************** 23 JUL 2025 Kwara Courts Jail 11 for Internet Fraud The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of 11 fraudsters before Justices Mahmud Abdulgafar and Abimbola Awogboro of the Kwara State and the Federal High Courts, respectively, sitting in Ilorin. The convicts are, Mathew Stephen Yaba, Samuel Stephen Ayomide, Bamidele Favour Olajide, Isah Kadir, Abdulrasaq Jubril, Samuel Peter Juwon, Omolaiye Stephen Benefit, Kayode Emmanuel Opeyemi, Abdulrahim Lasisi, Ugwuadu Ikechukwu Michael and Moshood Abduljawad. All the defendants were tried before Justice Awogboro, barring Jubril who was prosecuted before Justice Abdulgafar. Their offences bordered on impersonation, obtaining under false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and internet fraud. Count two of Yaba’s charge reads: "That you, Matthew Stephen Yaba, sometime between the year 2022 and 2025, within the judicial division of the Federal High Court, was found to have retained the control of the gross sum of N7,384,750.00 (Seven Million, Three Hundred and Eighty Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira) through your Kuda Bank account number 2046437307 which you knew to be proceed of criminal conduct and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 17 (a) and (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004." Ayomide’s charge reads: "That you, Samuel Stephen Ayomide, sometime in 2025, within the judicial division of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, sent electronic messages on your Telegram Account; CPN Goat, where you materially misrepresented facts that you specialise in creating credit bureaus scores on Credit privacy Number (CPN), under which reliance one Faith Jackson was caused to suffer loss of $922 (Nine Hundred and Twenty -Two US Dollars) through Bitcoin and thereby committed a computer-related fraud, contrary to and punishable under Section 14 (2) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention Etc) Act 2015." They all pleaded “guilty” to their charges, following which prosecution counsel, Aliyu Adebayo, Andrew Akoja and Omolade Ajibola reviewed the facts of the cases through witnesses and tendered the extra-judicial statements of the defendants, including items recovered from them at the point of arrest and the sums of money, traced to them, all of which were admitted in evidence. Consequently, Justice Awogboro sentenced Yaba to nine months imprisonment without option of fine and ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 13, and the sum of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Ayomide to nine months imprisonment without option of fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum $535 (Five Hundred and Thirty-Five United States Dollars) and his iPhone 16, being the proceeds and tools of his crime, respectively to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Olajide to six months imprisonment without option of fine and ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone X, Samsung A05 and the sum of $50 (Fifty United States Dollars), being the tools and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Kadiri to 300 hours of community service, at five hours per day and ordered his forfeiture of his Infinix Hot 10 Light to the federal government. Justice Awogboro also convicted and sentenced Juwon to 12 months imprisonment without option of fine, and ordered his forfeiture of his iPhone 6, iPhone XR, Iphone 13, HP laptop computer and the sum of $500 (Five Hundred United States Dollars), being the tools and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. He handed Benefit a nine months jail term without option of fine. In addition, he forfeited his phones and the sum of N1million, being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Opeyemi to six months imprisonment without option of fine. In addition, he forfeited his phone and the sum of N500,000, being the tool and proceeds of his crime to the federal government. Lasisi was convicted and sentenced to 150 hours of community service, at five hours per day and forfeited his Samsung S9, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. The judge convicted and sentenced Michael and Abduljawad to 12 and six months imprisonment, respectively, without option of fine. In addition, they restituted the sum of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and $190 (One Hundred and Ninety United States Dollars), respectively to their victims and forfeited their phones, being the tools of their crimes to the federal government. On his part, Justice Abdulgafar convicted and sentenced Jubril to six months suspended sentence and ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 12 to the federal government. In addition, he is to restitute a total sum of $290 (Two Hundred and Ninety United States Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime to his victim. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: kwara-courts-jail-11-for-internet-fraud *********************************************** 22 JUL 2025 Court Jails Two Internet Fraudsters in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of two internet fraudsters, Emmanuel Nwanze and Omogbe Aroghene Justice, before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. They were arraigned on one-count separate charge of fraudulently impersonating foreign nationals. The charge against Emmanuel reads: “That you EMMANUEL NWANZE (Male), adult sometime in July, 2025 in Ayobola Daodu Street, Sango-tedo, Lagos State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently impersonated one Julienne Grundy by holding yourself out as such on your Instagram Application with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015”. The charge against Omogbe reads: “That you OMOGBE AROGHENE JUSTICE a.k.a JULIENNE GRUNDY on or about the 8th day of July, 2025, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority, engaged in the disguise of the true source of the aggregate sum of $550 (Five Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars), which sum you knew to be proceeds of criminal conduct and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 (1)(d) and punishable under Section 18(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (Establishment, etc) Act, 2004.” They each pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa tendered the defendants’ extrajudicial statements, fraudulent documents printed from their devices as well as their mobile devices and the restitution of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) made by Justice. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. While Nwanze was sentenced to two years imprisonment, with an option of fine in the sum of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira), Justice was sentenced to two years imprisonment, with an option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira). Their devices and the N300,000 restitution, were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested for internet-related crimes. They were charged to court and jailed. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos *******************************************8 22 JUL 2025 Kaduna Court Jails Four for Fraud The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction and sentence of Sadi Zangina, Ahmed Buhari, Khalifa Muazu Aliyu and Olasode Abdulganiu before Justice R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna for fraud. They were prosecuted on a separate one-count charge, bordering on money laundering, impersonation and cybercrime crime. The charge against Zangina reads: "That you, Sani Zangina, sometime in the year 2024, at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, did aid one Ahmad Kabir to commit an offence, to wit: retention of proceeds of criminal conduct and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 20(b) of the same Act.” That of Abdulganiu reads: "That you, Olasode Abdulganiu (a.k.a Hannah Jem Wolfie) sometime in June, 2025 in Bida Niger State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Hannah Jem Wolfie (a citizen of United Kingdom) on a Facebook chat ( an online social media application) to Arabelle Raphael and in that assumed character gained advantage to yourself in the total sum of $150 USD (One Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars) from him, which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention Etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.” They all pleaded "guilty,"upon which the prosecution counsel F. A. I. Asemebo prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful of their actions. Justice Aikawa convicted and sentenced Zangina, Buhari and Aliyu to four years imprisonment, each or to pay N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. In addition, Zangina forfeited N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira), Buhari N720,000.00 (Seven Hundred and Twenty Thousand naira) and Aliyu N800,000.00 (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira), being the proceeds of their crime to the federal government. Abdulganiu bagged three years imprisonment or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 13 mobile phone and the sum of $150 (One Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars), being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. While Abdulganiu was arrested in Minna, Niger State, following intelligence that exposed his fraudulent internet activities, Zangina, Buhari and Aliyu were among those arrested following a petition from Taj Bank, in which it alleged that the convicts perpetrated internet fraud and theft by exploiting a system glitch in the bank and transferred over N1 billion to various banks and fintech platforms through unauthorised means. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: kaduna-court-jails-four-for-fraud ************************************ 22 JUL 2025 EFCC Arrests 17 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Nasarawa Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday, July 17, 2025 arrested 17 suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja. They were apprehended at Mararaba area of Nasarawa state following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet-related crime. Items recovered from them include five cars, 20 phones and four laptops. They suspects will soon be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-17-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-nasarawa ********************************************** 21 JUL 2025 Court Orders Final Forfeiture of $222,729.86USDT Recovered from Chinese in Lagos Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, July 21, 2025, ordered the final forfeiture of digital assets to the tune of $222,729. 86 USDT( Two Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Twenty Nine Dollars, Eighty Six cents) recovered from Chinese involved in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The assets form parts of the recoveries made from members of a syndicate of 792 alleged crypto currency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 10, 2024 in Lagos during an operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC. The judge gave the order, following an ex parte motion filed on July 18, 2025 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its counsel, Zeenat Atiku. Moving the application for the final forfeiture on Monday , Atiku told the court that the application was supported by an affidavit deposed to by Muazu Abdulrahman, an investigating officer of the EFCC. In the affidavit, Abdulrahman told the court that the syndicate financed its operations through a Nigerian-registered company known as Genting International Co. Limited (GICL). According to him, “Over the course of its activities, this company's Union Bank account 0225100403 received a staggering sum of over N2.268,839,161 (Two Billion, Two Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Eight Hundred Thirty-Nine Thousand, One Hundred Sixty-One Naira) from April 12, 2024 to December 23, 2024. “An analysis of the company's bank statement revealed that the primary inflows into the account originated from two cryptocurrency vendors: Chukwuemeka Okeke and Alhassan Aminu Garba. “Furthermore, Okeke and Garba were invited for questioning and they willingly provided their statements under caution. They reported that they received a total USDT valued at $2,386,642 from the syndicates, resulting from USDT purchased through peer-to -peer trading. They also identified the wallet addresses utilized by the group for transferring funds (USDTs).” Atiku, therefore, submitted that the assets are reasonably suspected to be instruments of computer-related fraud and money laundering and prayed the court to forfeit them to the Federal Government of Nigeria. In his ruling, Justice Owoeye said: “I have read the motion and attachments and found sufficient merit in the application. “Consequently, the motion succeeds and is hereby granted.” court-orders-final-forfeiture-of-222-729-86usdt-recovered-from-chinese-in-lagos ************************************************** 21 JUL 2025 Court Jails Two for Cybercrime in Lagos Justice Alexanda Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, July 21, 2025, convicted and sentenced the duo of Damelda Damilola Sodiq and Samuel Paul Osayande to one year imprisonment each for cybercrime. They were arrested recently in the Ipaja Command area of Lagos by operatives of the EFCC, following credible intelligence on the activities of some internet fraudsters. Investigations revealed that each of the defendants had three bank accounts domiciled in United Bank of Africa (UBA), Opay and Moniepoint, in addition to several email accounts , which they used to defraud their unsuspecting victims. They were subsequently arraigned on June 27, 2025 on separate one-count charge bordering on cybercrime by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge against Sodiq reads: “That you, Damelda Damilola Sodiq, sometime between January and May, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, fraudulently held out yourself on TikTok, as an American actress from Atlanta, United States, bearing the name "Regan Kay kaufman", with intent to get advantage for yourself and you hereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section (22)3 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition e.t.c) Act. 2015.” The charge against Osanyande reads: “That you, Samuel Paul Osayande, sometime between January and May, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held out yourself on Instagram account, ajorgejaviervazquez, as a Spanish Television Presenter bearing the name "Jorge Javier Vazquez", with intent 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.” They each pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them. In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, A.A. Usman called on Muhammad Sani Nuhu, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the matters. Nuhu told the court that the defendants were arrested sometime in May, 2025, following credible intelligence received by the Commission on the activities of a syndicate of internet fraudsters operating in the Ipaja Command area of Lagos State. According to him, “an iPhone 11 was recovered from Sodiq, while an IPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone Xr were recovered from Paul upon arrest. "They were duly processed and the defendants volunteered their statements under words of caution. “Investigations were conducted and forensic evidence was printed out from their phones. “Sodiq confessed that he was into modelling scam and that he had benefited the sum of $400 (Four Hundred United States Dollars). “Osayande confessed he was into romance scam and that he had benefited the sum of $200( Two Hundred United States Dollars).” He also told the court that Sodiq restituted the sum of N150,000 ( One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), while Osayande restituted the sum of N100,000(One Hundred Thousand Naira) by tendering bank drafts. Usman further sought to tender, in evidence, the defendants’ extrajudicial statements, iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone XR recovered from Osayande, the iPhone 11 recovered from Sodiq as well as the forensic investigation document printed out from both phones. Justice Owoeye admitted them as exhibits. Justice Owoeye convicted and sentenced Sodiq to one year imprisonment, with an option of fine of N150,000(One Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira). The Judge also convicted and sentenced Osayande to one year imprisonment, with an option of fine of N100,000( One Hundred Thousand Naira). The sentences are to commence from May 16,2025. The Judge also ordered that their iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 and bank drafts be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains a photo of each 419er: court-jails-two-for-cybercrime-in-lagos ***************************************** 21 JUL 2025 Awka Court Jails 10 for Internet Fraud Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State has convicted and sentenced 10 internet fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicts are; Onyekwulu Lawrence Obiajulu, Onyedikachi Favour Eze, Olisa Philemon Olijo, Okafor Shedrack Chidindu, Ogbodo Chisom Ugochukwu, Nweke Godswill Chinemerem, Oseloka Ogo Patrick, Nnaji Pascal Chijioke, Chibueze Obumneme Frank-Gabriel and Ibekwe Jonathan. They were prosecuted by the Enugu zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate charges, bordering on impersonation, possession of fraudulent documents and money laundering. One of the charges against Olijo reads: “That you, Olisa Philemon Olijo sometime in 2025, at Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, directly retained the sum of N4,600,000 paid into your account number 5492732757 domiciled with Moniepoint Microfinance Bank which you reasonable ought to know forms part of the proceed of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (1) (2) (b) (d) (6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act”. The charge against Patrick reads: “That you, Oseloka Ogo Patrick, “Male” (32years) sometime in 2025 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, did have in your possession, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretences and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”. They all pleaded “guilty” to their respective charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Michael Ikechukwu Ani reviewed the facts of the cases, tendered several documents and mobile phones which were admitted in evidence as exhibits. The prosecution thereafter prayed the court to convict and sentenced them accordingly. However, defence counsel, James Nwatarali, Wisdom Ogbonna and Onyechi Obiechina prayed the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing the convicts. Justice Anyadike thereafter convicted them and sentenced them as follows; Eze, Chidindu, Ugochukwu, Chinemerem, Patrick, Chijioke, Frank-Gabriel and Jonathan were sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, with an option of fine of N150,000( One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) each. While Olijo bagged 40 months imprisonment with an option of fine of N250,000( Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), Obiajulu was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment with an option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira). The court further made the following orders; Obiajulu was ordered to restitute the sum of N2 million to the Treasury Single Account of the Federation and to participate in community service for two weeks which shall be supervised by the Deputy Registrar of the court. Olijo was ordered to restitute the sum of N5,749,044( Five Million, Seven Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand Naira, Forty Four kobo) to the Treasury Single Account of the Federation. “Failure to make the restitution, he shall serve a second prison term of two years”, the court said. Chinemerem was ordered to restitute the sum of N700,000( Seven Hundred Thousand Naira only) to the Treasury Single Account of the Federation. The convict was also ordered to forfeit the sum of N29,975.33( Twenty Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand Naira, Thirty Three kobo) in his United Bank for Africa’s account number 2137892541, while Jonathan was ordered to restitute the sum of N397, 000 ( Three Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand Naira) to the Treasury Single Account of the Federation. The court thereafter ordered that items recovered during investigations which include their mobile phones, be auctioned by the Commission under the supervision of the Deputy Court Registrar, proceeds paid into the TSA and the receipts filed in court. The convicts were part of the 51 suspected internet fraudsters arrested in May 2, 2025 at Premier Layout, Enugu State, following actionable intelligence received, linking them to cybercrime activities. The press release contains photos of all 10 419ers: awka-court-jails-10-for-internet-fraud ****************************************** 21 JUL 2025 Uyo Court Jails Three Internet Fraudsters Justice Maurin Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters to various jail terms. They were jailed on Monday, July 21, 2025 after pleading guilty to separate count charges bordering on internet fraud upon their arraignment by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The convicts are Emmanuel Okwa, Felix Akaninyene Tom and Ubok Ubong Edet. One of the charge reads: “that you, Emmanuel Okwa (aka Jennifer Aniston) "M" sometime in 2024, in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently presented yourself as Jennifer Aniston on the social media with intent to gain advantage for yourself, did take possession of the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred United State Dollars ($1500) knowing that the money formed part of the proceed of an unlawful act to wit; cyber impersonation and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act”. The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them, prompting the prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin to review the facts of the case and prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, defence counsel, Sampson Awuje, Metti Monday Ukpeh and Nyebu Johnson prayed the court for lesser sentences for the defendants. After listening to the prosecution and the defence lawyers, Justice Oyetenu convicted the trio and sentenced them as follows; Emmanuel Okwa bagged one year imprisonment or to pay a fine of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000.00) and to forfeit his Iphone and Samsung mobile phones to the Federal Government. Felix Akaniyene Tom and Ubok Ubong Edet were each sentenced to six months jail term or pay a fine of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000.00) each. They were ordered to forfeit the following; two phones, Techno Camo 18 Spark and Techno Pro 10 Spark, which are to be sold and the funds deposited in the EFCC’s Proceeds of Crime Account. All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC for internet crimes. They were charged to court and convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: uyo-court-jails-three-internet-fraudsters ******************************************* 21 JUL 2025 Kwara Courts Jail Nine for Fraud The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of Otitoju Moses Sesan, Ayodele Joseph Daisi, Adeoye Joseph, Abubakar Aliyu Abdulmalik, Emeka Oluwatobi Achi, Isaac Babalola Oluwafemi, Afolabi Faith Olatoye, Zubeiru Zubeiru Junior, and Abdulkadir Taofeek before Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court and Justices Haleema Saleeman and Sulaiman Akanbi of the Kwara State High Court, all sitting in Ilorin. Sesan, a 31-year-old gospel, Daisi, Joseph and Abdulmalik were prosecuted before Justice Awogboro. Achi, Oluwafemi, Olatoye were prosecuted before Justice Justice Saleeman, while Junior and Taofeek were prosecuted before Justice Akanbi. Their crimes border on internet fraud, impersonation, conspiracy and retention of proceeds of unlawful activities. The one of the charges against Sesan reads: "That you, Otitoju Moses Sesan, sometime between October 2024 and December 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did retain control of the gross sum of N8,404,339 in your UBA account, being proceeds of criminal conduct, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 17(a) and (b) of the EFCC Act, 2004." Sesan was convicted sentenced alongside Daisi, Joseph and Abdulmalik, after prosecution counsel, Aliyu Adebayo, Sesan Ola, Rashidat Alao, and Mustapha Kaigama tendered their statements, exhibits, and sums recovered from them in evidence. Daisi was convicted for retaining N243,750 in his UBA account and was sentenced to eight months imprisonment without option of fine. In addition, he forfeited his Techno 19 mobile to the federal government. Joseph was handed eight months imprisonment without option of fine as well. In addition, he forfeited the sum of $220, his iPhone 13, and Techno Pop 9 mobile phone to the federal government. Abdulmalik was sentenced to six months imprisonment. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 16 and Samsung S10 mobile phones to the federal government. Justice Akanbi sentenced Taofeek to three years imprisonment with an option of a N500,000 fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of N800,000, his iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung mobile phone to the federal government. Justice Saleeman sentenced Achi, Oluwafemi and Olatoye to six months imprisonment each or to pay N100,000 fine, respectively. In addition, Achi is to refund N3.35 million within three months and to report every fortnight with his parents to the EFCC until full repayment is made. He sentenced Junior to one year and three months imprisonment or to pay N350,000 (Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone XR and the sum of $325, being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers: kwara-courts-jail-nine-for-fraud ************************************** 21 JUL 2025 Take Ownership of Fight against Internet Fraud, Olukoyede Charges Youths The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged youths in the country to take ownership of the fight against internet fraud for a cleaner and safer financial space and socio- economic development of the nation. He gave the charge through the Acting Director of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Hauwa Garba Ringim at the South-west Youth Multi – Stakeholders Security Summit, organized by the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA), on Thursday, July 17, 2025 in Osogbo, Osun State. Olukoyede, in his keynote address themed, “Uniting South-west Youths in the Fight against Internet Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Abuse, Child Trafficking, and Economic Sabotage,” noted the pivotal role being played by the EFCC in re-orienting Nigerian youths against internet fraud, money laundering and the fight against corruption in the country and urged the youth to take ownership of the crusade for the sake of their own future. “To curb internet fraud, Nigerian youths must assume ownership of the fight against the scourge; unlock their vast potentials and accelerate our journey towards sustainable economic growth,” he said. He observed that the large number of youths’ involvement in cybercrime creates reputational damage to the country, while the crime destroys the youth that are involved in it. While assuring CONYSSA and all relevant stakeholders of EFCC’s commitment to meaningful partnerships towards a corruption-free Nigeria and a safe and secure financial space, he stated that Nigerians must keep abreast of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law. Olukoyede revealed a broader cybercrime reform of the EFCC that would require convicted internet fraudsters to share their stories publicly to serve as deterrence as well as a tool for sensitization of other youths on the risks associated with cybercrime. Speaking at the event, the president of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Comrade Solomon Adodo disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was poised to support Nigerian youths who are ready to become productive forces for positive change and urged South-west youths to shun all forms of cybercrime and corruption in order to attract presidential interventions and support for their good endeavours. Samuel Oludare, Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, urged youths in the region to engage in meaningful and purposeful activities on the internet that could make them self-reliant and independent, adding that the time has come for youths to drive the needed change for national development. The Director General of CONYSSA, Ambassador Ade Mario Emmanuel highlighted the importance of unity of purpose and collaboration among stakeholders towards enthroning a safe financial ecosystem in the South-west that is devoid of internet fraud activities. The press release contains photos: take-ownership-of-fight-against-internet-fraud-olukoyede-charges-youths 419 Coalition comment: 419 Coalition supports the "revealed a broader cybercrime reform of the EFCC that would require convicted internet fraudsters to share their stories publicly to serve as deterrence as well as a tool for sensitization of other youths on the risks associated with cybercrime." We also support a measure that requires ALL convicted 419ers to serve some sort of highly visible public hard labor in a 419 labeled prison uniform, to make the consequences of being a 419er hoghly visible to the public. Those required to do such public service should include all 419ers who currently get off with merely paying a fine etc. Public service should be required for ALL criminals convicted of 419. We've been advocating this measure for years now, continue to do so, and advise the Government of Nigeria to implement this policy. ************************************************ 18 JUL 2025 EFCC Busts Yahoo Academy, Arrests 23 Suspects in Abia State Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Friday, July 18, 2025, uncovered a cybercrimes training centre known as 'yahoo-yahoo Hustle Kingdom' at Umuahia in Abia State, and arrested eight suspected trainees undergoing training and fifteen others. The arrested trainees are: Toona Henry, Tavershima Solomon, Chi Orseer James, Ubee Benjamin, Gabriel Ibe Ifeanyi, Tindue Godwin, Muhammed Terwase Micheal, and Destiny Andrew. Others are: Okezie Almond, Precious Osmond, Kenneth Prospect, Iweobi Chika Augustine, Nedolisa Victor, Kanu Austin, Anolu David, Collins Chinedu, Joshua Nnamdi, Ogechi Chibuzor, Michael Chinonso, Prince Chigozie, Festus Nwogu, Michael Lazarus, and Kingsley Ndubuisi. The trainees were arrested at the training centre located at Doofco Palace building, behind Government College Umuahia, on credible intelligence, while others were arrested at Umudike, Ahiaeke, and Umugu, all in Umuahia, Abia State. Items recovered from them include: two cars, 15 laptops and 34 mobile phones, The suspects will soon be charged to court. The press release includes photos: efcc-busts-yahoo-academy-arrests-23-suspects-in-abia-state **************************************************** 18 JUL 2025 Court Jails 9 Chinese for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday July 18, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of 9 Chinese for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before two Federal High Court Judges sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos; Justice Chukwuemeka Aneke and Justice Dehinde Dipeolu. The suspects are: Deng Wen Quang, Lin Jin, Shi Yang Xiong, Lu Yong Yao, Yang Chen Cheng, Feng Li Cai, Li Niue, Li Kuang Kuang and Dan Jia (a.k.a. Bu Fan). The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you, Yang Chen Cheng, on or about the 11th of December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria 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 punishuble under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As amended 2024) They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, M.K Bashir, Babatunde Sonoiki, and B. M. Isha respectively, prayed the court to convict the defendants and order the forfeiture all the items recovered from them. The Judges found them guilty of the charges and convicted them accordingly. All the convicts were sentenced to one year imprisonment, with a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira). The Judge also ordered that upon completion of their sentences, the Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. All items recovered from them were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-9-chinese-for-cyberterrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: Yet again with the propaganda "seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality" etc. in the charge. Who was employing the Chinese? How were the over 500 Nigerian nationals 419ing in this syndicate charged? Where is the proof that they were somehow Forced to 419? Many many questions here... and the Government ofNigeria will Never be able to convince the world that the Chinese have somehow takenover 419 operations amanating from Nigeria, no matter how many times it is impliedthat they are. 419 syndicatea operating from Nigeria, and glbally for that matter,remain primarilily Nigerian, no matter how many times the Government of Nigeria tries to pass the buck. ************************************************* 18 JUL 2025 Courts Jail Seven for Fraud in Kaduna Justices A.Isiaka, Darius Khobo and M.J Zubairu of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced Caleb Ibrahim Hamman, Miracle Nuhu Tukurah, Jeremiah John, Emmanuel Edward, Anryu Akindarju Mamza, Emmanuel Yashima Mana and Adebayo Olarotimi Akanbi to jail for fraud. They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, impersonation and forgery. Hamman, Tukurah, Mamza and Mana were prosecuted before Justice Isiaka, John faced prosecution before Justice Khobo, while Edward and Akanbi were prosecuted before Justice Zubairu. The charge against Edward reads: "That you, Emmanuel Edward (a.k.a Yoo), sometime in June, 2025 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud falsely presented yourself as Yoo, (a Chinese) via 'Wechat App' (an online social media application) and in that assumed character benefitted the total sum of 1000 Chinese Yuan and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law.” The charge against Mamza reads: "That you, Anaryu Akidarju Mamza on 9th January, 2024 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, presented yourself as a staff of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to one Farouq Ahmad Umar at his residence N0 9b Gwadabe Road, Angolan Rimi, Kaduna and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.” They all pleaded "guilty" to their charge, following which prosecution counsel M.Lawal, M.U. Gadaka, K.S Ogunlade, M.E. Eimonye, M.O. Arumemi and M.J. Argungu prayed the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced Hamman to two years imprisonment or to pay N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 7, being the tool of crime to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Tukurah to three years imprisonment or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his Tecno Spark mobile phone, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Mamza to three years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. He convicted and sentenced Mana to three years imprisonment or to pay N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his Samsung Galaxy A12, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Justice Khobo convicted and sentenced John to five years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his Samsung Galaxy S10e and the sum of N10,000 (Ten Thousand Naira, which is equivalent of P550) to the federal government, being the tool and proceeds of crime, respectively. Justice Zubairu convicted and sentenced Edward to two years imprisonment or to pay N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his Techno GO mobile phone, being the tool of his crime to the federal government and restituted the sum of 1000 Chinese Yuan being the proceeds of his crime to his victim. He convicted and sentenced Akanbi to three years imprisonment or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his Blue Oppo A15 mobile phone, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Hamman, Tukurah, Mana, Akanbi, John and Edward were arrested in Kafanchan LGA and Buzong area of Kaduna State, following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities, while Mamza, who impersonated EFCC operative was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in the course of his execution of a search with a forged warrant and subsequently handed over to the EFCC. The press release contains photos of the 419ers courts-jail-seven-for-fraud-in-kaduna ********************************************* 17 JUL 2025 Court Jails Man Two Years for Cybercrime in Lagos Justice D.E. Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, July 17, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Aleburu Elvis to two years imprisonment. Elvis was arrested recently at the Abule Egba area of Lagos by operatives of the EFCC, following credible intelligence on the activities of some internet fraudsters. He was arraigned on Thursday on one -count charge bordering on cybercrime by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The count reads: “ That you, Aleburu Elvis, sometime 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held out yourself on Facebook as Zhen Victor Wei, a Thai man with intent 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 preferred against him. Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, A.A.Usman, called on John Emmanuel Keri, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case . Keri told the court that the defendant was arrested sometime in June 4, 2025, following credible intelligence received by the Commission on the activities of a syndicate of internet fraudsters operating in an estate at the Abule Egba area of Lagos State. According to him, an iPhone 16 and a Dell laptop were recovered from him at the point of arrest. "Upon his arrest, he was duly processed and the defendant volunteered his statements under words of caution. “Investigations were conducted and forensic evidence were printed out from his phone. “In his statement, he confessed he was into a dating scam and that he had benefited the sum of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira). He also told the court that the defendant restituted the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira( N100,000) by tendering a bank draft. Usman, thereafter, tendered in evidence the defendant’s extrajudicial statements, iPhone 16 , Dell laptop and forensic investigation documents. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. The Judge, consequently, convicted and sentenced him to two years imprisonment, with an option of fine of N200,000( Two Hundred Thousand Naira). The judge also ordered that the ?100,000 bank draft, iPhone 16, and Dell laptop be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Elvis’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested for internet fraud. He was charged to court and jailed. The press release contains a pjoto of the 419er: court-jails-man-two-years-for-cybercrime-in-lagos ***************************************** 17 JUL 2025 Calabar Court Jails Seven Internet Fraudsters The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of seven internet fraudsters before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Calabar, Cross River State. The convicts are: Victor Ekwonwa, Chukwudi Iwueke, Mbam Alexander, Ugorji Emmanuel, Joseph Ekwere Tom, Eze Daniel, and David Okeke. They were arraigned on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining under pretence and money laundering. The charge against Tom reads; “That you, Joseph Ekwere Tom, sometime in 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did take possession and control of $500 (Five Hundred United States Dollars), knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: obtaining money by false pretence, 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 defendants pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them, and in view of their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Khamis Mahmud, prayed the court to convict them as charged. Thereafter, Justice Ojukwu convicted and sentenced the convicts to six (6) months jail term each. Six of the convicts were given the option to pay a fine of ?1,000,000 (One Million Naira only), except Mbam Alexander, who was given the option of a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only). The court also ordered Joseph Ekwere Tom and Chiwenikpe Ekwonwa to restitute the sums of $500 and $100 respectively into the EFCC’s Recovery Account. The judge also ordered that all gadgets used in committing the crimes be forfeited to the Federal Government. All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet crimes. They were charged to court and jailed. The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers: calabar-court-jails-seven-internet-fraudsters ********************************************** 16 JUL 2025 Embrace Integrity, Shun Cybercrimes - Olukoyede Charges Students in Southeast The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged students in the Southeast to embrace integrity, ethical behaviour and shun cybercrime, stressing that integrity fosters trust, respect and collaboration, which are key elements of success. He gave this charge at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT during the Student Union Government’s Summit/Inauguration of a new Government, and at ZaneIvy Schools, in Phase 2, Independence Layout, Enugu State. At ESUT, the anti-graft czar, who was represented by Head of Public Affairs Department in Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Superintendent of the EFCC, SE Paul Ikpor, charged the students to “run away from cybercrimes” as they have destroyed many youths, tarnished the image of the country and prevented foreign investors from investing in the country. “Cybercrime has destroyed many of our youths. Apart from the fact that a lot of them are languishing in jail, it has damaged the image of our dear nation and this is affecting our economy as foreign investors are scared of investing in our country for fear of being duped. This is not good for us. That is why we are here, to tell you that as future leaders, all you need is to concentrate on your studies in order to graduate with good grades and make your parents proud”, he said. He outlined the effects of cybercrimes on victims, which include, death, financial loss, loss of job, depression, amongst others and charged them to shun greed and peer pressure adding that economic hardship, unemployment and family pressure “must not push you into any form of crime, especially cybercrime”. He thereafter enjoined the students to support the anti-graft war by sharing intelligence with the Commission through the Eagle Eye App. Speaking on the topic, “Building a Culture of Integrity”, at ZaneIvy School, Olukoyede said that by cultivating a culture of integrity, students and youths in general can contribute to an environment where everyone can thrive and feel empowered. “As future leaders, building a culture of integrity is essential for you, not only in your academic journeys but also in your personal and professional lives. As you navigate through your studies and future careers, always remember that integrity fosters trust, respect and collaboration, which are key elements of success. Embrace honesty, accountability and ethical behaviour in all your interactions as these values will serve as your guiding principles”. “Ultimately, the commitment to integrity will not only enhance your reputation but will also prepare you to be responsible, ethical leaders in the world. Let integrity be the foundation upon which you build your future”, he said. While describing Integrity as “doing the right thing, even when no one is watching”, Olukoyede outlined some of the characteristics of integrity which include honesty, accountability, trustworthiness, loyalty, respect, humility, transparency, contentment, courage and others. He enjoined the students to “always stay loyal to your values and principles even when faced with pressure and anxiety”. The sensitization lectures are part of the prevention mandates of the Commission in carrying out rigorous public enlightenment campaigns on the ills of corruption, economic and financial crimes. The press release contains a photo: embrace-integrity-shun-cybercrimes-olukoyede-charges-students-in-southeast ******************************************************* 14 JUL 2025 Kwara Courts Jail Four for Internet Fraud Justices Mahmud Abdulgafar and Sulaiman Akanbi of the Kwara State High Courts on Monday, July 14, 2025 convicted and sentenced Olaitan Abdulwahab Damilare, Maruf Quadri Kolawole, Habeeb Abiodun Jimoh, and Mubarak Moruf to jail for fraud. They were prosecuted by Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate charges that border on cheating, impersonation and obtaining under false pretences. While Damilare, Kolawole, and Jimoh were prosecuted before Justice Abdulgafar, Moruf was prosecuted before Justice Sulaiman Akanbi. The charge against Damilare reads: “That you, Olaitan Abdulwahab Damilare (a.k.a Fav), sometime in January, 2024 or thereabout at Ilorin, Kwara State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly induced one Michael, a white man to send you gift cards worth the sum of Two Thousand, One Hundred Dollars when you knowingly pretended and presented yourself to be Fav, a white lady who is in a romantic relationship with him and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 and punishable under Section 324 of The Penal Code Laws of Northern Nigeria." That of Kolawole reads: "That you, Maruf Quadri Kolawole, sometime in February 2025, in Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did cheat by impersonation when you pretended to be one Frank Matt via Facebook, and in that guise, induced Philip Solomon to send 950 Australian dollars to you, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 324 of the same Law" They all pleaded “guilty” to their respective charge, following which prosecution counsel, Aliyu Adebayo and Mustapha Kaigama called witnesses and reviewed the facts of the cases. They tendered the extra-judicial statements of the convicts and exhibits recovered from them at the point of arrest as well as various amounts of money, being the proceeds of their crime in evidence. Justice Abdulgafar convicted and sentenced Damilare to six months imprisonment. In addition, he forfeited the $2000 (Two Thousand United States Dollars), iPhone XR and a Samsung phone, being the proceeds and tools of his crime, respectively to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Kolawole to six months imprisonment. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 13 Pro and $950, being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. He also convicted and sentenced Habeeb to six months imprisonment. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 14 Pro Max, an HP laptop computer, and $365, being the tools and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Justice Akanbi convicted and sentenced Moruf to one year imprisonment or to pay N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira), fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 15 Promax, iPhone 7 and the sum of $300 (Three Hundred United States Dollars.), being the tools and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. The press release contains photos: kwara-courts-jail-four-for-internet-fraud ****************************************** 14 JUL 2025 Court Jails Two Chinese for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, July 14, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of two Chinese for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The suspects are: Huang Xiao Liang (a.k.a Liu Xiao Liang) and Shi Yang Xiong. They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged 'Eagle Flush Operation' conducted by EFCC operatives. They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you, HUANG XIAO LIANG (a.k.a LIU XIAO LIANG) and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. Ltd., sometime in December, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, conspired amongst yourselves, caused to be accessed a computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition & Prevention ) Act 2015". They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them. However, during Monday’s sitting, they changed their “not guilty pleas” to “guilty.” In view of this, prosecution counsel, U.S. Kyari, prayed the court to convict them accordingly. Consequently, the Judge convicted and sentenced them as charged. They were sentenced to one year imprisonment each, with a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira). The Judge also ordered that, upon completion of their sentences, the Comptroller -General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. Justice Dipeolu ordered the forfeiture of the items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains a photo: court-jails-two-chinese-for-cyberterrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: Again with the "caused to be accessed a computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria" boilerplate. There are all linds of problems with this, including the questions of why the over 500 Nigerian nationals arrested were not charged with this; who sponsored these indivisuals for entry into Nigeria; who were the principal owners of Genting International; where did the money that Genting scammed go to; do not All 419ers affect the economy and social structures of Nigeris; what terrorist organizations were Genting supporting; among others.... inquiring minds want to know. ************************************************ 14 JUL 2025 Ilorin Courts Jail Five Internet Fraudsters Justices Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin and Sulaiman Akanbi and Haleema Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court have convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicted persons are Ayinla Abiodun Abdulmajid, Yusuf Abdulazeez Onimisi, Muhammed Zayad Eneye, Abdulbasit Abdulmumeen, and Victor Onucheyo Anibe. They were arraigned on separate charges by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. Specifically, Abdulmajid, Onimisi and Eneye were jailed by Justice Awogboro while Abdulmumeen and Anibe were jailed by Justices Akanbi and Saleeman of the Kwara respectively. The charge against Abdulmajid reads: "That you, AYINLA ABIODUN ABDULMAJID (Alias: Micheal Cavezza) sometime between March and May, 2025 within the Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did fraudulently impersonate one Michael Cavezza vide your google hangout account with the intent to obtain from one Kirsty Reid and did obtain the gross sum of $1,003 (One Thousand, Three USD) thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition & Prevention ) Act 2015 and punishable under section 22 (2)(b)(IV) of the same Act" The defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them. Based on their pleas, prosecution counsel, Innocent Mbachie, Sesan Ola and Mustapha Kaigama reviewed the facts of the cases by calling witnesses through whom they tendered the extra-judicial statements of the defendants as well as items recovered from them at the point of arrest. The lawyers, thereafter, urged the court to convict the defendants accordingly. In his judgment, Justice Awogboro sentenced Abdulmajid to 9 months imprisonment without an option of fine and ordered the forfeiture of the sum of $702 (Seven Hundred and Two United States Dollars) which he benefited from the unlawful activities and one iphone 14 pro max, Redmi phone and one hp laptop to the Federal Government. The Judge also sentenced Onimisi to three months imprisonment without an option of fine. The Judge ordered that the sum of $300 (Three Hundred United States Dollars) he benefited from his criminal conduct and one Samsung S31 be forfeited to the Federal Government. In the same vein, the court sentenced Muhammed to 400 hours community service without an option of fine and ordered the forfeiture of the convict's HP laptop. Justice Akanbi on his part sentenced Abdulmumeen to two years imprisonment or an option of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira Only). Additionally, the convict was ordered to sweep the premises of the Kwara State High Court for two months to be supervised by the Nigeria Correctional Service Probationer Officer, while the sum of $145 (One Hundred and Forty-Five United States Dollars) and one iphone 11 he benefited from the criminal conduct were forfeited to the Federal Government. Similarly, Justice Saleeman sentenced Anibe to two years imprisonment or an option of fine N600,000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira Only). The court ordered that the sum of N4million he restituted, one iphone 16 promax and a Samsung phone 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 jailed. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: ilorin-courts-jail-five-internet-fraudsters **************************************************** 12 JUL 2025 EFCC Arrests Six for Alleged Internet Fraud in Uyo Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, have arrested six suspected internet fraudsters at Ekamba and Ekpri Nsukara areas of Nwaniba, in Akwa Ibom State. Four of the suspects were arrested at Ekamba Nsukara, while the other two were apprehended at Ekpri Nsukara. The intelligence-driven arrest led to the recovery of the following items, eight mobile phones and two laptops. The suspects will be charged to court soon. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-six-for-alleged-internet-fraud-in-uyo ************************************************* 11 JUL 2025 Court Sentences Man to 50 hours Community Service for Possession of Fraudulent Documents In Lagos Justice O.A. Fadipe of the State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos has convicted and sentenced one Abdulrahman Murphy Usifo to 50 hours community service for possession of fraudulent documents. He was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, on a one-count charge bordering on possession of fraudulent documents and cybercrimes. The count reads: “ABDULRAHMAN MURPHY USIFO, on or about the 27th May, 2025 in Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, with a dishonest intent, had in your possession Gmail account titled "Remittance of Funds", wherein you represented yourself as Mr. Attilio Traidi, and other related documents for an online benefit, printed from your HP-Laptop, which you knew or ought to know to be false thereby committed an offence Possession of fraudulent documents contrary to Section 320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.“ He pleaded “guilty” to the charge preferred against him. Following his “guilty” plea, prosecution counsel, I.G.Akhanolu reviewed the facts of the case, saying that “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission received an intelligence report alleging a case of computer-related fraud against the defendant. “On receipt of the intelligence, the same was analyzed and found worthy of investigation." “The Commission carried out a surveillance to confirm the intelligence and, thereafter, carried out a sting operation at Festac Town, Lagos State, which led to the arrest of the defendant on May 27, 2025.“ Continuing, he told the court that “At the point of arrest, an iPhone 15 pro max and HP laptop was recovered from the defendant. “The defendant was immediately taken to the Commission’s office at 7A, Okotie-Eboh Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State for an interview. “Following the interview, he made voluntary statements under words of caution." “The defendant, in his extra-judicial statements, admitted his involvement in an online benefit scam, wherein he represented himself as one Mr. Attilio Traldi." “He also admitted to have benefited the sum of $500 (Five Hundred United States Dollars)." “The investigating team also conducted a forensic examination on the devices recovered from the defendant at the Commission's forensic examination laboratory and further analysis of his devices revealed that he was in possession of fraudulent documents containing false pretences. The said fraudulent documents were printed out from his iPhone and laptop computer.” Akhanolu further told the court that the defendant restituted the sum of N500,000(Five Hundred Thousand Naira) by tendering a bank draft. The prosecution further sought to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s extrajudicial statements, iPhone 15 pro max, Hp laptop, Bank draft, and forensic investigation documents. Justice Fadipe admitted and marked them as exhibits. The Judge convicted and sentenced the defendant to 50 hours community service to be supervised by a Correctional Centre. The Judge also ordered that the convict be registered in the Public Offenders Register. He was also ordered to sign an undertaking with the EFCC never to commit any financial crime within and outside the shores of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Judge also ordered that the bank draft, IPhone 15 pro max mobile phone and HP laptop computer recovered from him be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains a photo: court-sentences-man-to-50-hours-community-service-for-possession-of-fraudulent-documents-in-lagos ******************************************************* 11 JUL 2025 EFCC Arrests 48 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abeokuta Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 48 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Their arrest followed surveillance and credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include a pump action rifle, five high-end cars, a motorbike, several mobile phones, laptop computers and incriminating documents. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-48-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abeokuta ************************************************ 10 JUL 2025 Court Jails Mohammed Gobir Seven Years For N300m Fraud In Lagos Justice R.I.B. Adeniyi of the State High Court sitting in Ikeja Lagos, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Mohammed Gobir to seven years imprisonment for N300m fraud. His journey to prison began after he was arrested by the operatives of EFCC at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence on September 12, 2015, following a petition received by the Commission from an outdoor advertising company, Afromedia. Gobir, according to the petitioner, was introduced to the Company by its private placement consultants, Synergy Capital Advisory Limited, sometime in 2008. He, thereafter, offered to invest the sum of N1billion in Afromedia, a pretext that earned him a position as Chairman, Business Development Committee, on the Board of Directors. Investigation revealed that Gobir, having earned the trust of the company’s Board, defrauded the company of several millions in hard currency. He was subsequently arraigned on March 17, 2016 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 17-count charge bordering on obtaining under false pretence, stealing, possession of fraudulent documents and forgery. One of the counts reads: That you, Mohammed Gobir, a non-Executive Director and Chairman of Business Development Committee of Afromedia Plc, between January 2009 and December 2011 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N514,457,151.87 (Five Hundred and Fourteen Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty One Naira, Eighty Seven Kobo) from Afromedia Plc by falsely pretending to Afromedia Plc that the said sum of money represented the cost of facilitating and securing the sum of $70,000,000 (Seventy Million Dollars) from your account in NATWEST Bank, London, United Kingdom as your investment fund in Afromedia Plc out of the $250,000,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Million United States Dollars) stashed in your account at NATWEST Bank, London, United Kingdom which pretence you Knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No . 14, 2006.” He pleaded “ not guilty” to the charge, thereby leading to his full trial. During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, called four witnesses and tendered several documents that were admitted in evidence against the defendant. The defence counsel, Y.B. Bayero called three witnesses. Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Adebiyi convicted and sentenced the defendant to seven years imprisonment on count 1 of obtaining under false pretence; counts four and five of stealing and counts 8, 11, 14 & 17 of possession of fraudulent documents. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment on counts four and five of stealing. The sentences are to run concurrently. The Judge ordered the convict to pay restitution of $1 million USD and ?123 million for the convictions on counts four and five for stealing. The restitution is to be paid to the nominal complainant. The court, however, discharged him on the counts of forgery and being in possession of forged documents. court-jails-mohammed-gobir-seven-years-for-n300m-fraud-in-lagos ***************************************************** 10 JUL 2025 Investment Scam: Olukoyede Cautions Public against Negligence The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has advised members of the public to apply care in choosing where to invest their money so as to avoid being ripped off in fraudulent schemes. He gave the advice in Abuja on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at a Public Lecture in commemoration of the 2025 African Union Anti-corruption Day, themed, “Understanding Virtual Asset and Investment Fraud, held at the EFCC’s Headquarters. According to Olukoyede, “Understanding virtual assets and investment fraud will not be complete without drawing serious attention to the role of investing public in breaking the opportunistic practices of fraudsters floating various schemes to defraud Nigerians. We are all aware of the hues and cries of many investors in CBEX that lost their funds to the shenanigans of the operators. This unfortunate situation is preventable. The lessons derivable from the CBEX situation are very clear: the investing public do inadvertently aid fraudulent practices through lack of due diligence on schemes advertised to them. Another lesson is that investors hardly send suspicious transaction reports to the EFCC until they are defrauded. We must understand that no investment scam can succeed without the negligence of investors.” He further noted that “Investment fraud, like virtual assets fraud, is spreading like wildfire across Africa,” adding that “fraudsters are exploiting vulnerabilities of desperate investors to defraud them through various dishonest schemes. Every exploitation of investors in any guise is considered a fraudulent act. Ponzi schemes rank as one of the most pervasive of such acts.” He linked the rise in virtual assets fraud in the country to the designs of rogue politicians, who now use them to shield and secure their ill-gotten wealth. “Our findings showed that fraudulent politicians are already perfecting schemes and hiding their loot in cryptocurrencies to beat the investigative dragnets of anti-corruption agencies. Stolen funds and unexplained wealth are being warehoused in wallets and payments for services are being done through this window. Investment schemes are also being facilitated through it,” he said. While noting that cryptocurrency and virtual assets were not designed as tools of crime, but products of the Digital Age, he regretted that criminals put them to wrong use. “Virtual assets are not fundamentally criminal. It is when they are wrongfully or fraudulently used that they become criminal. Technology is moving at a supersonic speed around the world. The advent of virtual assets is a response to one of the qualities of money as a store of value. However, as with every progressive innovation, fraudsters usually evolve ways of perverting their genuine purposes.” Olukoyede reaffirmed the readiness of the EFCC to match every challenge that cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets throw up in the system. “For us at the EFCC, virtual assets fraud and investment scam are not hard nuts to crack. Proactive and broad-based training and intelligence are bringing fraudulent schemes to the fore. We are ahead in every material sense and there is enormous proof of operational successes in this regard, especially the breakthrough in investigation and prosecution of the infamous CBEX scam,” he said. The governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Olayemi Cardoso in his speech, delivered by Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, deputy governor Economic Policy, noted that the present era of rapid technological transformation has made the adoption of digital financial services in Nigeria, including cryptocurrencies and tokenized investments increase exponentially. The surge in digital innovation, he said, “has brought benefits, such as greater financial inclusion and also given rise to complex challenges, such as fraud and money laundering.” Giving a breakdown of cryptocurrency usage in the country in recent times and their application in financial fraud, he disclosed that “In Nigeria, over $56 billion in crypto-related transactions were recorded between July 2022 and June 2023, making us Africa’s digital transaction leader. But this growth is not without consequences. The CBN Financial Stability Report 2024 reveals a 45% surge in financial fraud cases, with 70% of losses linked to digital channels, including unregulated virtual asset platforms. Furthermore, over 30 ponzi-style investment schemes exploiting digital currency narratives have been flagged by the SEC and other agencies. These developments pose major risks, including loss of consumer confidence, weakening of financial integrity and reputational challenges for Nigeria in the global financial system.” Emomotiti Agama, director general of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, in his speech decried the effects of corruption in Nigeria and Africa’s under-development in general, noting that the digital transformation of the global financial system has further thrown up more challenges to the continent. “Corruption remains a significant impediment to Africa’s economic growth, social development, and investor confidence. Today, as digital innovation transforms financial systems, we face new challenges, particularly the rise of virtual asset fraud and sophisticated investment scams, exploiting unsuspecting investors. These threats undermine market integrity, erode trust, and divert resources meant for sustainable development,” he said. The SEC, as a frontline regulator, he said, remained committed to strengthening investor education on recognizing and avoiding fraudulent schemes; enhancing regulatory frameworks to keep pace with evolving risks in virtual assets and digital investments; and fostering cross-border collaboration to combat corruption and illicit financial flows. While the CBN oversees virtual assets used for payments, SEC is the primary regulator for virtual assets classified as securities or investment products. The director general of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu commended the EFCC “for its tireless work in defending Nigerians against the evolving threats in financial crimes.” According to him, “experience has shown that deception is foundational to fraud and if its impact goes far deeper, it undermines citizens’ confidence in their country. Every Naira lost to fraud causes far- reaching effects. It is about a child pulled out of school, a livelihood ruined, and an enterprise destroyed. These crimes are not abstract. They affect people and our country pays dearly for it. At the National Orientation Agency, we believe that value orientation is our most powerful tool. That is why we launched a nationwide campaign several months ago against the spread of get rich quick syndrome.” The initiative, he said “is helping all Nigerians, especially young people to understand that lasting success comes from honesty and hard work and it takes time.” Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, while speaking on the virtual asset crime typology, noted that “Virtual assets, while offering significant opportunities for economic growth, also present new and complex avenues for fraud, money laundering and financial manipulation.” This, he said, has made it “imperative that all regulators, institutions and stakeholders remained vigilant and proactive in responding to these emerging crimes. At the Corporate Affairs Commission we understand our critical role in corporate governance and financial transparency while collaborating increasingly with the Security and Exchange Commission and other sectoral regulators to implement necessary checks and enforce compliance in this area.” The paper presentation on the theme of the event was done by ACE11 Dein Whyte, Head, Cybercrime Section, EFCC’s Headquarters. He defined virtual assets “as digital representations of value that can be used for various purposes, including transactions, investment or as a medium of exchange,” pointing out, however, that there is a distinction between digital asset and fiat money. The presentation beamed light on virtual asset and investment fraud as a growing crime typology that has become a thing of concern in Nigeria’s financial system and how the public can understand the red flags that indicate the wrong ventures to invest in. He identified different types of virtual assets to include cryptocurrencies with the different tokens under them, such as the Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and Litecoin and non-tangible tokens, which he said are digital representations of ownership of different kind of properties in a virtual platform. The presentation elicited a question-and-answer session. Discussions and presentations on virtual assets and investment fraud were made across all the Zonal Directorates of the EFCC, all aimed at beaming searchlights on the issue. The press release includes a photo: investment-scam-olukoyede-cautions-public-against-negligence ************************************************** 9 JUL 2025 Olukoyede to NASS Members: Give us a Law Against Unexplained Wealth The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged members of the National Assembly to enact a law against unexplained wealth, stressing that it will boost the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption. He made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance convened by the Public Accounts Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives. He decried the lack of legislation against unexplained wealth, maintaining that corruption is strengthened when people living above their means are not brought to book. “ I want to make an appeal to you all, please, pass the bill on unexplained wealth”, he said. He called for transparency in resource management at all levels of government stressing that Nigeria is bountifully blessed with resources but without prudent management, nothing tangible would be achieved. “We need transparency in resource management. That’s all we need. Everywhere you go in Nigeria, you see natural resources all around you. We will succeed if we are resolute about resource management”, he said. The EFCC’s boss also located a direct nexus between mismanagement of resources and insecurity, maintaining that “mismanagement of resources is behind banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other acts of insecurity”. He called on Nigerians to optimize the opportunities of turnaround prevalent in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government stressing that, “the administration of President Tinubu is the best opportunity we have, we must not miss it”. He called on custodians of stolen assets abroad to cooperate with the EFCC in getting the assets returned to the country, arguing that “custodians of stolen assets are as guilty as those that stole the assets”. The House Committee Chairman on Public Accounts, Honourable Bamidele Salaam appreciated the EFCC Chairman’s contributions and called for a review of the nation’s cost of labour to make Nigerians live above inducements to corruption. “We must do something about our wage system if we are serious about the fight against corruption”, he said. The press release contains a good photo of Chairman Olukoyede: olukoyede-to-nass-members-give-us-a-law-against-unexplained-wealth 419 Coalition comment: We'd like to note that the Nigerian Government is the custodian of many hundreds of millions of recovered but unrepatriated 419ed funds and assets. We'd like to see a much greater and more transparent effort on repatriating and returning those assets to 419 victims. Of course, we approve of the Nigerian people getting back their stolen monies and assets, but we expect a quid pro quo effort level on the return of 419ed assets to the victims of 419 crimes. Fair is fair. ********************************************* 9 JUL 2025 Olukoyede Seeks Cyber Resilience to Tackle Internet Crimes in Financial Ecosystem The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called for robust cyber resilience in the nation’s financial ecosystem to tackle all manner of risks and fraudulent schemes. He made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at the National Cyber Security Conference organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA. According to him, cyber resilience has become imperative to tackle vulnerability and exposure to diverse cybersecurity risks occasioned by the increasing expansion in the nation’s digital space. “A secure digital future for Nigeria requires robust cyber resilience. Cyber resilience is not just about preventing attacks—it's about ensuring that our systems, institutions, and society can withstand, adapt to, and rapidly recover from cyber incidents. It is a proactive disposition to anticipate breaches and have countermeasures to rapidly respond to threats and secure digital assets”, he said. He applauded the strides being made in the country through digital innovation and transformation, pointing out that Nigeria is home to one of the fastest-growing Fintech sectors in Africa. He referenced other developments in mobile banking platforms, digital payment systems, cryptocurrency exchanges, and e-commerce activities, which he admitted, have brought financial inclusion to millions, created new businesses, and positioned Nigeria as a leader in Africa's digital economy. All these salutary developments, he explained, come with vulnerability and exposure to various cybersecurity risks. “As the digital space in Nigeria is expanding, so is the footprint of criminal elements who exploit its vulnerabilities. The financial ecosystem is particularly vulnerable, not only because of its centrality to the economy but also due to the high value of its data and assets”, he said. The EFCC’s boss insisted that cyber resilience was the only effective modality of building strength against such vulnerabilities. He drew particular attention to what the EFCC has been doing to deepen Nigeria’s cyber resilience, stressing that in the last two years, the Commission has recorded notable progress in dealing with cyber threats in the economy. Some of the milestones, he mentioned, include enhanced capabilities in cyber forensic analysis and syndicate disruption culminating in significant arrests and convictions in cybercrime cases. Others are, international collaboration with bodies such as INTERPOL, the FBI, RCMP, and the UK NCA, etc., in dealing with transnational organised crime. “Also significant is the operationalization of the upcoming 24/7 EFCC Cybercrime Rapid Response Centre (E-C2R2), a citizen-driven complaint portal for swift reporting and resolution of cybercrime cases. We are equally working to establish a Cybercrime Research Centre, serving not only investigative needs but also as a platform for reformation and rehabilitation. Through intelligence sharing, legal cooperation, and multilateral engagements, we are helping to bring perpetrators to justice while supporting victims across borders. This is a deliberate effort to reclaim and protect our international image”, he said. To fully optimize cyber resilience, Olukoyede called for leadership commitment at board level within financial institutions, allocation of resources for cyber defence, integration of cybersecurity into national development policies and holding institutions accountable for lapses that endanger the financial ecosystem. “Cyber resilience in the financial ecosystem cannot be built in silos. It demands the following: a. Deeper synergy between regulators, enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and civil society. b. Continuous investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and human capital. c. Most importantly, a coordinated national framework that unites all stakeholders in a common vision” In his opening remark, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi spoke glowingly about the Conference and the overarching need for building a resilient digital future for the country. He said the Conference was a movement for building strength and synergy to achieve a more formidable cyber security for Nigeria. Dignitaries at the Opening Session of the Conference include, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Senators, Members of House of Representatives and Diplomatic Community, among others. The press release contains a good photo of Chairman Olukoyede: olukoyede-seeks-cyber-resilience-to-tackle-internet-crimes-in-financial-ecosystem 419 Coalition translation: EFCC says it is doing better than before and is making efforts to do even better in the future by beefing up its tech and cooperating with other countries. We note that the former Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, who knows 419 Coalitionfrom back on the day, was in attendance, and we send our regards. Unfortunately, his successor, Ibrahim Lamorde, who also knew us and worked with us back in the day, passed away awhile back, may he rest in perfect peace. We regret to note that no Chairman of the EFCC since has made an overt effort to work with us since those two did, which does not make a whote lot of sense, as EFCC needs all the NGO cooperation that it can get, in our view, and should include both 419 Coalition and Ultrascan AGI in that outreach, among other NGOs. In fact, we'd suggest that EFCC establish an office or desk within its structure Specifically to coordinate and cooperate with NGOs like us. That would be a wise move in our opinion. All counter-419ers should be actively working together. ******************************************************* 9 JUL 2025 Court Jails Four for Internet Fraud in Kaduna Justice A.Isyaka of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna, the state capital has convicted and sentenced the quartet of Promise Usman, Daniel Chinedu, Fahad Yusuf Badamasi and Emmanuel Chidera Udochukwu to prison for fraud. They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge that bordered on impersonation, cheating and obtaining by false pretence. The charge against Usman reads: "That you Promise Usman ( a.k.a Maryam Muhammed) (m), sometime in 2025 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, cheated several unsuspecting victims of the total sum of N450,000.00 ( Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira, only) when you pretended to be Maryam Mohammed; an investment broker on 'Facebook' (an online social media application), which you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017 and punishable under section of the same law. That of Chinedu reads: “That you, Daniel Chisom Chinedu ( a.k.a Reese Witherspoon) sometime, between April-August 2024 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did commit an offence to wit: cheating by impersonation when you falsely represented yourself as Reese Witherspoon and under such assumed identity, induced one Gene Virmilya to send you the total sum of $500 ( Five Hundred United States of America Dollars, 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", following which the prosecution counsel M.O. Arumemi asked the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful of their actions. Justice Isyaka convicted and sentenced Udochukwu and Badamasi to two years imprisonment, respectively or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. In addition, Udochukwu forfeited his Huawei Y6 Pro 2020 mobile phone, while Badamasi forfeited his iPhone 7 mobile phone, being the tools of their crime to the federal government. Usman was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 13 128gb to the federal government. Chinedu was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 16 Pro, iPad Pro and the sum of $500 (Five Hundred United State of America Dollars), being the tools and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. The convicts were arrested by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in Mahuta metropolis, Babar Saura and Sabo areas of the state, following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-four-for-internet-fraud-in-kaduna ********************************************* 8 JUL 2025 Kaduna Court Jails Man for Internet Fraud Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State has convicted and sentenced one Zeal Abraham to jail for fraud. Abraham was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge that bordered on impersonation and cheating to the tune of $200 (Two Hundred Dollars). The charge reads: "That you Zeal Abraham ( a.k.a Chris Mitchell)(m), sometime in 2025 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, cheated one Laura Moss of the total sum of $200 USD (Two Hundred United States Dollars only), when you pretended to be Chris Mitchell; a musician on 'Zangi' (an online social media application), which you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna Penal Code Law of 2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same law." He pleaded "guilty" following which the prosecution counsel, M.E Eimonye urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Justice Bello, thereafter, convicted and sentenced him to two years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited a Samsung G9355 mobile phone, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $200.00USD (Two Hundred United States Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime to the federal government. The convict was among those arrested by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Sabo, Post Office Road, following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: kaduna-court-jails-man-for-internet-fraud ******************************************** 7 JUL 2025 Alleged €49 Million Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Two in Lagos The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, on Monday, July 7, 2025, arraigned Abel Egerton Sokari, Nkiruka Chukwuma, and a company, Zakah Global Investment Limited, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, and forgery to the tune of Forty-Nine Million Euros (€49,000,000). One of the counts reads: "That you, Abel Egerton Sokari, Nkiruka Chukwuma, Zakah Global Investment Limited, Cheryl Austin Adanti (at large), Husain Abid (at large), Shazad Muhammed (at large), and Ismail Adil (at large), on or about the 19th day of May 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, attempted to obtain the sum of Forty-Nine Million Euros (€49,000,000.00) from First Bank of Nigeria by falsely representing that Bayan Investment Bank and Hedge Fund Statutory Trust had transferred the aforementioned sum into account number 2046430791 belonging to Zakah Global Investment Limited, domiciled at First Bank of Nigeria." Another count reads: "That you, Abel Egerton Sokari and Nkiruka Chukwuma, sometime in April 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession a document containing false pretences, to wit: a letter purportedly from the law office of Steven H. Sado, P.C., a lead defence attorney for U.S. President Donald Trump, which document you knew to be false." The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to them. Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa, requested a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendants in custody pending the commencement of trial. However, counsel to the first and second defendants, Clement Onwenwnor, SAN, and Laolu Owolabi, SAN, informed the court of their pending bail applications and urged the court to grant bail in the most liberal terms. They further undertook to take custody of the defendants pending the perfection of their bail conditions. Justice Dada granted bail to both defendants in the sum of N500,000 each, with one surety in like sum. They were temporarily released to their respective counsel pending the perfection of their bail conditions, which must be fulfilled within one month. The case was adjourned to October 29, 2025, for the commencement of trial. The rpess release contains a photo: alleged-eur49-million-fraud-efcc-arraigns-two-in-lagos ***************************************** 7 JUL 2025 Court Jails Nine Chinese for Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud Justice D. E.Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, July 7, 2025, convicted and sentenced nine Chinese to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The convicts are Qin Xiao Yong, Luo Mao Yang, Liu Ni Ni, Liu Gang, Sun Qi (a.k.a Wan Jin Ping), Zhang Juan, Li de Wen, Fun Min, Tan Ming. They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024, in Lagos during a s ting operation tagged 'Eagle Flush Operation' conducted by EFCC operatives. They were subsequently arraigned on a separate one -count charge of cyber- terrorism and internet fraud in February 2025 by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge reads: “ That you, Qin Xiao Yong, Luo Mao Yang, Liu Ni Ni, Liu Gang, Sun Qi (a.k.a Wan Jin Ping), Zhang Juan, Li de Wen, Fun Min, Tan Ming, sometime in December, 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: cause to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015.” They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charge preferred against them. However, at Monday’s sitting, they changed their “not guilty plea” to “guilty.” In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, R.A. Abdulrasheed, prayed the court to convict them accordingly. Consequently, Justice Osiagor convicted and sentenced each of the defendants to one year imprisonment starting from the date of arrest on December 10, 2025, with a fine in the sum of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00). The judge also directed the Comptroller General of Immigration to ensure that the convicts are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. The judge further ordered that the mobile phones, computers, laptop computers and routers seized from them at the time of arrest be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-nine-chinese-for-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud 419 Coalition comment: Again with the "cause to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria" boilerplate section of the charge. 419 Coalition has dealt with the inaccuracy, self-servingness, and stupidity of this boilerplate in many comments on articles below, scroll down. Bottom line is that the Government of Nigeria is trying to deflect the blame for 419 operations emanating from Nigeria away from Nigerian 419 syndicates onto "durn furriners" muscle-ing in and abusing locals into serving in non-Nigerian 419 syndicates. It is really laughable that the Nigerian government is doing this, though we are certain that all the locally owned and operated 419 syndicates - that is the vast majority of 419 syndicates - appreciate it.... ************************************************ 7 JUL 2025 Shun Internet Fraud, Olukoyede Charges Youths The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has again charged Nigerian youths to channel their creative energy to legitimate and resourceful ventures rather than internet fraud. The EFCC Chairman gave the charge on Friday, July 4, 2025 at an event organised by Delta Youth Parliament, tagged “Regional Youth Convergence on Internal Security and Digital Innovation,” held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State. The EFCC Chairman who spoke through the Acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC 1, ACE I Effa I. Okim, noted that Nigeria was one of the most blessed countries in the world with abundant natural and human resources, but has been tainted by large scale involvement of its youths in internet fraud. "Our youths are vibrant, forward looking, resilient, creative, intelligent who can hold their own in any part of the world." He, however, regretted that despite the resourcefulness and creativity of the youth population, some among them have choosen the path of ignominy by engaging in economic and financial crimes. "The menace of internet fraud among our youth is pervasive and it is a stain on us as a people and as a nation. They have embraced this crime to the detriment of their future and the image of the nation."He listed some of the consequences of youths’ involvement in internet fraud to include destruction of the country's image, deterrent to foreign investment, reduction of investors confidence in the economy, hampering the creativity of young people and the collapse of industries among others.He admonished the youth to embrace hard work and shun internet fraud and other forms of criminalities, noting that the Commission was determined to deal with those who crossed the line. Amukoyo Onome, Chairman, Planning Committee, Delta Youth Parliament, noted that "the event seeks to bring together key stakeholders, youth leaders, security experts, policy-makers and digital innovators to deliberate on sustainable strategies for enhancing internal security, youth empowerment, protection of critical national assets, curbing cybercrime and digital transformation in the Niger Delta region." The press release contains a photo: shun-internet-fraud-olukoyede-charges-youths ******************************************** 4 JUL 2025 Court Jails Woman in Lagos for Obtaining Money Under False Pretence The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of one Hannah Okunlola Adesokan before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. Adesokan was earlier arraigned on May 23, 2025, alongside six others including: Samuel Ihechukwu, Fabian Chizaram, and Kingsley Kelechi Ejim, who are employees of a first-generation bank on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N8.5 billion (Eight Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira). The other co-defendants are Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Chukwuka Ubaku, and Sunday Osademe. Adesokan initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against her. However, during Thursday’s proceedings, she was re-arraigned on an amended charge to which she changed her plea to “guilty.” The charge reads: “That you, Adesokan Hannah Okunlola, sometime in January 2025, at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained control of the sum of N4,500,000.00 (Four Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira), which forms part of the sum of N199,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million Naira) paid into your United Bank for Africa account number 1020676282, Search Light Media Concept, being money fraudulently obtained from illegal cyber-criminal activities, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) and (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under the same Act.” In view of her plea, prosecution counsel, Fanen Anum tendered the defendant’s statements, the petition from the bank, and her UBA account statement as exhibits. He thereafter urged the court to convict the defendant and order the forfeiture of the money recovered from her to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Justice Osiagor convicted her accordingly and sentenced her to six months’ imprisonment, with an option of a fine in the sum of N250,000.00( Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the sum of N4,500,000.00 to the Federal Government of Nigeria in favour of the bank. The convict was arrested for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N4.5million in her UBA account through internet-related activities. She was charged to court and jailed. The press release contains a photo: court-jails-woman-in-lagos-for-obtaining-money-under-false-pretence ************************************************* 4 JUL 2025 Chinese Working Group to Collaborate with EFCC in Tackling Cybercrime Worried by the rising tide of Chinese involvement in financial crimes in Nigeria, the Ambassador of People's Republic China to Nigeria, His Excellency, Yu Dunhai has broached the possibility of collaboration between a Chinese working group with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in tackling cybercrime. Dunhai mooted the proposal in Abuja on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 when he led a delegation of Chinese Embassy officials on a visit to the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters. “The Chinese government is ready to send out a working group to come here to Nigeria to work with your law enforcement officers to have the evidence collection, the fraud tracing, and to find evidence and bring those criminals to justice,” he said. He explained that anti-corruption issues are always priorities both for China and Nigeria, maintaining that law enforcement has been an integral part of bilateral relations between the two countries. “We understand that over the past couple of months, the EFCC uncovered quite some cybercrime and also telecom frauds which involved some Chinese. As Chinese Ambassador, I feel very much regret for that. But as a country that has a big population, there are always some bad apples. But what I can assure you is that we have zero tolerance for this kind of crime. The Chinese government has always been committed to countering cyber crime and telecom frauds”, he said. Dunhai disclosed that every Chinese overseas has been instructed to abide by the rules and regulations of their host countries by following all their procedures. Explaining further, he stated that, “according to our intelligence and information we see that there is a trend by criminals to move from other countries to Nigeria. That's why it resulted in some of the arrests in the past few months. But I can assure you from the embassy side that we would like to work with you. And this is also the attitude of the Chinese government”. He condemned the involvement of his compatriots in criminalities in Nigeria but sued for the respect of the rights of those arrested. “As the Chinese Ambassador, I would also request that the legitimate right of the Chinese citizens, even if they committed a crime, should be well protected and have been assured many times by your colleagues that their legitimate rights are well protected. And I'm thankful for that”, he said. In his response, Olukoyede expressed delight at the visit and the proposals, noting that mutual respect and benefit have been the bedrock of Nigeria-China relationship. “The relationship between China and Nigeria has been of mutual benefit and respect. We have so much to benefit from each other. And it is my desire that we build on that existing relationship and strengthen it. A number of times we have had cause to receive your police attache and your other officers here in our office and believe we've been having a very good working relationship,” he said. Olukoyede thanked Chinese authorities for their support to the EFCC and sued for heightening of the relationship. “We're going to come up with a memorandum of understanding, law enforcement to law enforcement, so that it will ease the process of exchange and intelligence. Information and intelligence exchange will be good for both countries. I want to thank you for that. Also the issue of capacity development which you have been supporting. I also thank you for the support. And just like you said, more will be coming. We appreciate that. We can also transfer our knowledge to them because there are things about our system that they don't know which we would need to put them through in the interest of the two countries. Security is very key to economic development and that's why both countries will do everything possible to ensure that we prevent crime from happening,” he said. In relation to the scores of Chinese undergoing EFCC’s criminal prosecution, Olukoyede assured the delegation of the Commission’s tradition of adherence to global best practices and respect for human dignity in the conduct of its affairs. “The investigation we carried out in Lagos involved quite a number of Chinese with other nationals. We discovered that some of them didn't come directly from China. They came from other South Asian countries. That was why I directed on the day we carried out the arrest that we should write to your Embassy. “Rest assured of due process. We follow the rule of law in whatever we do. As a matter of fact, while we're preparing for prosecution, they were giving your people Chinese food. They were eating Chinese food. That is to show you how we respect fundamental human rights and due process. Rest assured that we'll continue to collaborate with you. We thank you for your support because you were able to confirm some of their identities for us. If our citizens do anything wrong in your country, we should be able to help you to fight that crime. I believe this is how countries should work together,” he said. The press release contains a photo: chinese-working-group-to-collaborate-with-efcc-in-tackling-cybercrime 419 Coalition comment: This is a very positive step for Chinese - Nigerian relations. You will note that the Chinese envoy has NOT endorsed the "willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria" boilerplate portions of the charges being used against the recent Chinese arrestees in "Operation Eagle Flush". We believe his assessment of that boilerplate would pretty much be the same as that of 419 Coalition - which is that this boilerplate is largely an effort by the Government of Nigeria to deflect blame for 419 operations emenating from Nigeria from local 419 syndicates on to the "durn furriner" Chinese. 419 Coalition does not believe the arrested Chinese give a particular Hoot about the economy and social system of Nigeria one way or another. They are in 419 primarily to make money, just like their far more numerous Nigerian co-criminals, in our view. ************************************************ 4 JUL 2025 Court Jails Eight Chinese for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, July 4, 2025 secured the conviction and sentence of 8 Chinese for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos The suspects are: Pan Cai Qi, Zeng Xian Tao, Weng Mao Rong, Wang Xiong Wei aka Xiao Bai, Shi Dong Fu, Wang Shi Long, Liu Ke Fan and Ting Liao. They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged 'Eagle Flush Operation' conducted by EFCC operatives. They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you, Pan Cai Qi, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourabe Court, willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024]”. They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them. However, during Friday’s sitting, they all changed their “not guilty plea” to “guilty.” In view of this, prosecution counsel, M.K Bashir, prayed the court to convict them accordingly. Justice Aneke convicted and sentenced all the defendants to one year imprisonment, with a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira). The Judge also ordered that upon completion of their sentences, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. Justice Aneke ordered the forfeiture of the items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of the conviccts: court-jails-eight-chinese-for-cyberterrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: Again with the "willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria" boilerplate on the charges. 419 Coalition opinion is that most of these Chinese were imported by local 419 syndicates for their language skills etc. in order to exploit new markets for the syndicates, the primary purpose of which is to make money for themselves. Additionally, 419 Coalition wonders where the charges are against the over 500 Nigerian nationals arrested in Operation Eagle Flush, and if those charges will also include the "willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria" boilerplate that is being used on the Chinese arrested in the Operation. Or is it only used on their Chinese colleagues in crime? ************************************************ 4 JUL 2025 Kaduna Courts Jail Three for Fraud The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of the trio of Justine Richard, Sadiq Ibrahim and Anthony Musa before Justices M.J. Zailani and A. Isyaka of the Kaduna State High Court and R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, all sitting in Kaduna, the state capital. Richard was prosecuted on a one-count charge, bordering on criminal impersonation before Justice Zailani. The charge reads: "That you Justine Richard (Luke Grimes), between January and June 2025, in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an offence, to wit: falsely presented yourself as Luke Grimes to several unsuspecting victims via '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, following which prosecution counsel, M.Lawal prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while his counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the he has become remorseful for his action. Justice Zailani, thereafter, convicted and fined him N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, he forfeited his Samsung Galaxy A10S mobile phone to the federal government, being the instrument of his crime. Ibrahim was prosecuted on a one-count charge that bordered on criminal impersonation and internet fraud before Justice R.M.Aikawa. His charge reads: "That you Sadiq Ibrahim (a.k.a Laura Farms), sometime in April, 2025 in Minna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Laura Farms (a United States of America citizen) on Facebook (a social media platform) and you 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.” He pleaded "guilty" to his charge, upon which the prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka asked the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Justice Aikawa sentenced him to five years imprisonment or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his Samsung Galaxy S10e, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Ibrahim was among the suspects arrested by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in Mahuta axis of the state capital following intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. Musa was prosecuted on a one-count charge that bordered on dishonesty and diversion of funds to the tune of N2,300,000.00 (Two Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira) before Justice Isyaka. The charge reads: "That you Anthony Musa (m), on or about the 23rd of January, 2025 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being in the employment of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, dishonestly diverted the total sum of N2,300,000.00 (Two Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only) and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 274 of the Kaduna State Code Penal Code Law, 2017.” He pleaded “guilty” to the charge, following which the prosecution lawyer, M.O Arumemi urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Justice Isyaka sentenced and convicted him to two years imprisonment or to pay N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. Musa was among those arrested by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following a petition by Guaranty Trust Bank, alleging that its staffers were doing dry posting of monies without financial backup and using the bank computers assigned to them to make credits for his own personal benefit. The other two members of staff of the bank have earlier been convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: kaduna-courts-jail-three-for-frau ************************************** 3 JUL 2025 EFCC Arrests 33 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Minna, Kaduna Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 33 suspected internet fraudsters. Twenty-nine of the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in Minna, Niger State, while the remaining four were arrested Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Unguwan Mai Gero area of Kaduna State. Their arrest followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include 46 smartphones, two iPads, 11 laptops and one PlayStation. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-33-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-minna-kaduna ***************************************************** 3 JUL 2025 Kwara Courts Jail One for Illegal Possession of Solid Minerals, Three others for Internet Fraud Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ilorin has convicted and sentenced a truck driver, Olamilekan Basit to one year imprisonment for being in possession of solid minerals without lawful authorisation. Olamilekan was arrested in Balla, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State for unlawfully transporting 30 tons of assorted solid minerals without proper authorization. Also convicted and sentenced by the judge is a 25-year-old professional photographer, Oyerinde Gbolahan Sodiq, who bagged three hundred hours community service at five hours per day for offences that border on internet fraud. Also convicted by the same judge are Ibrahim Ismail Aranfajo, a phone seller. Maruf Ridwan Babawale was convicted and sentenced by Justice Haleema Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin. The conviction and sentencing of the defendants followed their arraignment by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate charges. The charge against Basit reads: "That you, Olamilekan Basit on or about the 11th Day of June 2024. at Balla, ASA Local Government Area of Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority, came into possession of minerals to wit: Thirty tons of minerals, conveyed in a Truck, with offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 134 (b) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007" That of Sodiq reads: "That you, Oyerinde Gbolahan Sodiq, on or about the the 6th day of August 2024 to 17th February 2025 in Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Vickie Mary with intent to gain advantage for yourself from I've Canner, whom you chatted with via your telegram Account number +12136826219, and did gain $550; you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 22 (2) (I) of the cybercrime (prohibition prevention,Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b)(IV) of the same Act" They all pleaded “guilty” to their charges, following which prosecution counsel, Rashidat Alao and Mustapha Kaigama reviewed the facts of the cases by calling witnesses who narrated the circumstances that led to their arrests, tendered exhibits recovered from them and urged the court to consider the facts of the cases and convict and sentence the defendants as charged. Justice Awogboro sentenced Basit to one year imprisonment or to pay a N1million fine. In addition, he is to pay the sum of N5million as royalty to the federal government. He sentenced Sodiq to 300 hours of community service at five hours per day without an option of fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of $300 (Three Hundred United States Dollars), being part of the proceeds of his crime and his iPhone 12 Promax being the tool of his crime to the federal government. He was also ordered to pay $200 (Two Hundred United States Dollars), being the remainder of the proceeds of his crime or spend two months in prison after the completion of his community service. He convicted and sentenced Aranfajo to 300 hours of community service at five hours per day without an option of fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 6x to the federal government, while Justice Saleeman sentenced Maruf to six months imprisonment or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 11 Pro to the federal government, and to restitute the sum of $300 (Three Hundred United States Dollars) to his victim. The press release contains photos: kwara-courts-jail-one-for-illegal-possession-of-solid-minerals-three-others-for-internet-fraud **************************************************** 3 JUL 2025 Kaduna Court Jails Two Internet Fraudsters The Kano Zonal Directorate Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of two individuals, Umar Ahmed and Salihu Ibrahim, for internet fraud-related offences before Justice Kabir Dabo of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Zaria. They were arraigned by the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on separate charges bordering on cybercrime. Their journey to prison started when the Commission’s operatives raided their criminal hub following intelligence which indicated that a syndicate of internet fraudsters were perpetrating cyber-criminal activities, defrauding innocent victims over the cyber space. Charge against Salihu Ibrahim reads: “that you Salihu Ibrahim sometimes in May 2024 in Zaria, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court with intent to defraud, falsely present yourself as John Mc Grew, a citizen of United States and fraudulently obtained the sum $350 (Three Hundred and Fifty Dollars) from one Janet Muir and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 0f the Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law." Ahmed’s Charge read "That you Umar Ahmed sometimes in 2022 in Zaria, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court with intent to impersonate, falsely present yourself as REBECCA MILLER, a female citizen of United States and fraudulently obtained the sum N52,500 (Fifty Two Thousand Five Hundred Naira only) from one Howard Young and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 0f the Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law." When the charges were read to them, both defendants pleaded guilty. Consequently, counsel to the prosecution, Bright C. Ogbonna prayed the court to convict them accordingly. Accordingly, Justice Dabo convicted Ahmed on two-count charges and sentenced him to six months imprisonment on each count or pay a fine of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000.00) on both counts. The sentences are to run concurrently. Salihu Ibrahim on the other hand was also convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment or pay a fine of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000.00). The convicts’ journey to the Correctional started when the Commission’s operatives raided their criminal hub following intelligence which indicated that a syndicate of internet fraudsters were perpetrating cyber-criminal activities, defrauding innocent victims. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: kaduna-court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters ******************************************* 3 JUL 2025 Court Jails Man Two Years for $2000 Cybercrime in Lagos Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Olalere Kehinde Barnabas to two years imprisonment for internet fraud. Barnabas was arraigned today on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrime to the tune of $2000 (Two Thousand United States Dollars) brought against him by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge reads: “That you, OLALERE KEHINDE BARNABAS, sometime in 2023, at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself, did fraudulently impersonate one 'Job Bonamassa', a citizen of the United States of America, by holding yourself to unsuspecting victims via a fraudulent profile on your facebook and Instagram account and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 22(2)(b) and punishable under Section 22(2) (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention). He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, T.J. Banjo called the investigating officer, Nwike Fortune,to give a brief review of facts. In his evidence, Fortune said: “The defendant was arrested at Favoured Height Estate, Lekki, Lagos on June 24, 2025. “He was arrested alongside others and brought to the EFCC office at 15A, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. “He was cautioned and he made voluntary statements, where he confessed to being into celebrity scam- he misrepresented himself as a white man named Joe Bonamassa.” Nwike further stated that “ The defendant confessed to have benefited 2000 USD only, equivalent to N1.8m from his victims as at 2023. “He brought a GTB Bank manager’s cheque of N900,000 (Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) as part of his restitution. “Upon his arrest, an IPhone 14 was recovered from him. It was analysed and fraudulent documents were printed from the device.” Banjo, thereafter, tendered the defendant’s statements and items recovered from him as evidence. He also prayed the court to convict him as charged and sentence him accordingly. Consequently, Justice Owoeye held that “The defendant, having admitted to the offence and narrating how the offence was committed as well as his admittance to deriving benefits, is hereby convicted as charged.” In his allocutus, the defence counsel, Fabian Nwaoforji, prayed the court to “temper justice with mercy” in sentencing the defendant. He also submitted that the defendant was a first-time offender and that he had pledged “to live a cybercrime-free life.” The Judge sentenced Barnabas to two years imprisonment, with an option of fine of N350,000 (Three Hundred and fifty Thousand Naira). His iPhone device and manager’s cheque valued at N900,000 (Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convict was arrested by operatives of the EFCC for internet-related offences. He was charged to court and jailed. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-man-two-years-for-2000-cybercrime-in-lagos ************************************************** 3 JUL 2025 Court Jails Man Three Years for Cybercrime In Lagos Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Mubarak Suleiman Olasukanmi to three years imprisonment for cybercrime. He was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on impersonation and cybercrime by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. His travail began following a petition received by the Commission from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, in 2023, alleging that he engaged in Business Email Compromise, BEC, and online romance scam. Investigation by the FBI in February 2021 had revealed an attempt at BEC on the City of Aliso Viejo, California, where an employee received fraudulent emails purporting to be from Tovey/Shultz Construction Inc., a construction company. The fraudulent email requested that Tovey/Shultz Construction Incorporation’s bank accounts be changed to Anoka Wellness’ bank account at Bank of California. As a result of the email intersection, City of Aliso Viejo electronically wired $521,518.47 to Anoka Wellness’s bank account as a payment intended for Tovey/ Shultz Construction, which was later recovered through the quick action of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, OCSD. It was further revealed that to achieve this deception, several email addresses were used to obtain the fake domain name used to impersonate Tovey/Shultz and its associate’s email address. About 26 other email addresses were used to create several apple accounts that were tied to one another through common names, addresses and the phone number belonging to Olasukanmi. The count reads: “That you. MUBARAK SULAIMAN OLASUKANMI (Male), adult sometime in February, 2021 In Logas State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Jackie Love by holding yourself out as such on your Facebook Application with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22 (2Y(5) of the Cybercrimes (Pronibition, Prevention. etc) Act, 2015.” He pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against him. Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, Hannatu U. KofarNaisa, called on Owolabi Oyarekhua, an investigator with the EFCC, to review the facts. Oyarekhua told the court that the Commission received a petition from the FBI regarding the activities of the defendant. He added that “Upon his arrest, one iphone 14 was recovered from the him. “He volunteered his statement under caution, where he confessed that he was into internet fraud and that he specialized in romance scam. He also involved in dating scam, where he opened profiles on Facebook, using foreign names and pictures. He wrote in his statement that he sent friend requests to foreigners and made friends with those who accepted his requests. He stated that if anyone fell in love with him, he would then request money from the unsuspecting victim. He explained that he presented himself as a female from Texas, USA, using the name Jackie love. He owns and uses the email addresses: jackmorris2573@gmail.com and mindset996@ gmail.com to chat with his victims on hangout.” The prosecution counsel, thereafter, sought to tender the defendant’s extrajudicial statement, iPhone 14 and documents print out from his iPhone. They were all admitted and marked as exhibits. Consequently, Justice Faji convicted and sentenced Olasukanmi to one year imprisonment on count 1, without an option of fine, and two years imprisonment on count 2, without an option of fine. The sentences are to run concurrently, commencing from the date of his sentencing. court-jails-man-three-years-for-cybercrime-in-lagos ******************************************** 2 JUL 2025 Court Jails Man One Year for $5000 Money Laundering in Lagos Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced one Mbonu Somto to one year imprisonment for money laundering. Somto was arraigned on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 on a one-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of $5000 ( Five Thousand United States Dollars) brought against him by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge reads: “That you, Mbonu Somto, on or about the 19th May, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, concealed and disguised the origin of $5000 (Five thousand United States Dollars), which sum forms part of the proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.” He pleaded “guilty” to the offence. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, M.B. Isah tendered the defendant’s statements and items recovered from him as evidence. They were admitted and marked as exhibits. He, thereafter, prayed the court to convict him as charged and sentence him accordingly. Justice Aneke convicted Somto and sentenced him to one year imprisonment, with an option of fine of N500,000(Five Hundred Thousand Naira). His iPhone device and bank draft valued at N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains a photo: court-jails-man-one-year-for-5000-money-laundering-in-lagos ************************************************ 2 JUL 2025 Calabar Court Jails Eight for Internet Fraud Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court Calabar, on Tuesday July 1, 2025 convicted and sentenced eight internet fraudsters to various jail terms for offences bordering on criminal impersonation, money laundering, love scam and possession of fraudulent messages. The convicts are: Azubuike Chibuike Victor, Israel David John, Chimela Chidiebere, Okonkwo Chidiebere, Odenigbo Victor Chika, Prosper Emeka Chinonso, Victor Etim Afaha and Dennis Ategwu Adah. They pleaded guilty to one and two –counts separate charges preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC. The charge against Chinonso reads: 'That you, Prosper Emeka Chinonso "M" sometime in 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did fraudulently impersonate Williams, a Phillipino on Tiktok 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'. Another count reads: 'That you, Odenigbo Victor Chika "M" sometime in 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of 32000 TWD (Thirty Two Thousand Taiwan Dollars) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit; obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and punishable under the Section l8(3) of the same Act'. In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel Kharmis Mahmud urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly. But defence counsel, C.N.Nweke jnr, A.O.Adebayo, Ituen Ukpono, Nyebuk Johnson and Arene Otega prayed the court to temper justice with mercy. After listening to both sides, and considering the overwhelming evidence before the court, Justice Ojugwu convicted the defendants and sentenced them as follows: Azubuike Chibuike Victor, Chimela Chidiebere, Okonkwo Chidiebere, Odenigbo Victor Chika, Prosper Emeka Chinonso, Victor Etim Afaha, and Dennis Ategwu Adah were sentenced to six months jail term or pay a fine of N1,000,000( One Million Naira only) While Israel David John bagged three months jail term on both counts to run concurrently, or pay a fine of N1, 000, 000. Justice Ojukwu also ordered that Ategwu Dennis and Victor Etim Afaha restitute the sums of $300 and €100 respectively to their victims, or to pay the restituted sums to the Federal Government through the EFCC Proceeds of Crime Account, if victims are not found. The court also ordered that the forfeited mobile phones belonging to the convicts be auctioned and proceeds of the auction deposited in the EFCC’s Proceeds of Crime Account. The convicts were arrested at different locations in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States by operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Commission, between January and June 2025. They were charged to court and convicted. The press release contains photos: calabar-court-jails-eight-for-internet-fraud ************************************************ 1 JUL 2025 Alleged Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud: I Deposited Naira Equivalent of $5,000 to $10,000 Daily into Genting Co. Ltd- Witness The second prosecution witness, PW2, Alhassan Garba, a Bureau De Change operator in the ongoing trial of one Huang Haoyu, a Chinese and others, has told Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, that he had several crypto transactions with Haoyu between September and November 2024, with values ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 almost daily. Huang Haoyu is standing trial alongside Friday Audu, An Hongxu and Genting International Co. Ltd. on an 11-count charge bordering on cyber-terrorism, internet fraud and money laundering to the tune of N3,407,824,740.78 (Three Billion, Four Hundred and Seven Million, Eight Hundred Twenty-Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira, Seventy Eight kobo), and $2,562,203( Two Million Five Hundred and Sixty Two, Thousand, Two Hundred and Three United States Dollars) brought against them by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted by EFCC operatives. At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Garba, a Bureau de Change(BDC) operator, told the court that he often changed money for Haoyu, also known as Mr Ken. Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Garba, who operates Hugovice Ltd., revealed that he had known Haoyu for over 10 years and that they had done business together. “He would often exchange money with me. I also know the second defendant, Mr. Friday, we met sometime last year,” he told the court. In his further testimony, Garba stated that Haoyu approached him last year with a proposal to exchange United States Dollars (a cryptocurrency) into Naira, adding that “I agreed and was provided with Genting International Company Ltd's account details. I would then pay the Naira equivalent of the USDT sent to me into the account. “I didn’t have a crypto wallet, so I contacted Ifesinachi Jonathan, who supplied me with the USDT wallet. The wallet address is a combination of numbers. “Between September and November 2024, we had crypto transactions almost everyday, with values ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 . “On September 26 and 27, 2025, the total sum of N28.9m was sent to the account of Genting International Ltd, amongst others”. Garba also confirmed that these transactions were part of the USDT to Naira conversions he did for Haoyu. When asked by Oyedepo if he had any conversation with the defendant upon his invitation by the EFCC, he said: “When I was invited by the EFCC for investigation, I was in touch with Mr. Friday Audu, who said he had also been invited. “Mr. Friday asked me about my invitation date and I told him. He now mentioned that he would extend his own invitation. I told him that I wasn't aware of any extension and would attend to see what the EFCC needed.” He also identified Jonathan as the person who supplied the USDT wallet and also made transactions from his personal account to Genting International Ltd. When questioned about other transactions into the Genting account, Garba mentioned a transaction to the tune of N16 million on September 4, 2024, but claimed he knew nothing about it. Garba, thereafter, confirmed Sanni Muddathir as his business partner who also sent money to Genting International Ltd. The prosecution sought to tender Garba’s statement in evidence dated January 6, 14, 20, 23, 29, February 11, March 14, and April 4. They were admitted in evidence and marked exhibits. Justice Osiagor adjourned the matter till Friday, July 4, 2025 for further hearing. alleged-cyberterrorism-internet-fraud-i-deposited-naira-equivalent-of-5-000-to-10-000-daily-into-genting-co-ltd-witness ************************************************** 1 JUL 2025 Court Jails Five Chinese for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of five Chinese for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos The suspects are: Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You), Yang Shumei, Guo Zhi Yong, Zhang Gia Feng and Lu Yi Liang. They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged 'Eagle Flush Operation' conducted by EFCC operatives. They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you, Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You) sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourabe Court, wilfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024]”. They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them. However, during Tuesday’s sitting, they all changed their “not guilty plea” to “guilty.” In view of this, the prosecution counsel, U.S Kyari, prayed the court to convict them as charged. All the defendants were sentenced to one year imprisonment, with a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira). The judge also ordered that upon completion of their sentences, the Comptroller -General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. Thw press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-five-chinese-for-cyberterrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: Here's that pesky boilerplate in the charge again, how the 419ers "wilfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria". Why does this boilerplate only seem to appear in the charges on "durn furrniners" that are employed by 419 Syndicates? How did these Chinese get into Nigeria in the first place? Who sponsored them? Who were the principals in the company, Genting International, that emplyed them? And, of the 700 or so 419ers arrested by the EFCC in Operation Eagle Flush, where are the charges against the 500 or so Nigerian nationals arrested for 419 crimes? Are they also going to be charged with "wilfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria" like their Chinese co-workers? Inquiring minds want to know. *************************************************** 1 JUL 2025 EFCC Arrests 31 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Nasarawa State Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters in Nassarawa State. They were arrested on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Nassarawa Toto, Nassarawa State, following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences. Items recovered from them include several exotic phones and laptops. They will soon be charged to court. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-31-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-nasarawa-state *************************************************** 30 JUN 2025 Court Jails Two for Criminal Activities as EFCC Arraigns One for Internet Fraud in Kaduna Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna, the state capital on Monday, June 30, 2025 convicted and sentenced Sunday Ogbobi and Agu Godwin to jail for criminal activities. The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC prosecuted Ogbobi on one-count charge, bordering on criminal diversion of funds and Godwin on one-count charge of criminal impersonation. The charge against Ogbobi reads: “That you, Sunday Ogbobi on or about the 23rd of January, 2025 in Kaduna State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, while being in the employment of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, dishonestly diverted the total sum of N480,000.00 (Four Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira, only) and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 274 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.” The charge against Godwin reads: “That you, Agu Godwin ( a.k.a Joey Tempest) on or about the 8th of June, 2025 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, impersonated one Joey Tempest (a White Man) via Facebook platform and in such assumed character, deceived unsuspecting members of the public 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.” They pleaded “guilty” to their charge, following which prosecution counsel, M.O Arumemi, prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel, M.K Jonathan and Ochai Godwin pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating their clients have become remorseful of their actions. Justice Bello, thereafter convicted and sentenced Ogbobi to two years imprisonment or to pay N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition he restituted the sum of N480,000.00 (Four Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira), being the proceeds of his crime to Guaranty Trust Bank. The judge convicted and sentenced Godwin to two years imprisonment or to pay N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 13 Pro, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. In a related development, the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Monday, June 30, 2025, arraigned one Pius Ogbaje Onmonya before Justice Bello. He was arraigned on a two-count charge, bordering on criminal impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents. Count one of the charges reads: “That you, Pius Ogbaje Onmonya (a.k.a Cidhant Holinton) (m), between January and June, 2025 Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an offence, to wit: falsely presented yourself as Cidhant Holinton 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 “not guilty”, following which the prosecution counsel, M.E Eimonye asked the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a correctional centre, while the defence counsel, N.C Oche urged the court to admit the defendant to bail. Justice Bello after listening to both counsels, ordered for the remand of the defendant in the custody of Nigeria Correctional Service and adjourned the case till July 3, 2025 for the hearing of bail application. Onmonya was among the suspects arrested in Kaduna Metropolis by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following actionable intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos: court-jails-two-for-criminal-activities-as-efcc-arraigns-one-for-internet-fraud-in-kaduna *************************************** 30 JUN 2025 EFCC Arrests 74 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 74 suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Joyous Hotel, Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences. Items recovered from them include 86 phones, one rifle pistol and three motorcycles. They will be charged to court soon. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-74-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja ****************************************** 27 JUN 2025 Court Jails 14 Chinese for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, June 27, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of 14 Chinese for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The suspects are: Su Zong Gen, Li Zhong Chang, Chen Gui Ping, Li Xiang Long, San Feng Zhang, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi Hao, Liu Chuang, Yu Hai Ging, Zhao Xiao Liang, Dai Li, Tao Kun, Mao Bu Yi and Zhao Zi Cheng. They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged 'Eagle Flush Operation' conducted by EFCC operatives. They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you, Su Zong Gen, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024}”. They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them. However, during Friday’s sitting, they all changed their “not guilty plea” to “guilty.” In view of this, prosecution counsel, T.J Banjo and M.S Owede prayed the court to convict them accordingly. Responding, the defence counsel agreed with the submissions of the prosecution. Thereafter, the judge convicted and sentenced them as charged. All the defendants were sentenced to one year imprisonment, with a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira). The judge also ordered that upon completion of their sentences, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. Justice Osiagor ordered the forfeiture of the items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers: court-jails-14-chinese-for-cyberterrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition Comment: Inquiring minds want to know if all the Nigerian national 419ers, that is to say, the vast majority of all 419ers, are also "willfully causing to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria" as well? And, if so, why aren't they being charged using the same ridiculous boilerplate that is being used for all these recent Durn Furriner cases? ************************************************** 26 JUN 2025 EFCC Inaugurates Integrity Clubs in 57 Lagos Schools In furtherance of its sensitization campaign against corrupt practices, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, inaugurated its Integrity Club outreach programme in 57 public primary schools across the Lagos Mainland Local Government Education Authority, LGEA. Speaking during the inauguration held at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) office in Yaba, Lagos, the acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Ahmed Ghali, charged the students to steer clear of any activity that may jeopardize their future. He said: “You are young and you have a lot of opportunities that can guarantee you a bright future; so, the world is your oyster. “Anywhere you go, your words and deeds must always speak volume about your uncompromising stance against any act that fails the test of integrity. “Let the people see you as disciplined and good role models. Be good children to your parents; always listen to their advice and that of the elders; don’t involve yourself in examination practices or cultism and always condemn bad acts whenever you see them. “As members of this club, your goal is to inculcate and advocate for core moral values in your schools and the society at large. “The future of this country belongs to you. So, the decision you make today will determine the type of society your children will live in. The destiny of generations yet unborn is in your hands; so, do not bungle the opportunity.” Ghali, while sensitizing the students who are mostly upper primary pupils on the functions and activities of the club, lamented the involvement of youths in cybercrime. He, therefore, warned them to always resist the temptation of involving in internet fraud, adding that “People of all ages, ranging from young to old, now involve in internet fraud, stealing, romance scam, hacking, impersonation and so on. But, in most instances, the young make up an overwhelming chunk of the percentage. “You are in your formative age, so I urge you to always try to resist any temptation to be involved in cybercrimes, particularly if you have access to a smart phone or any internet- enabled device. “The internet has a lot of merits and demerits. But I want you to consider making positive use of it, as using it otherwise can be counter-productive “As Red Eaglets, you have to be role models to the other students in your schools, and prioritize activities that can promote the core values of the Club (Integrity, honesty, discipline, responsibility, tolerance and patriotism) in and outside your schools.” He also urged the Head Teachers and Schools’ counsellors to be the eyes and ears of the Commission regarding “this patriotic journey of instilling moral values in the youngsters, who are the future leaders of this country.” Earlier in his welcome address, Hon. Tajudeen Tijani, Education Secretary, Lagos Mainland LGEA, thanked the EFCC for the initiative aimed at steadying the feet of the pupils on a right path. He said: “You should consider yourselves very lucky to be here today. You are more than this in your various schools, but you have been chosen to witness this inauguration of the Integrity Club in your respective schools. “If you don’t have integrity, you can never go far. Don’t do what is bad; always do the right things. Look at your teachers and counsellors, they don’t involve themselves in bad acts or deeds. If you want to be relevant to the communities, you have to have integrity.” Tijani also charged the school managers in attendance to see to the survival of the clubs in their various schools, adding that “if we do not teach them the right values now, there is going to be a problem in the future. The students are innocent; they don’t know anything; they are just like raw materials that you can push here and there. God forbid, if these children imbue wrong concepts from now, Nigeria will have a lot of issues to deal with when they grow older.” The schools where the Integrity Club was launched are: Adekunle Anglican Primary School, Makoko, Lagos; African Church Primary School, Yaba, Lagos; Ago Egba Methodist Primary School, Ebute Meta, Lagos; Ago Ijaye Methodist Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; Ahmadiyya Primary School, Iwaya , Lagos; Aiyetero African Church Primary School, Makoko, Lagos; Akoka Primary School Akoka, Lagos; All Saint Anglican Primary School Yaba, Lagos; Army Children School Yaba, Lagos; A.U.D Primary School, Odunfa, Lagos; A. U. D. Primary School, Osholake, Lagos; Banjo Primary School, Otumara, Lagos and Catholic Girls Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; Others are : Christ Church Primary School, Odunfa , Lagos; Christ Church Primary School Oyingbo, Lagos; Ebenezer Primary School Otumara , Lagos; Ebute Metta Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; Fadeyi Primary School,Lagos; Fazil Omar School Iwaya, Lagos; Herbert Macaulay Primary School ,Yaba, Lagos; Hussey Military Primary School, Yaba, Lagos; Ijero Baptist Primary School, Ebute Metta , Lagos; Ladi Lak Institute Primary School, Yaba , Lagos; Kadara Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; Lagos Street African Church Primary School; L.M.L.G. Primary School, Fadeyi; L.M.L.G Primary School, Ijero Ebute Metta, Lagos; Makoko Anglican Primary School, Makoko, Lagos; Mary W Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; Military Primary School Yaba , Lagos and Morocco Military Primary School Yaba, Lagos. The rest are: MT.Carmel Convent Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; MyHoung Military Primary School, Yaba, Lagos; National Primary School, Abule Ijesa, Lagos; Olimo Memorial Primary School, Onike, Lagos; Oluwole Primary School, Akoka, Lagos; Onayade Community Primary School, Fadeyi, Lagos; Onike Girls Baptist Primary Onike, Lagos; Oruku Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; Otto Primary School, Ebute Metta, Our Lady of Apostles Primary School, Yaba , Lagos; Senator Oluremi Tinubu Model Primary School Onike, Lagos; Salvation Army Primary School, Omo Baba, Lagos; Seventh Day Adventist Primary School, Abule Oja, Lagos Saint Agnes Primary School, Yaba, Lagos; Saint Dominic Catholic Primary School, Yaba, Lagos; Saint Jude Anglican Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; Saint Patrick Catholic Primary School Yaba, Lagos; Saint Paul Catholic Primary School , Ebute Metta, Lagos; Saint Peters' Catholic Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; Talim ul Islam Primary School Yaba , Lagos; The Apostolic Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; The Salvation Army Primary School Freeman, Lagos, U. A. M. C. (Eleja) Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos; Yaba Methodist Primary School, Yaba, Lagos; Modupe Cole Memorial Treatment Home School, Akoka, Lagos and Iponri Olaleye Community Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos. The press release includes photos: efcc-inaugurates-integrity-clubs-in-57-lagos-schools ********************************************** 26 JUN 2025 EFCC Arrests 34 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ekiti Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested thirty-four (34) suspected internet fraudsters. The alleged fraudsters were arrested in the early hours of Monday, June 23, 2025 at Iworoko and Ijado areas of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State following credible intelligence about their suspected fraudulent activities. Items recovered from them include eleven exotic cars, laptops, several mobile phones, incriminating documents among others. They will be charged to court when investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-34-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-ekiti ******************************************* 25 JUN 2025 Kaduna Court Jails Man for Internet Fraud Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 convicted and sentenced one Ezeani Victor Udochukwu to jail for fraud. He was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC a one-count charge, bordering on impersonation. The charge reads: " That you, Ezeani Victor Udochukwu (a.k.a Ann Sandra)(m) between January and June, 2025 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an offence, to wit: falsely presenting yourself as Ann Sandra 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 when it was read to him, following which prosecution counsel M.U Gadaka, prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded the court to temper justice with mercy, stating his client has become remorseful of his actions. Justice Bello, thereafter convicted and sentenced Udochukwu to two years imprisonment or pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone XR, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. The convict was among those arrested by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in Sabo Tasha axis and Post Office Road in Kaduna following actionable intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains a photo: kaduna-court-jails-man-for-internet-fraud ********************************************* 25 JUN 2025 Olukoyede Calls for Enhanced Inter-agency Collaboration against Trans-border Crimes The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has called for enhanced inter-agency collaboration in the fight against transnational crimes among the member states of West and Central African regions as well as adequate capacity building on the part of the personnel involved in the fight against such crimes. He made the call on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at a three-day Regional Basic Training Workshop with the theme, “Strengthening Capacity and Coordination against Transnational Regional Financial Crimes,” organized by Interpol and Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA. Commenting on the spate of crimes in the West and Central African regions and how criminal enterprises are funded, the EFCC boss noted that the security challenges in the regions are fueled by money laundering and illicit financial flows and pointed at a critical need for investment in training and capacity development of personnel in the fight against transnational crimes. He stated that the poorly- regulated mining sector and largely cash-based economies of the West and Central African regions, coupled with increasing popularity of a largely unregulated virtual assets ecosystem have compounded the regions’ vulnerability. “Equally concerning are the evolving dynamics of organised cybercrime across our regions. In Nigeria for instance, recent operations by the EFCC have revealed a notable shift, with an increasing number of syndicates involving foreign nationals, particularly from parts of the Southern Asian Continent. Understanding how these groups work and are able to establish operational cells within our borders and effectively dismantling their global networks of collaborators necessitates a coordinated, multi-agency approach both locally and internationally. “Doing this requires strengthening inter-agency coordination and enhancing the technical capabilities of law enforcement. There is a compelling need for collaboration by law enforcement organizations through intelligence sharing, joint tactical operations and training of the kind that we are having today to build capacity to deal with emerging typologies of cyber-criminality including cryptocurrency fraud and sextortion,” he said. The EFCC Chairman added that through collaboration and coordination, law enforcement agencies can harness collective strength and resources in overcoming new challenges of criminality in the regions. “As the president of NACIWA, my vision is to ensure sustenance of robust partnership by all the anti-corruption agencies in West Africa through training, joint operations and information sharing to make the region unsafe for money laundering and illicit financial flows. The EFCC believes strongly in capacity development and collaboration. The Commission maintains robust relationships with international and local law enforcement organizations,” he said. The Chief Representative of JICA, Susumu Yuzurio stated that JICA was implementing economic and social development projects in cooperation with partner countries around the world in areas of human security and contributing to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. “We are implementing economic and social development projects in cooperation with partner countries around the world, based on our guiding principle of human security. We aim at contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the international common goals to realize a world where no one is left behind,” he said. Yuzurio noted that transnational financial crimes, especially money laundering remained a critical financial flow which posed serious risks to national and regional security, adding that the three day training workshop serves as an avenue to strengthen collective capacity to detect, prevent and disrupt financial crimes through regional cooperation, policy development and practical skills enhancement. “As professionals from financial intelligence units, law enforcement, regulatory agencies, the judiciary, your roles are pivotal. It is your vigilance, expertise and integrity that form the first line of defence against these crimes,” he said. Speaking further on the purpose of the training, Director, Pro Tempore, Interpol Financial Crime and Anti-corruption Centre, IFCACC, Theos Badege, observed that law enforcement agencies can explore key topics such as mapping criminal financial flows, tracing assets, understanding the roles of different agencies, recognizing crime typologies and emerging trends as well as leveraging international cooperation tools, like notices and other databases. He stated that a combination of knowledge and commitment was needed in confronting the challenges. “Knowledge alone is not enough. We need your commitment- not just from the officers participating but from the leadership in this room and beyond, in your respective countries to enable increased and continuous information sharing, inter-agency and cross-border collaboration and sustained follow up actions,” he said. The workshop drew participants from anti-corruption agencies of Ghana, Rwanda, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, and countries in Southern Africa. The press release includes photos: olukoyede-calls-for-enhanced-inter-agency-collaboration-against-trans-border-crimes ****************************************** 23 JUN 2025 Court Jails Six Chinese for Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice Justice D. I. Dipeolu and Justice A. O. Faji of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos has convicted and sentenced six Chinese to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The convicts are: JIA You (a.k.a A. You), Wang Zheng Feng (a.k.a.Feng), Liu San Hua, Chen Wen Yuan, LIU BEIXING, and WEN ZONG XU (a.k.a.LI LONG). They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted by EFCC operatives. They were subsequently arraigned on separate count charges of cyber- terrorism and internet fraud in February, 2025 by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, EFCC. One of the charge reads: “That you LUO JIA YOU (a.k.a A. YOU) sometimes 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 hereby 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 initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. However, during the sitting on Monday, June 23, 2025, they changed their “not guilty plea” to “guilty.” In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, U. S. Kyari and B. M. Isah, respectively, prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Consequently, court convicted and sentenced each of the defendants to one year imprisonment starting from the date of arrest on December 10, 2025, with a fine in the sum of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) each. The judge further ordered that upon completion of their prison sentence, the Comptroller General of Immigration should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. The mobile phones, computers, laptops and routers seized from them at the time of arrest were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of the convicts: court-jails-six-chinese-for-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: Yup, more of those Durn Furriners undermining the government andsocial structure of Nigeria by corrupting angelic locals into 419ers working for a 419 syndicate (sarcasm intended). What of the 500 plus Nigerian national 419ers who were working for this syndicate? Are they guilty of wanting to destroy Nigerian society as well? Are they going to be punished the same as these Durn Furriners who somehow managed to get into Nigeria all by themselves with no Local help and start up a 792 or more member 419 syndicate right under the nose of the Nigerian Government and all the existing Local sydicates? Inquiring minds want to know. ****************************************************** 23 JUN 2025 Alleged N3.4bn, $2,562,203 Cybercrime: EFCC Presents First Witness Against Two Chinese, One Nigerian The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, June 23, 2025, presented its first prosecution witness, PW1, Chidubem Ogbura, a banker with Union Bank Plc, in the trial of Friday Audu, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu over an alleged N3.4bn, $2,562,203 cybercrime before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. They are among the 792 –member syndicates of cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos in a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by EFCC operatives. The defendants, alongside a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., are standing trial on an 11-count charge bordering on cyber-terrorism, internet fraud and money laundering to the tune of N3,407,824,740.78 (Three Billion, Four Hundred and Seven Million, Eight Hundred Twenty-Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira, Seventy Eight kobo), and $2,562,203 (Two Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Three United States Dollars) brought against them by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. One of the counts reads: “That you, Huang Haoyu, a.k.a Ken, Audu Friday, An Hongxu, Duliang Pan (at large) and Genting International Co. Ltd, sometime in 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, conspired to willfully cause 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, with intent to gain a financial advantage for yourselves and cronies, procured and or employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalities, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024) and punishable under Section 18 of the same Act”. At the resumed sitting on Monday, the prosecution presented its first witness, PW1, Chidubem Ogbura, a banker with Union Bank. Led in evidence by the prosecutor, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, Ogbura told the court that he received a letter of investigation from the EFCC on December 16, 2024, requesting the account opening package, statement of account and certification of identification. Ogbura, thereafter, identified the response from Union Bank to the EFCC. He also stated that “The person who signed the certificate of identification is out of the country on another assignment and the bank nominated me to stand in for him.” Buhari-Bala sought to tender the documents, including the Union Bank report on account opening package and statement of account. They were admitted and marked as Exhibit A by the court. Justice Osiagor, thereafter, adjourned the matter till July 4, 2025 for the continuation of trial. alleged-n3-4bn-2-562-203-cybercrime-efcc-presents-first-witness-against-two-chinese-one-nigerian 419 Coalition comment: Are the 500 or so Nigerian 419ers who worked at Genting International going to be charged to court and if so, when? And how did these Chinese employees get into Nigeria and get work permits and all that? Who sponsored them? Who are the owners of Genting International? Where did the monies that came into it get sent and to whom? Inquiring minds want to know all these things. Simple Chinese bashing is not sufficient here, folks. And, since the Governemnt of Nigeria is deperately courting China for investments and business, not very smart either... ************************************************** 23 JUN 2025 Courts Jail 17 Chinese For Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos They were subsequently arraigned on a separate one-count charge of cyber- terrorism and internet fraud in February, 2025. One of the charges reads: “ That you, Yu Hui,( A.K.A A.Bin), Huang Jin Hui, Fei Fan, LU Qiang , HU Xi Zheng, Sun Zhi Peng, WU Hao, Cong Bing, LI Qiang ( A.K.A Yang Huan Huan), Zheng Wei( A.K.A .A Hong) , Cheng Jian, DA Tou, A Wen, Huang Zhi , Zhang Lei. sometime in December, 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, caused to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015.” Another charge reads: “That you, Pan jiong and Chen Wen Yuan, sometime in December, 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, cause to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015.” They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them. However, during Monday’s sitting, they all changed their “not guilty plea” to “guilty.” In view of this, the prosecution counsel, Nneemeka Omewa, U.S Kyari and B. M.Isah, informed the court of the plea bargain entered into by the defendants. Responding, the defence counsel agreed with the submissions of the prosecution and prayed the courts to accept the same. Consequently, Justices Osiagor and Dipeolu convicted and sentenced each of the defendants to one year imprisonment , starting from the date of arrest on December 10, 2025, with a fine in the sum of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira only). The judges directed the Comptroller General of Immigration to ensure that the convicts are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. The judges further ordered that the mobile phones, computers, laptop computers and routers seized from them at the time of arrest be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: courts-jail-17-chinese-for-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: How come it is only these Durn Furriners who work for 419 Syndicates who are charged with the recent boilerplate of "causing to be accessed computer systems used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria" and not any of the Nigerian nationals working there? Aren't the Nigerian nationals doing the same thing? That is, if this deliberate destabilization of Nigeria is indeed a primary goal of the 419 syndicate? Listen readers, 419 Coalition does not know who or what in the Nigerian legal system has penned and authorized this "pass the buck on 419 off on the Durn Furriners" boilerplate that has been showing up repeatedly recently, but the Government of Nigeria needs to knock this stuff off, as everyone knows that it is not true, and sees what you are attempting to do. So quit the finger pointing and simply report the Facts. To do otherwise simply makes you you look silly... *********************************************************** 23 JUN 2025 EFCC Arraigns Five for Fraudulent Internet Activities in Gombe The Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Abulrazak Yusuf, Maxwell Gyang, Amos Samson, Abdulgawiy Jamilu and Abel Dung Davou before Justice Amina A. Muhammad of the Federal High Court, sitting in Gombe, Gombe State. They were arraigned on separate one-count charge, bordering on impersonation and intent to defraud. The charge against Gyang reads: “That you, Maxwell Gyang, sometimes in 2025 at Gombe, Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honorable court with intent to defraud did impersonate, by creating a fake Facebook profile of Anna Katarzyn and Telegram X fake profile of Francesca Macro, using your Tecno Spark 20C mobile phone to defraud foreign nationals of Romania and Poland to wit: Florina Flori, Robert Horis, Floriff Floc by gaining financial advantage to yourself in the total sum of $250 USD (Two hundred and fifty United State Dollar) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2025 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (iv) of the same Act.” Four of the defendants, Yusuf, Gyang, Samson and Jamiu pleaded “guilty” to their charge, while Davou pleaded "not guilty," prompting the prosecution counsel, M.D Aliyu to ask the court to convict and sentence the guilty quartet and a trial date for Davou. His counsel, however, applied for his bail. The judge adjourned till July 2, 2025 for the conviction and sentencing of the guilty four and ordered that they should be remanded in EFCC’s custody, while he adjourned till June 26, 2025 for the hearing of Davou’s bail application and ordered that he should be remanded in Gombe Correctional Centre. The press release contains a photos: efcc-arraigns-five-for-fraudulent-internet-activities-in-gombe ************************************************** 23 JUN 2025 Use the Internet for Positive Things, Olukoyede Charges Students The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged Nigerian students to use the internet for positive ventures and not for fraud. He gave the charge at a one day symposium tagged "Safe Campus for Students: Combating Physical and Digital Threats," organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council, JCC, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma on Friday, June 20, 2025. Olukoyede advised that rather than use the internet for criminal activities that can destabilise the nation's economy, deter foreign direct investment and undermine genuine efforts of the government for economic growth and development, the youth should evolve ideas and perspectives that can birth economic growth and development. The EFCC boss who spoke through the Head of Public Affairs Unit, Benin Zonal Directorate, ACE I Williams Oseghale, regretted that internet fraud has become a pervasive scourge with youths embracing different shades of it to the detriment of their future and the image of the nation and charged the students to be disciplined and shun the allure of quick wealth acquisition because of its grave consequences. "There is no shortcut to wealth and fame. Acts of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term but ultimately there will be misery and gnashing of teeth. We are calling on youths to shun yahoo yahoo as it is not a sustainable way to life," he said. He urged the students to see corruption as an enemy that must be destroyed, adding that "A new insight into the disservice which corruption represents should make youths like you to be willing to become change agents and active foot soldiers against corruption and whistle blowers or intelligence gatherers."Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, Acting Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University in his remarks commended the Commission and other resource persons for their insightful perspectives. He disclosed that the University will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe environment, physically and digitally. According to him, "A safe campus environment is the foundation upon which academic excellence, personal growth and future successes are built. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our institutions are havens of learning, free from physical and digital threats." Ojumoola Miracle Timileyin, NANS JCC Chairman, Ambrose Alli University, expressed gratitude to the EFCC for impacting the students with an insightful presentation. "It was truly an honour to have you with us, and your impact was deeply felt by all participants," he said. The press release contains a photo: use-the-internet-for-positive-things-olukoyede-charges-students **************************************************** 21 JUN 2025 EFCC Urges Students to Shun Negative Use of Internet in Lagos The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has called on students across the country to shun negative use of the internet, stressing that it could be counter -productive and criminal. The call was made in Lagos on Friday, June 20, 2025, at an interactive session with students from the Department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who came on an educational visit to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC. Speaking during the engagement, the Zonal Director, CE Michael Nzekwe encouraged the students to engage in innovative ideas that could draw attention to their crafts. The Zonal Director, who spoke through Head, Public Affairs Directorate, Lagos, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Ayo Oyewole, said “As youths, you must begin to look inward and challenge your creative abilities to bring up ideas, perspectives and drives that can grow the economy.” He also urged the students to support the EFCC in the anti-graft war by shunning every form of internet fraud and corruption. Dr. Ibukun David, a lecturer in the Department, who led the students on the field trip, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and engaging session. He assured the Zonal Director that the students would share their experiences about the EFCC's activities with the public at any given opportunity. The press release contains photos: efcc-urges-students-to-shun-negative-use-of-internet-in-lagos **************************************************** 20 JUN 2025 Three Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Maiduguri Justice K. Dagat of the Federal High Court Maiduguri, Borno State on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 convicted and sentenced the trio of Enoch Adebayo Richard, Samdave Megwah(a.ka.a glorycyberfix) and Abdusalam Hassan to eight years imprisonment each. The defendants were arraigned on two -count separate charges by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the offences of money laundering and impersonation. The charge against Richard reads: “That you, Enoch Adebayo Richard between 2022 and 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of United States of American Dollars denominated Cash App and Gift Cards worth about $4 (Four United States Dollars) from foreign Nationals like: Victor Adrian, Bernard, Stephanie Scott, Melda Sana amongst others, which upon conversion to naira amounted to an aggregate sum of N38,000.00 (Thirty Eight Thousand Naira) paid into your Opay Microfinance Bank Account No. 9015469104, (Enoch Adebayo Richard) being the naira equivalent value for the cash app and gift cards which you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form 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 Megwah reads: “That you, Samdave Megwah(a.k.a glorycyberfix) between 2023 and 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of aggregate sum of $600,00 (Six Hundred United States of American Dollars) into you Access Bank Plc account No. 1444073483 (Samdave Megwah) being the naira equivalent of N900,000,00 (Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) being the value for gift cards, cash app, paypal and bitcoin denominated in United States of American Dollars which sum you fraudulently received and knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form part of proceeds of 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.” While Hassan’s charge reads: “That you, Abdulsalam Hassan between 2023 and 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of aggregate sum of N451,000.00 (Four Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand Naira) into your Guaranty Trust Bank with account No. 0757111917 (Hassan Abdulsalam) being the naira equivalent of the cash app, paypal and gifts cards denominated United States of American Dollars which sum you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form 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.” The defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them by the court. Counsel for the prosecution, Abdulmalik D. Aliyu prayed the court to convict them as charged while defence counsel A.K Hamman, A. Kolo and N.U Kwiza prayed the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing the defendants. Justice Dagat thereafter convicted and sentenced Richards, Megwah and Hassan to four years imprisonment on count one and two with an option of fine of N100,000.00 on each count. The judge further ordered the forfeiture of the monies as well as iPhone 14 pro max, Redmi 13C, IPhone 6 Plus, Dell Desktop, Samsung Galaxy A34 and Samsung Galaxy S to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested in Fori and Mairi Palace, Jere Local Government Area, Borno State following credible intelligence on their fraudulent internet activities. They were charged to court and jailed. The press release conatins photos of the three 419ers: three-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-maiduguri ********************************************** 20 JUN 2025 Court Jails 15 Chinese, 2 Filipinos, 1 Pakistani for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday June 19 and Friday, June 20, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of 15 Chinese, two Filipinos and one Pakistani for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justices Chukwujekwu Aneke, Ayokunle Faji and Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos The suspects are: Peng Li Huan, Zhang Jin Rong, He Kun, Rachelle Cabalona, Caselyn Pionela, Guo Long Long, Zhang Hua Zhai, Lin Hao Bo, Chen Fusheng, Chen Dong Dong, Wang Gong Lin, Pan Cai Yu, Huang Ren Jian, Zhang Xiao Lei, Khurram Shahzad, Chen Yuan, Wu Yong An and Chen Xin. The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you, Caselyn Pionela, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria 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) and Section 2(3)(d) of the Terrorism (Prevention, Prohibition) Act, 2022.” They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Spiff Owede, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, Chinenye Okezie, Ebuka Okongwu, B.M Isah and Nambam Mutfwang respectively prayed the court to convict the defendants and also order the forfeiture all the exhibits recovered from them. The judges found them guilty of the charges and convicted them accordingly. All the convicts were sentenced to one year imprisonment, with a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira). The judge also ordered that upon completion of their sentences, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. The judge also ordered that the items recovered from them be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts are among the 792 suspects arrested by operatives of the EFCC for alleged cyber-terrorism. They were charged to court and jaile The press release has photos of most of the 419ers: court-jails-15-chinese-2-filipinos-1-pakistani-for-cyberterrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: Yet again with the "willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria" boilerplate added to the charges in what we perceive to be an attempt to pass the buck on 419 criminal operations away from Nigerians and Onto these Durn Furriners :) EFCC and Government of Nigeria need to quit doing this, as everyone knows it is not true... 419 has always been, and remains, by definition, a primarily Nigerian dominated crime and Everyone knows that. To try to claim otherwise is ludicrous, and just makes the Government of Nigeria look silly.... no matter how many times it tries it. ****************************************************** 19 JUN 2025 EFCC Arraigns Medical Doctor for Alleged N39.1m Visa Fraud in Port Harcourt The Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, June 19, 2025 arraigned one Dr. Nekabari Dambere Nathan, a Port Harcourt-based medical doctor before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for fraud. Nathan was arraigned alongside his Global Horizons Academy Ltd on a one-count charge, bordering obtaining by false pretence and advance fee fraud to the tune of N N39,157,000,00 (Thirty-nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty-seven Thousand Naira). The charge reads: “That you, Dr. Nekabari Dambere Nathan and Global Horizons Academy Ltd between 8th April, to 12th December 2023 at Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of Thirty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Seven Thousand Naira (N39,157,000,00 only), from Justice Toojah lyieagbu, the Managing Director of Riskout Consults, which was meant for processing of visa for his clients for Canada, Ireland and the United State of America, a pretence you knew to be false and thereby 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.” He pleaded "not guilty" to the charge, following which prosecution counsel, A. Abubakar prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a correctional center, while defence counsel, Friday Otanjah informed the court of his application for the bail of the defendant, praying that the defendant be granted bail on medical grounds to enable him stand his trial. Justice Ajoku, however, adjourned the matter till June 25, 2025 for the hearing of the bail application and remanded the defendant in EFCC’s custody. He further adjourned till November 27, 2025 for commencement of the trial. Nathan was arrested following allegations by the petitioner that sometime in February, 2023, the defendant made a false representation of himself as a professional trainer in care-giving and a travel agent, capable of securing visas and jobs in Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom for Nigerian applicants. The petitioner further alleged that the defendant approached his company Riskout Consults and convinced his students that he can facilitate their trip to any country of their choice and help enrol them in International English Language Testing System, IELTS exam. The students, the petitioner alleged, transferred money to the tune of N39,157,000,00 (Thirty-nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty-seven Thousand Naira) to the defendant, after which the defendant neither secured the visas nor job placements for the victims. He was further alleged to become incommunicado and frustrated all efforts by the victims to recover their money from him. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-medical-doctor-for-alleged-n39-1m-visa-fraud-in-port-harcourt ************************************************* 19 JUN 2025 Kaduna Court Jails Two for Fraudulent Internet Activities Justice R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced Isaac Otaigbe Omonodion and Obinna Daniel to jail for fraud. They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate a one-count charge that border on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence and cybercrime. The charge against Omonodion reads: "That you Isaac Otaigbe Omonodion (a.k.a. Major Hashim), male, sometime in April, 2025 in Bida, Niger State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Major Hashim (a Nigerian military personnel) on Facebook, with the intent to gain advantage to yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (I) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (IV) of the same Act.” That of Daniel reads: "That you, Obinna Daniel (a.k.a. Obinna. Y. Emmette) sometime between January to December, 2024 in Tammah, Nasarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Alex.Y. Emmette on Tiktok (an online social media platform) and in such assumed identity fraudulently obtained of the total sum $500 (Five Hundred United State of America Dollars) only from one Alex Dample 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 (3) of the same Act.” They pleaded "guilty" to their charge when it was read to them, following which the prosecution counsel, M.U.Gadaka urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Aikawa thereafter, convicted and sentenced Omonodion to three years imprisonment or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited a Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Daniel was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition he forfeited iPhone 16 Plus and the sum of $500 (Five Hundred United States Dollars), being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Omonodion was arrested in Bida, Niger State, while Daniel was arrested in Tammah, Nasarawa State. Both arrests followed credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: kaduna-court-jails-two-for-fraudulent-internet-activities ***************************************************** 19 JUN 2025 EFCC Arrests 19 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, arrested 13 suspected internet fraudsters at Atimbo and Lemna Trailer Park areas of Calabar in Cross River State. Six others were earlier arrested on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Idoro in Akwa Ibom State for their alleged involvement in cybercrimes. They were all arrested in different sting operations following actionable intelligence linking them with alleged internet-related fraud. tems recovered from them include: three exotic cars, 31 mobile phones and five laptops. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-19-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-cross-river-and-akwa-ibom-states ***************************************************** 19 JUN 2025 EFCC Arrests Seven Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Thursday, June 19, 2025 arrested seven internet fraudsters in Abuja. They were arrested in the Lifecamp and Kubwa axes of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activitie Items recovered from them include eight high-end automobiles, expensive laptop computers and mobile phones. They will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded. The press releae contains photos: efcc-arrests-seven-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja ************************************************ 18 JUN 2025 "We Will Continue to Ensure Recovered Assets are Used for Public Good" - Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, reiterated the commitment of the Commission to ensuring that recovered assets are used for the good of every Nigerian. He stated this in Kachia, Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State while on an Inspection Visit to the Federal University of Applied Sciences. The University, taken over from a former private Nok University following a court order for its forfeiture, due to illicit funding, is yielded to the government through the efforts of the EFCC and approved for educational use by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Addressing dignitaries, community leaders, and stakeholders at the University's premises, Olukoyede stated that the Commission's Inspection visit to the University's site was a demonstration of transparency and accountability of the administration of President Tinubu, stressing that the EFCC will continue to ensure that recovered assets are not only protected but also utilized for the benefit of the masses. "Good governance is a possibility in Nigeria. The President has provided the leadership. He has given the marching order. Recovered assets will not be allowed to be relooted because Nigerians deserve to enjoy the benefits of recovered proceeds of crime". "It is no longer business as usual. The essence of government and the essence of the fight against corruption is not for us to recover and some people go back and reloot. No! This property has been delivered and given back to the people and we will always ensure that recovered assets are deployed for public good", he said. He expressed gratitude to the President for his foresight and political will in approving the use of the recovered assets for education and development, rather than allowing it to be auctioned or misappropriated. “I want to thank Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for graciously approving that this property be used for the benefit of the people. I also thank Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, for their commitment in making this dream a reality,” he said. Describing the infrastructures availabe at the University as impressive, the EFCC boss urged residents and authorities in Southern Kaduna to take ownership and preserve the facility for future generations. “What we are seeing here is an edifice. Most universities in Nigeria don’t have these kinds of facilities. So, my advice is that we need to take this as our own, protect it, preserve it, so that generations after us will benefit from it,” he said. Applauding the focus of the government, he pointed out that, "under this regime, good governance is a reality. This is part of the result of good governance. We are not just mouthing it; we are showing Nigerians real proofs. This is to confirm that the property has been deployed for the exact purpose the President approved". He further announced that, according to the Vice Chancellor, academic activities will commence in the institution by September 2025 and pledged to return to the University for the formal presentation of the pioneer students. “When they start, I will still come and present to Nigerians the pioneer students. This is the essence of fighting corruption, for the people to take back what has been taken from them,” he said. In a similar vein, Olukoyede pointed to the recent commissioning of projects in Bayelsa State, projects funded from funds recovered by the EFCC for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, as another testament to how anti-corruption outcomes can be positively channeled. “Just yesterday, we went to commission projects in Bayelsa. It's not in our mandate to commission projects but because the project was built from the proceeds of crime recovered for the NDDC, we went there to demonstrate that anti-corruption can work. That’s the benefit of democracy, the people taking back what’s rightfully theirs,” he said. Vice Chancellor of the new University, Professor Barnabas Williams Qurix, praised President Tinubu and the EFCC Chairman for what he termed their historic roles in shaping the institution’s foundation. “The people of Southern Kaduna are grateful. This institution is not just a school, it is a legacy", he said. In his remarks, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, the Senetor representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, lauded the Tinubu administration and the EFCC for what he described as a golden opportunity for the people of Southern Kaduna. “We sincerely appreciate your presence and efforts in making this happened. Your visit today has added reality to what we have been telling our constituents, that this government is ours, and it has finally wiped away the tears of our people,” he said. The press release contains several photos: we-will-continue-to-ensure-recovered-assets-are-used-for-public-good-olukoyede 419 Coalition comment: We indeed believe that recovered monies and assets stolen from the Nigerian people should be returned to the Nigerian people. However, 419ed monies stolen from Nigerian individuals or foreigners should be returned to Them, not to the Nigerian treasury. The victims of 419 crime must be made whole with recovered and repatriated monies as soon as the funds are available. 419 Coalition has no problem, however, with the EFCC and/or the Nigerian Government assessing a 10% or 20% max fee on such recoveries to help funding the EFCC's counter-419er operations, if so authorized by the Nigerian Government. ************************************************ 17 JUN 2025 Court Jails Man for Internet Fraud in Kaduna Justice R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna, Kaduna State has convicted and sentenced one Stephen Adeoti to jail for fraud. He was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a one-count charge, bordering on impersonation and cybercrime. The charge reads: "That you, Stephen Adeoti (a.k.a Anonymous Collective) (M) between January to April, 2025 in Bida, Niger State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Anonymous Collective, on Facebook (an online social media application) with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv)of the same Act.” He pleaded "guilty", following which the prosecution counsel, M.E.Eimonye urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Justice Aikawa convicted and sentenced him to three years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 7, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Adeoti’s road to jail began with his arrest in Bida, Niger State, following credible intelligence that exposed his fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-man-for-internet-fraud-in-kaduna ******************************************* 17 JUN 2025 Kano Court Jails 12 for Multiple Fraud Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kano, Kano State has convicted and sentenced 12 people to jail for multiple fraud. The convicts are: Michael Yakubu, Udo Promise Jonah, Promise Isah Ibrahim, Samuel Odeh, Abdulsamad Muhammad, Agboeze Chibueke Ernest, Ochuba Chigozie, Abu David Eleojo, David Aaron, Chidi Destiny Chidiebere, Collins Noel, and Ola Ajibola. They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on cybercrime, impersonation, retention of proceeds of crime and money laundering. The charge against Yakubu reads: "That you Michael Yakubu (a.k.a Beksolk_official), sometimes in April, 2025 at Nasarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Beksolk_Official (a United States of America citizen) on Instagram (a social media platform) and in such assumed character obtained the sum of $300 (Three Hundred USD) from unsuspecting victims and you 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.” That of Chigozie reads: “That you Ochuba Chigozie, sometime in April, 2025 in Tammah Nasarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained the total sum of $200.00 (Two Hundred 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.” They all pleaded "guilty" to their charge, following which the prosecution counsel, M. Lawal and M.U Gadaka asked the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that their clients have become remorseful of their actions. Justice Shuaibu sentenced Chigozie and Eleojo to five years imprisonment, respectively or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. In addition, Chigozie forfeited an Infinix X68IIB mobile phone and the sum of $200 (Two Hundred Dollars), while Abu forfeited iPhone 14 Promax and the sum of $300 (Three Hundred Dollars). Aaron, Yakubu, Jonah and Odeh were sentenced to five years imprisonment each or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. In addition, Aaron forfeited iPhone II and the sum of $400 (Four Hundred United States Dollars), Yakubu forfeited Oppo A18 mobile phone and the sum of $300.00 (Three Hundred Dollars), Jonah forfeited Samsung Galaxy S21 and the sum of $200.00 (Two Hundred Dollars), while Odeh forfeited Redmi 13C mobile phone and the sum of $30 (Thirty USD). Chidiebere was convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPad Pro II and the sum of $100 (One Hundred United States Dollars). Noel, Ajibola and Ernest were convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment respectively or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. In addition, Noel forfeited iPhone 16 Plus, Ajibola forfeited Infinix Hot 40i mobile phone and the sum of $350.00 (Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars), while Agboeze forfeited an Apple laptop computer, and the sum of $190 (One Hundred and Ninety Dollars). Ibrahim and Muhammad were convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment, respectively or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. Ibrahim forfeited iPhone 12 and the sum of $115 (One Hundred and Fifteen Dollars), while Muhammad forfeited iPhone 16 and the sum of $260. (Two Hundred and Sixty Dollars). All the forfeitures are to the federal government. The convicts were arrested in Nassarawa and Niger State following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers: kano-court-jails-12-for-multiple-fraud ****************************************** 17 JUN 2025 Maiduguri Court Jails Two for Internet Fraud Justice K. Dagat of the Federal High Court Maiduguri, Borno State on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 convicted and sentenced the duo of Samuel Okoro and Lucky Dauda to eight years imprisonment each. The defendants were arraigned on two -count separate charges by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the offences of money laundering and impersonation. The charge against Okoro reads: “That you, Samuel Okoro between 2022 and 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of United States of American Dollars denominated Cash App and Gift Cards worth about $4,000 (Four Thousand United States Dollars) foreign nationals like: Charlotte, Sajid Ali Jaan, Carrie Gurthrie, Ruben Rodriguez amongst others which upon conversion to naira amounted to an aggregate sum of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) only paid into your First Bank Plc account No. 3187995774, Samuel Okoro being the naira equivalent value for cash app and gift cards which you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form part of proceeds of 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 Dauda reads: “That you, Lucky Dauda between 2020 and 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of aggregate sum of $20,615.00 (Twenty Thousand Six Hundred and Fifteen cents United States of American Dollars) into your Guaranty Trust Bank Plc account No. 0165705344 Dauda Lucky, being the value for United States of American dollars denominated cash app, google play, visa, walmart, payPal and gift cards etc. that you fraudulently received which you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form part of proceeds of 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 defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them by the court. Counsel for the prosecution, Abdulmalik D. Aliyu prayed the court to convict them as charged, while defence counsel O. C Nwankwo and A. Musa prayed the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing the defendants. Justice Dagat thereafter convicted and sentenced Okoro and Dauda to four years imprisonment on count one and two with an option of N100,000.00 ( One Hundred Thousand Naira only) on each count. The judge further ordered the forfeiture of the monies they benefited as well as iPhone 15 pro max, Samsung galaxy A34 and Samsung galaxy S to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts’ journey to jail began when they were arrested in Maiduguri following credible intelligence on their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: maiduguri-court-jails-two-for-internet-fraud ******************************************** 16 JUN 2025 Port Harcourt Court Jails Two for Internet Fraud Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday, June 16, 2025 convicted and sentenced one Glory Okwor Ebube and Harrison Uzorchukwu Emmanuel to jail for fraud. They were prosecuted by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate charges, bordering on impersonation, advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretence. The charge against Ebube reads: “That you, Okwor Glory Ebube sometime in February, 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $2000 (Two Thousand United States Dollars) from your victims, through your Telegram account with the identity of Kim Kardashian as a popular influencer and celebrity from the United States of America which pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(2)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.” That of Emmanuel reads: “That you Harrison Emmanuel Uzorchukwu, sometime in March, 2025 at Port Harcourt Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Thousand ($1000) United States Dollars from one Deborah Teaque under the pretence that the sum was for investment in bitcoin which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.” They all pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to them, following which prosecution counsel, N. A. Dodo and M. Abubakar tendered incriminating documents in evidence against them and asked the court to convict and sentence them in line with their pleas, while defence counsel, G. M. Chukwu and Dozie Munakwe prayed the court to temper justice with mercy stating that their clients were first time offenders. Justice Ajoku convicted and sentenced them to 30 months each, in the Port Harcourt Correctional Center or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the federal government. In addition, a Toyota Corolla Camry car, an iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 recovered from the convicts at the scene of arrest were forfeited to the federal government. They also deposed to an affidavit of good behaviour before the court. The convicts’ journey to jail began with their arrest in Port Harcourt in April 2025 following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release includes photos of the 419ers: port-harcourt-court-jails-two-for-internet-fraud ******************************************** 13 JUN 2025 Lagos Court Jails Four Filipinos, Seven Nigerians for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, June 13, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of four Filipinos and seven Nigerians for cyberterrorism and internet fraud before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The Filipino convicts are: Reyna Mae Eriba, Chyna Samonte, Zara Fabian and Dominique Medina, while the Nigerians are: Chidera Ezechukwu, Favour Oluchukwu, Egwenum Ifeanyi, David Okezie, Gbenga Shittu Solomon, Ibraheem Olamilekan and Oghomienor Jotham. They were prosecuted on separate charges bordering on cyberterrorism and internet fraud. Samonte charges reads: “That you, Chynna Samonte, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria 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, Ete) Act, 2015 (As amended 2024) and Section 2(3)(d) of the Terrorism (Prevention, Prohibition) Act, 2022.” That of Ezechukwu reads: “That you, Chidera Ezechukwu, sometime in May 2025 at Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, did retain the sum of N12,750,318.63 (Twelve Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Three Hundred and Eighteen Million, million, Sixty-three Kobo) in your UBA account with account number 2330149541, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful act to wit: engaging in online dating scam and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 as amended and punishable under section 14(2) of the same Act.” They pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them following which prosecution counsel, Anita Imo, S.I.Suleiman, H.U. Kofarnaisa and B.M. Isah asked the court to convict and sentence them accordingly and for all items recovered from them to be forfeited to the federal government. Justice Bogoro convicted and sentenced Eriba, Samonte, Fabian and Medina to one year imprisonment each or to pay N1,000,000.00(One Million Naira) fine, respectively. In addition, he ordered the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS to ensure their deportation to their country of origin within seven days of their completion of their sentences. Gbenga bagged one year jail term or to pay the sum of N700,000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, while Jotham, Olalekan, Ezechukwu, David, Ifeanyi and Oluchukwu were sentenced to one year imprisonment, each or to pay the sum of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. In addition, the judge ruled that all items recovered from the convicts, including cars, communication devices and money be forfeited to the federal government. The press release contains photos of the convicts: lagos-court-jails-four-filipinos-seven-nigerians-for-cyberterrorism-internet-fraud 419 Coalition Comment: Yet again with the criminals 419ing to "willfully cause{d} to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria". This letely is a boilerplate phrase used by some Nigerian courts in 419 matters in which non-Nigerians are among the criminals. The Government of Nigeria needs to stop doing this, as it is a blatantly false assertion. 419 criminals are in it mainly for the easy money. They don't give a hoot about the Nigerian economic or social structure one way or another. The Filipinos in this press release, for example, are simply criminals along with their Nigerian colleagues, not some kind of purposeful society destroying demons. And then, there is the question of who are the Ogas in this particular 419 operation, Nigerian nationals or the Filipinos? Who brought the Filipinos to Nigeria in the first place? And for what? Inquiring minds want to know.... *************************************************** 13 JUN 2025 EFCC Secures Conviction of Nine Internet Fraudsters in Awka The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of nine internet fraudsters before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State on offences bordering on cybercrimes. The convicts are; Daniel Okochukwu Okoh, Onwe Chidera Solomon, Hyacinth Chinedu Ani, Malachy Makuochi Adonu, Udeh Collins Chidimma, Ukoro Victor Somto, Ezekiel Valentine Chidubem, Ugwuanyi Kingsley Chinwetalu and Obi Ezeanyim Eric Ifesinachi. While Chidimma and Adonu were prosecuted on two-count separate charges, the remaining convicts were prosecuted on one-count separate charges, all bordering on identity theft and fraudulent personation. The charge against Somto reads; “That you, Ukoro Victor Somto “Male” (21 years), sometime in 2025, in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, with fraudulent intent, did impersonate Carly Kuiken, A female foreigner and actress based in the United States of America, through a telegram account via your Samsung S10e, with intent to obtain money from unsuspecting nationals and in order to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 (as amended) and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act”. The charge against Okoh reads; “That you, Daniel Okochukwu Okoh, sometime in May, 2025 in Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated by misrepresenting yourself in a fake Instagram account with the username Igorbest 2023, where youpresented yourself as a Russian who lives in Australia while chatting with one Lubov Bustova, a Russian lady, through fake Instagram account by means of your infinix i40 with IMEI No352329941328186 phone, with the intent to gain advantage from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015”. They all pleaded “guilty” when their charges were read to them. In view of their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Rotimi Ajobiewe prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, the defence counsel; B. C. Okeke, Wisdom Ogbonna, C. M. Okafor and James Nwatarali prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that the convicts were remorseful. Justice Anyadike thereafter convicted and sentenced the convicts as follows; Ani, Chinwetalu and Solomon were sentenced to six months imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N50, 000. 00 (Fifty Thousand Naira); Adonu was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira); Okoh was sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira). He was also given two weeks Community Service; Chidimma was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with an option of fine of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) on count 1 and 18 months imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) on count two; While Somto bagged six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira), Ifesinachi was sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N100, 000. 00 and Chidubem bagged 18 months imprisonment with an option of fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition to their sentences, Justice Anyadike ordered Ani, Ezekiel, Collins and Okoh to forfeit their proceeds of crime which include phones and laptops to the Federal Government. The convicts were part of the 51 suspected internet fraudsters arrested on May 2, 2025 at Premier Layout, Enugu State, following actionable intelligence received, linking them to cybercrime activities. In a related development, Justice Anyadike has remanded one Okafor Sunday Chikwado at the Nigeria Correctional Service in Awka for operating a Bureau De Change business without a license from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Chikwado was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on operating a Bureau De Change business without a license, failure to make declarations in the Declaration of Asset Form and failure to comply with the lawful enquiry made by an authorized officer of the Commission. Count one of the charge against him reads; “That you Okafor Sunday Chikwado, trading under the name and style Asia Big Name Enterprise Heritage sometime in May 2025 at Onitsha, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, carried on business of other financial institution in Nigeria (Bureau De Change) without a license from the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 57 (1) of the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2010 and punishable under the same Section of the Act”. The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him. In view of his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Ajobiewe prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Facility in Awka. Justice Anyadike thereafter adjourned the matter to July 15, 2025 for hearing of bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Facility, Awka. The press release contains photos of all the convicts: efcc-secures-conviction-of-nine-internet-fraudsters-in-awka *************************************************** 11 JUN 2025 EFCC Arrests 11 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters in the state. They were arrested in Mahuta and Barnawa areas of the state capital following credible information that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include a black-coloured Mercedes Benz C300, 14 mobile phones, two laptop computers, an iPad, two mifi, one JBL speaker and one zealot speaker. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-11-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna ************************************************* 10 JUN 2025 Court Jails Nine Chinese for Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice D. E. Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos has convicted and sentenced nine Chinese to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The convicts are: LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang and Du Ji Feng. They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted by EFCC operatives. They were subsequently arraigned on one –count separate charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud in February, 2025 by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos. The charge reads: “That you, LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang and Du Ji Feng, sometime in December, 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: cause to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015.” They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. However, during the sitting on Thursday, June 5, 2025, they changed their “not guilty plea” to “guilty.” In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Responding, the defence counsel agreed with the submission of the prosecution and prayed the court to accept the same. Consequently, Justice Osiagor convicted and sentenced each of the defendants to one year imprisonment starting from the date of arrest on December 10, 2025, with a fine in the sum of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) each. The Judge further ordered that upon completion of their prison sentence, the Comptroller General of Immigration should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. The mobile phones, computers, laptops and routers seized from them at the time of arrest were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers: court-jails-nine-chinese-for-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos ******************************************************* 5 JUN 2025 Edo Courts Sentence 34 Internet Fraudsters to Jail Justices A.N. Erhabor and W. I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Courts sitting in Benin City, between May 29 and June 4, 2025 convicted and sentenced 34 internet fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicts are; Ogbeide Osayande Bright, George Micheal, Asazobro Kindness, Asamonye Davis Chibudion, Efosa Imasuen, Fortune Innocent, Owah Eloho, Osifo Bright, Oselunosen Ojeh Oziegbe,, Igbinogie Esemude Eloghosa, Abijade Jeffery, Godwin Osayowanbor, Okon Bassey Benjamin, Owie Success Etinosa, Emmanuel Chinedu Ariwa, Ogbonna Precious, Agboniroho Promise, Ogbonna Michael, Sunday Onyekachi, Igbinogie Esenuede Amos, Favour Abdul, Efe Louis Ediyeri.Others are: Benson Odion Kelly, Benson Ovbokhan Kelly, Oliver Collins Chijoke, Odia Aisosa, Arinze Michael, Brainson Joseph Bassey, Paul Eghosa Oreavbiere, Marvelous Imasuen, Adams Maxwell Eloghosa, Omorodion Ayomide, Owenaze Efe Wealth and Nathaniel Ihaza. They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission on a one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Bright reads: "That you Ogbeide Osayande Bright (m) on or about the 15th of May, 2025 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, I.K Agwai, K.Y Bello, Ibrahim Al-Amin, M.S Dahiru, Salihu Ahmed, Bala Rabah and Faisal Ibrahim 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 they have become remorseful for their actions.Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Ogbeide Osayabde Bright, George Micheal, Asazobro Kindness, Igbinogie Esemude Eloghosa, Abijade Jeffery, Godwin Osayowonbo, Okon Bassey Benjamin, Owie success Etinosa, Emmanuel Chinedu Ariwa, Ogbonna Precious, Agboniroho Promise, Benson Ovbokhan Kelly, Ogbonna Michael, Sunday Onyekachi, Igbinogie Esenuede Amos, Efe Louis Ediyeri, Benson Odion Kelly, Oliver Collins, Arinze Michael, Brainson Joseph Bassey, Paul Eghosa Oreavbiere, Marvelous Imasuen, Adam’s Maxwell Eloghosa, Omorodion Ayomide, Owenaze Efe Wealth and Nathaniel Ihaza to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Asamonye Davis Chibudion, Efosa Imasuen, Fortune Innocent, Owah Eloho, Osifo Bright, Oselunosen Ojeh Oziegbe, Favour Abdul, and Odia Aisosa to two years imprisonment each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones, computers and money found in their respective bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. They were subsequently charged to court and jailed. The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers: Edo Courts Sentence 34 Internet Fraudsters to Jail ********************************************* 4 JUN 2025 Makurdi Courts Jail 21 Internet Fraudsters Justices. A. Ikpambese, T.A.Igoche, W.I.Kpocho and T.A.Kume of the Benue State High court sitting in Makurdi have jailed twenty one( 21) internet fraudsters to various jail terms. They were jailed on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering on internet- related offences upon being arraigned by the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on June 4, 2025. The convicts are: Mohammed Hameed Jimoh, Henry Temitope Abosede, Alonge Boluwatife Adebiyi, Micheal Ayomide Emmanuel, AbdulKareem Murtala Abiodun, Ayedele Israel, Oladele Temitope Peace, Dennis Chijoke Raphael, Chisom Evans Okonkwo, Micheal Faith Damilola, Oguntoye Elijah Timilehin, Hezekiah Ayomide Owoeye, Happiness Opeyemi Atolagbe, Ismail Abidemi Abdulwakil, Micheal Nanakaa and Dominic Felix. Others are: Jamiu Abdulwakil Muhammed, Nasirudeen Babatunde, Olarewaju Mohammed Adeshina, Hannah Yakubu and Oludare Fatilewa Samson. The charge against Dominic Felix reads: "That you, Dominic Felix " M" sometime between 1st January 2025 and 14th May 2025 in Makurdi Benue State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession a document containing false pretence to wit, fictitious gmail account nikitakuzmanagement 92@gmail.com and diplomdticshippingcompany44@gmail.com with profile name "Nikata" a dancer from United States of America and you 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." Charges against Chisom Evans Okonkwo reads: "that you Chisom Evans Okonkwo sometime in the year 2024 and 2025 in Makurdi, Benue State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did commit an offence to wit: cheating by personation, wherein you falsely presented yourself as one Chad Kroeger, a musician from the United States of America vide instagram and facebook accounts in such a fake identity cheated one Cynthia Spivey and Marry a citizen of America the sum of N3,610,000 ( Three Million Six Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira) the amount which was converted to naira and sent to your Opay account number 91599611323 and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 323 of the Penal Code (CAP124) BNSL 2 of 1976 and punishable under Section 323of the same Law." All the defendants pleaded "guilty" when the charges were read to them, prompting EFCC counsel to pray the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly. Jimoh, Abosede, Adebiyi, Emmanuel, Israel, Peace, Raphael, Babatunde, Okonkwo, Adeshina, Samson, Damilola, Elijah, Atolagbe, Abdulwakil, Timilehin and Hannah were convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment or an option of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each. Felix bagged two years in jail or N100, 000 One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine Abiodun and Israel bagged two years imprisonment or an option of N100,000.00( One Hundred Thousand Naira) as fine each while Muhammed was convicted and sentenced to one and half years ( 18) months with an option of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. The judges ordered that all the convicts forfeit their laptops computers, phones and sums of money in their bank accounts to the federal government. The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested by operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the EFCC for internet offences. They were charged to court and jailed. The press release contains photos of most of the 419ers: makurdi-courts-jail-21-internet-fraudsters ****************************************** 4 JUN 2025 Lagos Courts Jail Two Internet Fraudsters The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of two internet fraudsters, AbdulAfeez Oluyide Olaitan and Agbo Victor Ikechukwu, before Justices Yellim Bogoro and Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. They were arraigned on one-count separate charges of fraudulently impersonating foreign nationals. One of the charges reads: “That you, ABDULAFEEZ OLUYIDE OLAITAN (AKA TERRY GRIFFIN), sometime in 2025, at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself, did fraudulently impersonated one "Terry Griffin", a white male Asian from Japan, by holding yourself out as such to unsuspecting victims via a fraudulent profile on Facebook mobile application 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.” They each pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, C.C.Okezie and B.M.Isah, tendered the defendants’ extrajudicial statements, fraudulent documents printed from their devices and the restitution made by Olaitan. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. While Justice Bogoro convicted and sentenced Olaitan to one year imprisonment, with an option of fine in the sum of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), Justice Dipeolu sentenced Agbo to three months imprisonment, with an option of fine of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). The devices, the N300,000 restitution, and a Bitcoin wallet valued at $2,600 recovered from Olaitan were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts were arrested for internet fraud. They were thereafter charged to court and jailed. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: lagos-courts-jail-two-internet-fraudsters **************************************** 4 JUN 2025 EFCC Arrests Three for Alleged Internet Fraud in Uyo Three alleged internet fraudsters are currently being held at the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate. The all-male suspects were arrested on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, during an early morning sting operation at Mbierebe, Stadium Road, Akpasak Estate, and Oron Road, all in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Items recovered from them include: 4 mobile phones, a desktop computer, a laptop and 2 cars. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-three-for-alleged-internet-fraud-in-uyo ************************************************** 3 JUN 2025 Lagos Court Jails Eight Filipinos for Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, convicted and sentenced eight Filipinos to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The convicts are: Beverlyn Casino, Mae Eribal, Mary Grace Dela Cruz, Jamal Polea, Tricia Castro, Rai Camara, Cherry De Leon and Danica Jarapan They were arraigned on Tuesday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate charges of possession of fraudulent documents. One of the counts reads: “That you, Beverlyn Casino sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria 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) and Section 2(3)(d) of the Terrorism (Prevention, Prohibition) Act, 2022.” They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, N.K. Ukoha, prayed the court to convict the defendants as charged. Justice Owoeye convicted and sentenced the defendants to one year imprisonment each, with a fine of N1,000,000.00( One Million Naira). The Judge also ordered the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, to ensure that the convicts are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days upon completion of their sentences. The devices recovered from the defendants were also ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. They are among the 792 suspects rounded up in December 2024 in Victoria Island, Lagos. They were charged to court and jailed. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: lagos-court-jails-eight-filipinos-for-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud 419 Coalition comment: Here we go again with how the 419ers "willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria". This is malarkey. All 419ers are primarly motivated by Greed and making easy money by criminal means. In general, 419ers don't waste any worries on whether they "seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria" or not; they just want to be left alone to operate profitably and spend or invest their ill gotten gains any way they like. The Nigerian Government needs to knock off all this recent "willful destabization of Nigeria" stuff which is recently being used when non-Nigerians are utilized in 419 operations. It's simply not true, and it makes the Nigerian Government look bad by repeatedly repeating this falsehood... Sorry, Nigerian Government, but the state and stability of your society, good or bad, is primarly dependent on your Own nationals... Period. **************************************************** 3 JUN 2025 EFCC Arrests Nine Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Directorate have arrested nine suspected internet fraudsters in Sabo area of the state capital. The suspects were arrested on Monday, June 2, 2025 following actionable intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include nine iPhones, 17 android phones, four power banks, three necklaces, two bangles and one headphone. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-nine-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna ******************************************** 2 JUN 2025 Court Jails Man One Year for Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 30, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Adenuga Elijah to one year imprisonment for internet fraud. He was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge bordering on impersonation and cybercrimes. The count reads: “That you, ADENUGA ELIJAH OLUWADAMILARE, (Male) on the 12th day of November, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held out yourself on GOOGLE as Pearl Xavier, with intention to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of the Cybercrimes (prohibition etc) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2015.” He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him. Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, Abdulhamid L.Tukur, called on Adams Adze, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the matter. Adze told the court that the defendant was arrested sometime in November, 2024, following credible intelligence received by the Commission on the activities of a syndicate of internet fraudsters operating in the Lekki area of Lagos State. He also stated that an iPhone 12 Pro Max and HP laptop computer 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 was printed out from his phone. In his statement, he confessed he was into a dating scam and that he had benefited the sum of $200 (Two Hundred United States Dollars),” he further told the court. Continuing, Adze informed the court that the defendant had made restitution of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) via a bank draft. Tukur, thereafter, sought to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s extrajudicial statements, iPhone, HP laptop computer and forensic investigation document print out. They were admitted as exhibits by the court. The defendant prayed the court for leniency, adding , “I have started a business and also registered in a polytechnic to further my education”, Justice Bogoro convicted and sentenced the defendant to one year imprisonment, with an option of fine of N200,000( Two Hundred Thousand Naira). The Judge also ordered that the bank draft, mobile phone and HP Laptop be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convict bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested for internet fraud. He was thereafter charged to court and convicted. The press release contains a photo of the 419er court-jails-man-one-year-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ******************************************** 30 MAY 2025 Internet Fraudster Jailed in Uyo Justice Maurine Adaobi of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo has convicted and sentenced Elijah Okwa Etenrulimre to three months imprisonment for offences bordering on criminal impersonation on the cyberspace. Etenrulimere was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Thursday May 29, 2025, on a one count criminal charge for his illicit activities on the internet. The charge against Etenrulimre reads; “That you, Elijah Okwa Etenrulimre (aka Kaley Couco), sometime in 2024, in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently present yourself as Kaley Couco on social media 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, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024 and punishable under the same Section.” When the charge was read to him, he pleaded 'guilty'. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Enobong Ubokudom prayed the court to convict the defendant and sentence him in accordance with the provisions of the law. But the defence counsel, Samson Awuje, pleaded for leniency and urged the court to temper justice with mercy and give the defendant a second chance on the grounds that he was remorseful and had promised not to return to crime. After listening to both counsel, Justice Adaobi convicted and sentenced Etenrulimre to three months jail term to run from the date of his arrest and custody, or pay a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000). The convict was arrested at his residence in Okuku, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, on May 5, 2025, by a team of operatives during a sting operation. He was found to be involved in internet fraud, He was thereafter arraigned and convicted. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: internet-fraudster-jailed-in-uyo ************************************* 30 MAY 2025 EFCC Gombe Secures Conviction Of 20 Internet Fraudsters The Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of twenty internet fraudsters. The convicts are: Pius Daniel Damba, Amachon Solomon Ajiduku, Ephraim Ammam, Clement Daniel, Victor Ale, Abdul Rahman Bashir, Gimba Magaji, Caleb Ephesian, Kenneth Justine Chinemeren, Ruboh Danjuma Zogimba, Emmanuel Gangana Burba, Kingsley Adashi Adeh, Rechard Unah Ojor Others are: Motiyedi Dore, Godwin David Haruna, Henry Abraham, Mashi Ambrose, Ambition Zare Boniface, Joshua Mark Asose, and Tonga Samuel. They were arraigned on charges bordering on impersonation, intent to defraud and cheating before Justices Aminu Gaba, MA Sambo and Nuhu S. Adi of the Federal and High Courts of Bauchi and Taraba States respectively by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the EFCC between May 26 and May 30, 2025. The charge against Richard Unah Ojor reads: that you Richard Unah Ojor sometimes in 2025 being a Nigerian Citizen living in Bauchi, Bauchi State within the Jurisdiction of this honourable court , knowingly created a ( X account formally Twitter) using your mobile iPhone 14 Pro, with IMEI Number 35213021831333 , with which you fraudulently presented yourself as a Swedish National viz: "Pastella" also known as "Nathalie Henry" a representation which you knew to be false and in the processes engaged one John GG to send you money in form of gift worth $650 USD which you converted and receipt an equivalent into your local currency OPAY Account Number 906939147 and thereby committed an offence of cheating by impersonation , an offence punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, MD Aliyu, AB Kware, S.E Okemini and JD Tortema to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, but counsels to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first-time offenders who are remorseful of their actions. Having listened to the prosecution and defence counsel, Justice Garba of the Federal High Court Bauchi convicted and sentenced, Damba, Ajiduku, Amman, Daniel, Ale, Bashir, Magaji, Ephesion, Chiemeren, Zogimba, Burba. and Adeh to eight months imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each. Justice Sambo of the Bauchi State High court convicted and sentenced Ojor to eighteen months imprisonment or a fine of N150,000( One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). In Taraba State, Justice Adi of the State High Court sitting in Jalingo convicted and sentenced Samuel, Abrahim and Ambrose to six months imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira ) each. Asose, Boniface, Haruna and Dore bagged three months imprisonment with an option of One Hundred Thousand Naira each. The Judges ruled that the convicts restitute the victims of crime and forfeit laptops and mobile phones, being instruments of crimes, to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts' journey to the Nigerian Correctional Service began when the Commission received petitions from some concerned Nigerians regarding their nefarious activities. They were arrested, arraigned and convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: efcc-gombe-secures-conviction-of-20-internet-fraudsters ********************************************* 30 MAY 2025 Lagos Courts Jail 15 Foreigners for Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of 11 Filipinos, two Chinese, one Malaysian and one Indonesian to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justices Yellim Bogoro and A. O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The convicts were arraigned on Friday, May 30, 2025, on separate charges bordering on possession of fraudulent documents. The convicts are: Winnie De Jesus, Kayceelynn Remorin, Irish Chna, Darwisa Esmael, Kimberly Nisperos, Savien Cire Renovilla, Zeng Zerong and Guo Bin, Others are: Jessa Sanchi, Jhena Sarmiento, Rain Torida, Rex Jose Dilag (aka Madison), Tan Soon Kar, Fernando Fu Fang and Beverlyin Gumayo (aka Veb Sumayo.) One of the counts reads: "That you, WINNIE DE JESUS & 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 and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria 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) and Section 2(3) (d) of the Terrorism (Prevention, Prohibition) Act, 2022". Another count reads: “That you, KAYCEELYN REMORIN 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 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 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024)". They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them. In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, N.K.Ukoha, T.J.Banjo and N.C. Mutfwang, respectively, requested that the defendants be convicted as charged. The Judges, consequently, convicted and sentenced the defendants to one year imprisonment each, with a fine of N1,000,000.00( One Million Naira). The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, was ordered to ensure that the convicts are repatriated to their countries of origin within seven days upon completion of their sentences. The Judges also ordered that the devices recovered from the convicts be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: lagos-courts-jail-15-foreigners-for-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud 419 Coalition comment: The pres release says: "One of the counts reads: "That you, WINNIE DE JESUS & 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 and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria..." That's a bit of overreach. 419ers in general don't give a damn about the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria one way or another. They primarily want to make money, and are motivated by and organized for that purpose. ************************************************** 30 MAY 2025 Kano Court Jails 29 for Internet Fraud Justice S.M Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kano has convicted and sentenced 29 internet fraudsters to jail. The convicts are: Prosper Godfrey, Igwe Ebenezer Chiwendu, Bolodeoku Daniel, Nduka Samuel Uche, Isaac Omeiza, Obasi Solomon Chimerie,ThankGod Adeniyi, Obasi Joshua Mmaduabuchi, Emmanuel Eyo, Dominion Elejo Jeremiah, John Godswill Amedu, Daniel Olusegun Ajibola, Abdulwaris Animasahun and Okechukwu Kingsley Ejim. Others are: Omojuyigbe Ifeoluwa Simon, Jeremiah Odey, Joseph Gideon, Achor Joseph, Bala Meshack, Bawa Abubakar, David Ajibola Damilola, Tijani Tobi Emmanuel, Abdulquadri Animasahun, Arinze Daniel Nwachukwu, Arinze Orajiuka, James Peter Ayemoba, Hassan Abraham Adamu, Moses Friday and Bernard Joseph Imalegwu. They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a separate one-count charge each, barring Ejim who faced a two-count charge. All the offences border on impersonation, cybercrime, retention of proceeds of crime and money laundering. The charge against Prosper reads: "That you Prosper Godfrey (a.k.a Goodlife001), male, sometime in April, 2025 in Nassarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated Goodlife001 via a fake Facebook account with intent to gain advantage for yoursel from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committted 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. That of Chiwendu reads: "That you Igwe Ebenezer Chiwendu, sometime in March, 2025 in Nassarwa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained the total sum of $500.00 (Five Hundred United States Dollars) which you knew formed 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, following which prosecution counsel M.U Gadaka and M. Lawal prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Shuaibu convicted and sentenced Chiwendu to four years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited a Samsung Galaxy A34 5G mobile phone, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $500 (Five Hundred Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Ejim was convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment or to pay N250,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 12 Promax, being the tool of his crime and the sums of $100 USD (One Hundred United States Dollars) and N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Simon was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 16 Promax, being the tool of his crime, a motorcycle and the sum of $320 (Three Hundred and Twenty United States Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Odey was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 13 Promax and two Airtel Routers, being the tools of his crime, and the sum of £140 (One Hundred and Forty British Pounds), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Daniel was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 14 Pro max, being the tool of his crime and the sums of $115 dollars (One Hundred and Fifteen Dollars) and N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Gideon, Joseph and Meshack were convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment, each or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira ) fine, respectively. In addition, Gideon forfeited iPhone 12 pro max, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $65 (Sixty-five United States Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Joseph forfeited iPhone XR, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $100 (One Hundred USD), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government, while Meshack forfeited iPhone 12, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $100 (One Hundred USD), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Abubakar, Animasahun, Damilola and Emmanuel were convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment, each or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) respectively, each. In addition, Abubakar forfeited iPhone 14 pro and Redmi 13C, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $200 (Two Hundred United States Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Damilola forfeited Infinix Smart 7HD, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Emmanuel forfeited iPhone 13 Pro, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $100 (One Hundred USD), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Animasahun forfeited iPhone 14 Pro, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Nwachukwu, Abdulwaris Animasahun, Orajiuka and Ayemoba were convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand) fine, respectively. In addition, Nwachukwu forfeited iPhone 16, being the tool of his crime and the sums of $90 (Ninety Dollars) and N280,000.00 (Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand, being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Abdulwaris Animasahun forfeited iPhone 15 Pro Max, being the tool of his crime and the sum of N401,000.00 (Four Hundred and One Thousand Naira), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Orajiuka forfeited iPhone 14 Pro max, being the tool of his crime and the sum of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Ayemoba forfeited a Samsung Galaxy and the sum of $100 (One Hundred USD), being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Godfrey, Imalegwu, Friday and Adamu were convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment, each or to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. Godfrey forfeited a Redmi 13C, iPhone 14 Pro max and Tecno BD4H, being the tools of his crime and the sum of $70 (Seventy United States Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Imalegwu forfeited Techno Pop 7pro and the sum of $100 (One Hundred USD), being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Friday forfeited iPhone 11 Pro and HP laptop computers, being the tools of his crime to the federal government. Adamu forfeited Samsung Galaxy S22 and the sums of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and $60.00 (Sixty USD), being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Ajibola, Amedu, Jeremiah, Eyo, Mmaduabuchi, Adeniyi, Chiemerie, Omeiza and Uche were convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment, each or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. In addition, Ajibola forfeited iPhone 14 Pro Max and the sum of $300 (Three Hundred USD), being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Amedu forfeited Tecno Camon, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Jeremiah forfeited Samsung Note 10 Plus, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Emmanuel forfeited Samsung S21 and the sum of $100 (One Hundred USD), being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Mmaduabuchi forfeited Redmi 12, Adeniyi forfeit iPhone XR, being the tools of their crime to the federal government. Chiemerie forfeited Itel 2163N and the sum of N45,000 (Four Five Thousand Naira), being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Omeiza forfeited iPhone 14 Pro Max and the sum of $150 (One Hundred and Fifty USD), being the tools and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Uche forfeited the sum of $120.00 (One Hundred and Twenty USD), being the proceeds of his crime to the federal government. The press release contains photos of some of the 419er: kano-court-jails-29-for-internet-fraud **************************************** 30 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests 43 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Nasarawa Officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, May 30, 2025, arrested 43 suspected internet fraudsters in Toto, Nasarawa State. Their arrest followed actionable intelligence which linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include five motorcycles, 64 mobile phones, four laptop computers and an iPad. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-43-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-nasarawa ***********************************************8 29 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests 30 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abia State, Five in Kano Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday May 29, 2025, arrested 30 suspected internet fraudsters at Ariam and Ubakala in Abia State. The intelligence-driven sting operation led to the arrest of the 30 suspected fraudsters. Items recovered from them include four cars, one iPad, three laptop computers, one sound system, forty two phones and one external hard drive. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. In a related development, operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission equally arrested five suspected cyber criminals in Kano The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 during a sting operation at Farm Centre, Kano following actionable intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet fraud and related financial crimes. The suspects were arrested alongside their mobile phones. They will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-30-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abia-state-five-in-kano *********************************************** 29 MAY 2025 Maiduguri Court Jails Two for Internet Fraud Justice H. Dagat of the Federal High Court sitting in Maiduguri, Borno State on Thursday, May 29, 2025 convicted and sentenced two internet fraudsters to various jail terms The convicts; Ijudigal Saleh and Ishaku John Aliyu were arraigned on Thursday, May 29, 2025 by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two- count separate charge bordering on money laundering and impersonation. The charge against Saleh reads: “That you Ijudigal Saleh between 2021 and 2022 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of an aggregate sum of $2,000,00 (Two Thousand United States of American Dollars) into your Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. Account No. 0215053885 with an account name Ijudigal Saleh being the Naira equivalent of N2, 500,000.00 (Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) being the naira equivalent value of the cash App, Gift Cards, Paypal, lottery Scams denominated in United States of American Dollars 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: falsely representing yourself by using pseudo names such as Daniella Lam Dave Suyer amongst others to unsuspecting foreign nationals amongst who are Dennis, Cynthiana and Gonzalez Citizens of United States of America 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 charge against Aliyu reads: “That you Ishaku John Aliyu between 2031 and 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of an aggregate sum of $175 worth of gift card and cash app from lottery scam and trade cards to an online Chinese Vendor and got credited Naira equivalent of (Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira) only into your Pampay Microfinance Bank Limited with an account No. 8083148081 with an account name Ishaku John Aliyu being the naira equivalent value of the cash app, gift cards, lottery scams denominated in United States of American Dollars which sum you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form 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.” The defendants pleaded guilty to their separate charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel Abdulmalik D. Aliyu prayed the court to convict them accordingly. Justice Dagat thereafter convicted and sentenced Saleh to two years imprisonment on count one and two with an option of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira). Aliyu was sentenced to a term of four years imprisonment on count one and two with an option of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira). The judge further ordered the forfeiture of accessories and monies recovered during investigation from the convicts to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts were arrested and jailed for defrauding unsuspecting members of the public, especially United States of American citizens. The press release contains photos of the 419ers maiduguri-court-jails-two-for-internet-fraud *********************************************** 29 MAY 2025 Courts in Benin City Jail 32 Internet Fraudsters The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction and sentence of 32 internet fraudsters before Justices A.N. Erhabor and W. I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Courts, sitting in Benin City. The convicts are: Amos Adievugwhare, Kelvin Osakpamwan, Isaac Kelvin, Obanuso Elliot, Ndubisi Emmanuel, Danjuma Godwin, Abraham Abisere, Enang Shedrack, Wiliki Bright, David Dagul, Imooa Michael, Targema Solomon, Henry Davou, Akinluyi Ayoola Cornelinus, Ifeanyi Nelson Pius and Torkula Henry Luper. Others are: Yahaya Jibrin, Monday Atekha Destiny, Sodiq Ahmad, Anthony Gabriel Onuche, Anyaler Udoka, Seun Ibeg, Dallah Osikadi, Ediwin Asemota, Igbo Aondona, Iyobosa Okoro, Osayande Bright, Isiguzo Chidi Morris, Kadiri Bobby Abdul, Osazee Marvins Osabuohein, Efosa Destiny Omorosa, Kelvin Adams Aisosa. They were prosecuted on separate one-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Adievugwhare reads: "That you Amos Adievugwhare (m) on or about the 15th of April, 2025 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.M Elodi, I.K Agwai, K.Y Bello, Ibrahim Al-Amin, Salihu Ahmed, Bala Rabah and Faisal Ibrahim 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 they have become remorseful for their actions.Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Adievugwhare, Elliot, Emmanuel, Godwin, Abisere, Shedrack, Bright, Dagul, Michael, Solomon, Davou, Cornelinus, Pius, Luper, Jibrin, Destiny, Ahmad, Onuche, Udoka, Ibeg, Osikadi, Aondona, Okoro, Bright, Morris, Abdul, Asemota and Aisosa to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively while Osabuohein was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N500,000 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira). Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced the duo of Kelvin and Osakpamwan to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N300 and N400, 000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively, while Omorosa bagged two years imprisonment or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones and computers, being tools of their crime and money found in their respective bank accounts, being proceeds of their crime, respectively 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 officers of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press releae contains photos of the 419ers: courts-in-benin-city-jail-32-internet-fraudsters ****************************************** 29 MAY 2025 Courts Jail 11 Internet Fraudsters in Uyo and Calabar The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday May 28, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of eleven internet fraudsters before Justices Maurine Adaobi Onyetenu of the Federal High Court Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Justices Ijeoma Ojukwu and Rosemary Dugbo-Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State. The convicts are; Shadrack Eliayere Aburu, Nsukak Iko-Edem Effiong, Chukwudi Moses Chimobi, Olenye Benedict Ikwem, Emmanuel Enoabasi Etim, Mgbato Joseph Obi, Godwin Abu, Etim Ememobong,Charlie Victory Augustine, John Uduak Isiodon and Enyia Emmanuel. All convicts pleaded guilty to the separate charges when they were read to them. One of their charges reads; “That you, Nsukak Iko-Edem Effiong (alias Sr. Bains, Ibrahim Hashmi ), on or about November 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently obtained the sum of Five Hundred United States Dollars ($500 USD) from Thar Thaw and other unsuspecting victims under false pretenses, knowing the pretenses to be false, thereby committing 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.” Another reads; “That you, John Uduak Isiodon (a.k.a. Lilianjoyce Simone Sussina), sometime in 2024 within Nigeria and under the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, fraudulently presented yourself as Lilianjoyce Simone Sussina on social media with intent to gain advantage for yourself, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) (Amendment) Act, and punishable under the same section”. In view of their guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, Ubokudom Enobong and Khamis Mahmud prayed the courts to convict the defendants and sentence them accordingly. Delivering judgment, Justice Onyetenu convicted and sentenced Nsukak Iko-Edem Effiong to three months jail term or pay a fine of N200,000 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira only) on each of the two counts, while Shadrack Eliayere Aburu was convicted and sentenced to six (6) months jail term or to pay a fine of N500,000 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) on both counts. At Calabar, Justice Ojukwu convicted five of the defendants and sentenced each of them to twelve (12) months jail terms, with the following options; Chukwudi Moses Chimobi to pay a fine of N800,000 ( Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) and restitute the sum of $500( Five Hundred Dollars only) Olenye Benedict Ikwem was given the option of a fine of N500,000. Emmanuel Enoabasi Etim to pay a fine of N800,000 and restitute the sum of $350( Three Hundred and Fifty USD) Mgbato Joseph Obi got a fine of N800,000; and Godwin Abu was ordered to pay a fine of N800,000. Justice Dugbo-Oghoghorie convicted four of the defendants and sentenced each of them to two years jail term with the following fine options; Etim Ememobong got a fine of N1,000,000 ( One Million Naira only) and a restitution of $70 ( Seventy Dollars) Charlie Victory Augustine was given the option to pay N1,000,000 and restitute $200( Two Hundred Dollars) John Uduak Isiodon was given a fine option of N1,000,000; while Enyia Emmanuel got a fine of N1,500,000 ( One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) and to restitute $650( Six Hundred and Fifty Dollars) They were ordered to forfeit all gadgets used in committing the crimes to the Federal Government. The convicts were arrested at different locations within Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, following intelligence and months of surveillance by operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate. They were charged to court and convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: courts-jail-11-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo-and-calabar *********************************************** 28 MAY 2025 Lagos Court Jails Three for Internet Fraud The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of three internet fraudsters to one year imprisonment each before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The convicts, Orizowe Omogbor Anointing, Lawal Olaitan and Tella Damilola Adebayo, were arraigned on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 on a one-count separate charges of fraudulently impersonating US citizens. One of the charges reads: “That you, ORIZOWE OMOGBOR ANOINTING (a.k.a Nicholas Dewell), on or about the 20th day of May, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one 'Nicholas Dewell' by holding yourself out as such on your Facebook account 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.” They each pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari and Z.B. Atiku, respectively, reviewed the facts of the cases through the investigating officers, Nwike Fortune, Akojemi Emmanuel and Adamu Usman Turaki, who told the court that the defendants were arrested by operatives of the EFCC and that fraudulent documents were printed from their devices. Specifically, Fortune, in his review of the facts, stated that the defendants made confessional statements dated May 19 and 20, 2025. He also stated that several incriminating documents, cash and a Lexus RX 350 were recovered from Anointing. Buhari, thereafter, prayed the court to admit, in evidence, the defendants’ extra- judicial statements, fraudulent documents printed from their devices as well as the money and vehicle recovered from them. Consequently, Justice Aneke convicted and sentenced the defendants to one year imprisonment each. While Anointing and Olaitan got options of fine in the sum of N500,000, (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), Tella was given an option of fine of N1, 250, 000 (One Million, Two Hundred and fifty Thousand Naira). Their mobile devices, vehicles as well as money recovered from them were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The judge also ordered each of the convicts to serve 100 hours of community service. All the convicts made their ways to the Correctional Centre when they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC for internet fraud. They were charged to court and convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: lagos-court-jails-three-for-internet-fraud ********************************************* 28 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrest Eight Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abia State Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 22, 2025, arrested eight suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Abia state. They were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences. Items recovered from the suspects include four exotic vehicles, 20 mobile phones and two laptops. Investigation is still ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court thereafter. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrest-eight-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abia-state ***************************************************** 28 MAY 2025 Court Jails Three Internet Fraudsters in Kwara Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ilorin on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 convicted and sentenced the trio of Ibrahim Ajisafe Oladimeji, Hassan Abdulmalik Temitope and Babatunde David Olusegun to jail for fraud. They were prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate charges that border on impersonation and cybercrime. The charge against Temitope reads: "That you, Hassan Abdulmalik Temitope (alias: Jane) sometime in the year 2024, within the Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did fraudulently impersonate one Jane vide your created 2 backpage account with the intent to obtain and did obtain from one John Gary the gross sum of $2,500 (Two Thousand Five Hundred US Dollars) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (IV) of the same Act." They pleaded “guilty” to their charge when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel, Rashidat Alao led witnesses in evidence to review the facts of the cases. The counsel tendered the extra-judicial statements of the trio including items recovered from them at the point of arrest and urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Awogboro sentenced Oladimeji to 150 hours of community service on each of his charges without an option of fine, to be served at five hours per day. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 12 Pro, being the tool of his crime and the sum $100 (One Hundred United States Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. Temitope bagged 700 hours of community service without an option of fine, to be served at five hours per day. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 12, being the tool of his crime and a 2009 Toyota Camry, being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. The judge sentenced Olusegun to 150 hours of community service at five hours per day without an option of fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 12, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $75 (Seventy-five Dollars), being the proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-three-internet-fraudsters-in-kwara ************************************************* 27 MAY 2025 Tackle Internet Fraud Like you Tackled Cultism - Olukoyede Charges Students The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on students of tertiary institutions in the country to maximize the internal control mechanisms of their schools in tackling cybercrime in their campuses, just as they did against campus cultism. “I recall that many years ago in this country, tertiary students through the leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS initiated a nationwide denouncement of cultism, having taken advantage of the internal control mechanisms of tertiary institutions and that brought about drastic reduction in cultism and till date, we hear less cases of cultism in the campuses. Today, the leadership of NANS must adopt the same measures in tackling the menace of cybercrime among Nigerian students rather than make themselves available as political thugs due to personal gains. NANS used to be a watchdog against politicians many years ago but it seems the body has lost focus,” he said. Olukoyede made the call through the Acting Director, Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, ACE I Hauwa Garba Ringim when she received the delegation of Southwest Executive members of NANS, led by its newly elected coordinator, Comrade Taiwo Owolewa. Olukoyede, while congratulating the Owolewa on his emergence, urged him to make his tenure standout by fully supporting the EFCC against cybercrime through initiating programmes across tertiary institutions in the Southwest that would sensitize and re-orientate students to shun corruption and more importantly cybercrime and focus on their studies and explore legitimate ways of making money. As a major stakeholder in the fight against corruption and financial crimes, he charged NANS not to provide cover for any student cybercriminal on campus. “It is worrisome that 90 percent of the youths arrested for internet fraud these days are students, even secondary school students are now fully involved,” he said. In his remarks, Owolewa thanked Ringim for her interest in the moral development of students in the Southwest, especially in guiding them away from cybercrimes. “The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, under the leadership of Hajiya Hauwa Garba Ringim has truly shown courage in the fight against cybercrime and her collaborative efforts cannot be jettisoned among Southwest tertiary students on our campuses. NANS as a major stakeholder in the fight against internet fraud will lend its voice and take actions to combat the menace on our campuses. Programmes are ongoing on campuses to sensitize students on legitimate self- reliance and adopting the willingness to blow the whistle on any perpetrator of internet fraud among students,” he said. The press release contains a photo: tackle-internet-fraud-like-you-tackled-cultism-olukoyede-charges-students **************************************************** 27 MAY 2024 EFCC Arraigns Four for Alleged Internet Fraud, N75m Money Laundering in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 arraigned four suspects for internet fraud and money laundering before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The suspects are: Chidera Ezechukwu Praise, Oghomienor Jotham Anirejuoritse, Shittu Gbenga Solomon and Olamilekan Ibraheem. While Praise was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on alleged internet and money laundering to the tune of N75,000,000 (Seventy- Five Million Naira), the three others were arraigned on separate one-count charge of internet fraud, following their arrest alongside some other suspected internet fraudsters during a sting operation by operatives of the EFCC. One of the counts reads: “That you, CHIDERA EZECHUKWU PRAISE, sometime in May 2025 at Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court did retain the sum of N12,750,318.63 (Twelve Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Three Hundred and Eighteen Million, Sixty-three Kobo) in your UBA account with account number 2330149541, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful act to wit: engaging in online dating scam and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 as amended and punishable under section 14(2) of the same Act.” Another count reads: “That you, OGHOMIENOR JOTHAM ANIREJUORITSE, sometime in 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, fraudulently impersonated Christopher Rozup, a citizen of Canada by holding yourself out as such, with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary and 22(2) (B) Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015.” They each pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa and Fanen Anum, called on Abdullahi Abubakar, Adaezi Eghosa, Hamza Lawal and Nwike Fortune, who are all investigative officers with the EFCC, to review the facts of the cases. In his testimony, Abubakar specifically stated that the sum of N75m (Seventy- Five Million Naira) was found in Praise’s bank accounts. The prosecution counsel, thereafter, tendered the defendants’ extrajudicial statements, devices, vehicle recovered from Shittu Gbenga, as well as the monies through the investigative officers. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. The counsels also prayed the court to convict the defendants accordingly and order the forfeiture of the monies to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Consequently, the judge adjourned the matter till June 13, 2025 for conviction and sentencing. The judge also ordered the defendants to be remanded in the facility of the Nigerian Correctional Centre. The press release contains photos: efcc-arraigns-four-for-alleged-internet-fraud-n75m-money-laundering-in-lagos *************************************************** 26 MAY 2025 Court Jails Four for Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 26, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of four internet fraudsters before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The convicts are: Arowosola Julius Oluwadamilola, Oluwasegun Ayomide, Opeyemi Shamsudeen Agboola, and Akinade Olamilekan. They were arraigned on one-count separate charges of fraudulently impersonating foreign nationals. One of the charges reads: “That you, AROWOSOLA JULIUS OLUWADAMILOLA, sometime in May 2025 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Mary Alice by holding yourself out as such to unsuspecting victims 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.” They each pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsels, H.U. Kofarnaisa and Fanen Anum, respectively, tendered the defendants’ extrajudicial statements, devices and the vehicle recovered from Agboola through the investigating officers, Welekwe Bright Chile, Lawal Hamza, Sada Sa’id Sani and M.M Abdulrahman. They were all admitted as exhibits by the court. Consequently, Justice Osiagor convicted and sentenced Oluwadamilola to five years imprisonment, with an option of fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and a seven-day community service. While Ayomide bagged three years imprisonment, with an option of fine in the sum of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and a seven-day community service, Agboola was sentenced to a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), and his Mercedes C300 forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Similarly, Olamilekan was sentenced to three years imprisonment, with an option of fine of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira). All the devices recovered from the convicts were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. 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: court-jails-four-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ****************************************** 26 MAY 2025 Court Jails Internet Fraudster in Port Harcourt Justice E. A. Obile of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has convicted and sentenced one Miracle Deele to jail for fraud. He was convicted and sentenced upon his arraignment on Monday, May 26, 2025 by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a three-count charge, bothering on impersonation and advance fee fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you, Miracle Deele, sometime in 2024 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your Tecno Spark mobile phone, documents containing false pretences with different subjects which you knew to be false 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.” He pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to him, following which prosecution counsel, E. Abbiyesu reviewed the facts of the case and called a witness, Abdulazeez Jafar, an officer of the EFCC through whom he tendered some incriminating documents which were admitted in evidence. The witness while being led in evidence, told the court that Deele was arrested by the Commission sometime in April, 2025 at Eneka axis of Port Harcourt, following credible intelligence that exposed his fraudulent internet activities. Investigations the witness said revealed that the Deele specialised in romance scam and created Facebook and Telegram accounts using the picture of a female US citizen, Jenifer Annoson to communicate with his victims, one of whom is Anthony, a male US citizen and was professing love to every man he chatted with, with the intent of gaining financial advantage for himself. The witness further disclosed that the convict volunteered his statements in writing in the presence of his lawyer at the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Commission. In view of Deele’s guilty plea, the exhibits tendered and the testimony of the witness, the prosecution prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while the defence counsel, B. I. O Egwu prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that his client has regretted his actions. Justice Obile convicted and sentenced him to four months in Port Harcourt Correctional Centre or to pay N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his Tecno Spark mobile phone to the federal government and deposed to an affidavit of good behaviour before the court, going forward. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-internet-fraudster-in-port-harcourt *********************************************** 26 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests 49 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lokoja, Recover Loaded Pistol Officers of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 49 suspected internet fraudsters in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. They were arrested between Saturday, May 24, 2025 and Sunday, May 25, 2025, following actionable intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The operations targeted multiple hideouts across the city with an unlicenced loaded pistol recovered from one of the suspects, who claimed during preliminary interrogation that he was a former cult member. Other items recovered from the suspects include high-end smartphones, laptop computers and two luxury vehicles. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-49-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-lokoja-recover-loaded-pistol *************************************************** 23 MAY 2025 Court Jails Three for Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 23, 2025, convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters to jail. The convicts, Oko Gift, Fashola Alabi Quadri and Dauda Umar, were arraigned on Friday, May 23, 2025, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate charges of fraudulently impersonating United States of America citizens. One of the charges reads: “That you, Dauda Umar, on or about the 19th of May, 2025 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 "Katie Peggie" on your Google 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.” They each pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie and Z.B. Atiku, reviewed the facts of the cases through Nadabo Yusuf Isah and Saidu Abubakar, who are both investigative officers with the EFCC. Both Isah and Abubakar confirmed that the defendants were arrested by operatives of the EFCC and that fraudulent documents were printed from the devices recovered from them. They also stated that the defendants made confessional statements dated May 19 and 20, 2025. Okezie and Atiku, thereafter, prayed the court to admit in evidence the defendants’ extra-judicial statements and the fraudulent documents printed from their devices tendered through the investigators. Consequently, Justice Owoeye convicted and sentenced Gift to two years imprisonment, with an option of fine of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira). While Quadri bagged two years imprisonment, with an option of fine in the sum of N450,000 (Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), Umar was jailed three years, with a fine of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). The Judge ordered that their devices be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arraigned by the EFCC for internet fraud. They were found guilty, convicted and sentenced to various jail terms. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-three-for-internet-fraud-in-lagos ***************************************** 23 MAY 2025 EFCC Arraigns Mother, Son for N64.4m Fraud as Fraudster Bags Jail Term for N9m Fraud in Port Harcourt The Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Thursday, May 22, 2025 arraigned one Ifeoma Joe and her 34-year-old son, Chima Mike Nmerem before Justice P. I . Ajoku of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for fraud. They are being prosecuted on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, misrepresentation, advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N64.4m. One of the charges reads: “That you Ifeoma Joe between the 10th day of September, 2024 to 17th day of December, 2024 at Oyigbo Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of Sixty Four Million, Four Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand One Hundred and Eighty Naira (N64, 486, 180) only, from Mrs Felicia Ekwutasi Ikeh; which money was paid into account No:0024475760 domiciled with Access Bank Plc and operated by Chima Mike Nmerem, under the pretence that the sum was requested by one Dr. Uma Ukpai for spiritual cleansing and settlement of detectives in a murder case in the United States of America which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.” They pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to them, following which prosecution counsel K. U. Udus called for a review of the case and informed the court of the presence of a prosecution witness who was ready to testify, but Justice Ajoku for want of time, adjourned the matter till May 28, 2025 for the review of facts of the case and ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody of the EFCC. The defendants case with the EFCC began when a US-based petitioner alleged that she was introduced to the first defendant, Joe by her sister for spiritual prayers that would prevent her son who murdered his sibling in a fight from going to jail and for the homicide case against him to be dismissed. The petitioner alleged that the Joe was contracted following her claim that she has a close relationship with Evangelist Uma Ukpai, a renowned Christian preacher and further deceived her with a fake phone number of the man of God which the defendant herself allegedly answers and offers prayers for her with a pretended voice of a man of God whenever she calls the numbers. After some alleged deceitful prayers, the first defendant, still pretending to be the man of God demanded for the sum of N900,000.00 (Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) which he would deposit at the altar. The petitioner allegedly provided the amount. Investigation by the Commission further revealed that the defendant also deceived the victim into paying some amount of money running into millions for purported spiritual cleansing, donations to orphanages and spiritual settlements of detectives and prosecutors handling her son's murder case and cash gifts to her surviving son's employer, so that he would be reinstated in his place of work after the alleged spiritual interventions would have caused the murder case against him to be dismissed. The victim also reported that she paid a naira equivalent of the sum of $38,450 (Thirty -Eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty thousand United States Dollars) into the account of the first defendant. By the time the petitioner allegedly realized that all was a scam, she disclosed that she had already transferred a total sum of N64, 486, 180 (Sixty Four Million, Four Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand One Hundred and Eighty Naira) to the first defendant via the second defendant’s bank account, domiciled in Access Bank, made available by the first defendant. And all efforts by the petitioner to recover her money were to no avail. In another development, Justice E. A. Obile of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced Michael Eniola Adesina to jail for fraud. He was prosecuted by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge, bordering on money laundering, impersonation and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N9million (Nine Million Naira). One of the charges reads: “That you Michael Eniola Adesina between 2023 and 2025 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of cryptocurrency into your wallet address No.bclqeyff4su5vzgr3012q2h 5x588vzn27mhgadqd00 which you sold and converted to Naira, accumulating into an aggregate sum of about N9, 000, 000.00 (nine million naira) only paid into your Moniepoint Microfinance Bank Account No. 5711818819 over a period of time in bits which you knew or reasonably ought to have known are proceeds of your fraud or form 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.” He pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to him, following which prosecution counsel E. Erebanmen reviewed the facts of the case, called a witness, Adejoh Mohammed, an officer of the EFCC through whom he tendered some incriminating documents in evidence and urged the court to convict and sentence Adesina accordingly. The defence counsel, Famous Bigha on his part prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that his client is a first -time offender with no previous criminal records. Justice Obile convicted and sentenced him to five months in prison or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his Toyota Camry car, being the proceeds of his crime and iPhone 14 Pro and an Infinix Hot 50i, being the tools of his crime to the federal government. Furthermore, he deposed to an affidavit of good behaviour before the court. The press release contains photos: efcc-arraigns-mother-son-for-n64-4m-fraud-as-fraudster-bags-jail-term-for-n9m-fraud-in-port-harcourt ******************************************************** 23 MAY 2025 Court Jails 12 Filipinos for Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 23, 2025, convicted and sentenced twelve Filipinos to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The convicts are: Anjeanette Topacio, Gladys Joy Mag-Iba, Jean Calago, Shairah Mae Reyes, Roseann Gonzales, Lari Jane Tayag, Mary Grace De La Cruz, Krystel Aquilesca, Jonilyn Agulto, Paizza Camara, Vivian Pionella and Jonalyn Mendoza. They were arraigned on Friday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate charges of possession of fraudulent documents. One of the counts reads: “That you, Anjeanette Topacio, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria 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) and Section 2(3)(d) of the Terrorism (Prevention, Prohibition) Act, 2022.” Another charge reads: “That you, Shairah May Reyes, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, had in your possession a document containing false pretense, printed from your Telegram, wherein you posed to be a lady, living in the UK , which representation you knew to be false, thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 6 (8c) 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 the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, N.K.Ukoha and H.U. Kofarnaisa, respectively requested that the court convict the defendants as charged, in accordance with the plea bargain they had entered into with the Commission. Justice Bogoro convicted and sentenced the defendants to one year imprisonment each, with a fine of N1,000,000.00( One Million Naira). The judge also ordered the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, to ensure that the convicts are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days upon completion of their sentences. The devices recovered from the defendants were also ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-12-filipinos-for-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: Again, we think that the Nigerian Government's recent statements that foreign 419ers are trying "to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria" are pretty much transparent blame shifting propaganda. These 419ers are, our view, simply trying to cash in, like all the rest of the Vast Majority of 419ers, the great majority of whom are Nigerian Nationals. Addionally, many of the foreign 419ers operating from Nigeria are often in reality imported and employed by Nigerian run 419 syndicates. The Nigerian Government is really rather embarrassing itself when it says that Any 419ers, Nigerian or Foreign, are in the business Primarily "to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria" and really needs to knock it off.... 419ers are primarily in the game to enrich Themselves, though they do also fund other criminal activities and domestic and international terror groups for personal, security, and ideological reasons. **************************************************** 22 MAY 2025 Court Jails Eight Internet Fraudsters in Gombe, Bauchi The Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the convictions and sentence of eight internet fraudsters. The convicts are Goshen Favour Habila, Isaac Matthew Eze, Patrick Oruma, Chineme Kelvin Ifeatu, Richard Olumodeji, Okoye Patrick, Hussaini Muhammad Hussaini and Elijah Tochia. They were arraigned before Justices M.A Sambo, Aliu Bin Idris, Shafa 'u .L. Yusuf and H.H. Kereng of the Bauchi and Gombe State High Courts respectively between May 19 and 21, 2025. Habila and Ifeatu were arraigned on two -count charges of fraudulent conversion while others were arraigned on one- count charge bordering on impersonation and intent to defraud. One of the charges against Goshe Favour Habila reads: That you, Goshe Favour Habila between January 2024 and March 2025 at Bauchi, Bauchi State within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, fraudulently obtained the sum of Two thousand, Thirty Seven United States of America Dollars( $2,037) and One hundred Eighty Euro(€180) from one James Mauray and Justha a foreign national and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 321 of the penal code law and punishable under Section 322 of the same law. Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, A.M Labaran, S.E Okemini, and M.O Tijani to pray the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy. Justice Sambo thereafter convicted and sentenced Ifeatu to thirty months imprisonment with an option of fine of N350,000( Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) on count one and six months imprisonment or a fine of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) on count two respectively. Oruma bagged three years imprisonment or fine of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) . Justice Idris convicted and sentenced Habila to two years imprisonment or a fine of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) on count one and six months imprisonment without an option of fine on count two. Eze bagged two years imprisonment or fine of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) Justice Yusuf convicted and sentenced Patrick to four months imprisonment with an option of N1000,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira )as fine . Hussaini baged three months imprisonment or fine of N100,000 and Tochia is to pay a fine of N100,000 in lieu of a jail term. Justice Kereng convicted and sentenced Olumodeji to eight months imprisonment or a fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) The Justices ruled that the convicts restitute the victims of crime and forfeit one Camry car : one Dell laptop and mobile phones being proceeds and instruments of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested by operatives of the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the EFCC for internet fraud. They were charged to court and convicted. In another development, the Gombe Zonal Directorate of EFCC has arraigned one Abubakar Abdullahi before Justice Abdulhamid Mohammed of the Gombe State High Court sitting in Gombe State on one-count charge of fraudulently converting the sum of N6,000,000 ( Six Million Naira ) to personal use. The charge against Abdullahi reads: That you, Abubakar Abdullahi sometimes in 2021 at Gombe, Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honorable court did dishonestly convert to your own use the sum of Six Million Naira, property of one Wasiu Abdulkarim and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 308 and 309 of the penal code law respectively. Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting the prosecution counsel, M.O Tijani to ask the court for a trial date. Justice Mohammed thereafter remanded the defendant at Gombe Correctional Service and adjourned the matter to June 30, 2025. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-eight-internet-fraudsters-in-gombe-bauchi *********************************************** 22 MAY 2025 Court Jails Eight for Money Laundering, Internet Fraud in Kaduna Justice R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced eight internet fraudsters to jail. The convicts, Ogar Joseph, Nanbut David Dauda, Abah Mathew Arome, Fasikun Lekan, Daniel John, Gideon Dennis, Friday Emmanuel and Yusuf Hijelan were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a separate one-count charge, bordering on impersonation, cybercrime and money laundering. The charge against Dauda reads: "That you Nanbut David Dauda, (a.k.a Hacktivist Legion) sometime in April, 2025 in Tammah, Nasarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained the total sum of $115.00 (One Hundred and Fifteen 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.” The charge against Arome reads: "That you, Abah Mathew Arome (a.ka. Where is Hack) (m) sometime in April, 2025 in Nasarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained the total sum of $140.00 (One Hundred and Forty 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.” They pleaded "guilty" to their charge when they were read to them upon which prosecution counsel, K.S Ogunlade prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the fraudsters have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Aikawa sentenced Joseph to two years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 16, being the tool of his crime and the sum of $30 dollars, being the proceeds of his crime to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Dauda, Arome and Denis to four years imprisonment, each or to pay N400,000. (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. In addition, Dauda forfeited a Samsung Galaxy S10 and the sum of $115 USD (One Hundred and Fifteen United States Dollars) while Arome forfeited a Samsung Galaxy X9 Plus and the sum of $140.00 (One Hundred and Forty United States Dollars); Denis forfeited iPhone 14 Pro, the sum of $100 USD (One Hundred USD) and one Lucky Plus motorcycle with engine number 152FMH*1544839*, being the instruments and proceeds of the crimes to the federal government. Lekan was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four H undred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 13 Pro Max and the sum of $120 (One Hundred and Twenty United States Dollars), being the instrument and proceeds of the crimes, respectively to the federal government. John was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited a Samsung Galaxy S21 and the sum of $115(One Hundred and Fifteen United States Dollars), being the instrument and proceeds of the crimes, respectively to the federal government. Emmanuel was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 14 Pro and the sum of $422 dollars (Four Hundred and Twenty-two Dollars) and one Senwei semi-silent power generating set, being the instrument and proceeds of the crimes, respectively to the federal government. Hijelan was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 14 Pro Max, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. The convicts were arrested in Nasarawa State following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-eight-for-money-laundering-internet-fraud-in-kaduna ******************************************** 22 MAY 2025 Five Bag Jail Terms for Financial Crimes in Kaduna Justices R.M.Aikawa and A. Isiaka of the Federal and State High Courts, respectively, sitting in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced the quintet of David Dawaza Gafara, Abraham Emmanuel Kazachang, Muhammed Umar Faruk, Aliyu Ibrahim Oyibo and David Eddy Akang to jail for financial crimes. They were prosecuted by Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a separate one-count charge. While Gafara, Kazachang, Faruk and Oyibo were prosecuted before Justice Aikawa for offences that border on impersonation and cybercrime, Akang was dragged before Justice Isiaka for theft to the tune of N1million. The charge against Gafara reads: " That you David Dawaza Gafara (a.k.a Meshaa Renee), (m) between January and April, 2025 at Bida, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, falsely presented yourself as Meshaa Renee on Facebook (an online social media application), and in that assumed character attempted to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (a) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Prevention Etc Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the same Act.” That of Akang reads: "That you, David Eddy Akang "m" sometimes in May, 2021 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court dishonestly took out of the possession of Susan Okafor the sum of N1,000,000.00 (One Million, Naira) only from her account number 0074736651, domiciled at Sterling Bank Plc without her consent and you thereby committed the offence of theft contrary to Section 270(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 271 of the same Law.” They all pleaded "guilty" to their charge when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel M.U Gadaka and Moses Arumemi prayed the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Aikawa sentenced Gafara and Kazachang to three years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, Gafara forfeited a Samsung Galaxy S10 while Kazachang forfeited iPhone 16 Plus, being the tools of their crimes to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Faruk to two years imprisonment or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone XS Max, a Tecno Pop 7 and Tecno mobile phone, being the instruments of his crime to the federal government. He convicted and sentenced Oyibo to five years imprisonment or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23 and HP Spectre laptop computer, being the instruments of his crime to the federal government. Gafara, Kazachang, Faruk and Oyibo were arrested in Rogota, Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, following actionable intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. Akang on his part was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment by Justice Isiaka or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. His road to jail was paved by the petition of one Okafor Nnenna Susan to the Commission, alleging that the convict, being her boyfriend, stole her father's ATM card as well as hers and fraudulently withdrew sums of money from her account. Investigation by the Commission revealed that Akang withdrew the sum of N1million from the petitioner's bank account through a PoS vendor. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: five-bag-jail-terms-for-financial-crimes-in-kaduna **************************************************** 21 MAY 2025 Canada Honours Olukoyede for Outstanding Role in Global Crime Fight The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 honoured the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, with a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding contributions to the global fight against transnational crime including economic and financial crimes, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation and drug smuggling. The Certificate was presented by the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Pasquale Salvaggio, during a ceremony at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja. Salvaggio commended Olukoyede’s leadership and the EFCC’s pivotal role in curbing organised criminal networks operating across borders. “Your tireless efforts in combating transnational crime, financial fraud, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation and drug smuggling have been instrumental in strengthening security and justice across our borders” he said. “Since the establishment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), liaison office in Nigeria in 2021, our partnership with Nigerian law enforcement agencies has grown through vital intelligence exchanges, operational support, joint investigations and capacity building initiatives.” “The RCMP’s partnership with the EFCC has led to the recovery and handover of stolen assets and financial institutions, setting a benchmark for international anti-fraud operations,” he said. Salvaggio particularly cited "Operation Hot Wheels", a joint operation spearheaded by the EFCC with the participation of the Nigeria Customs Service, as a prime example of the collaborative success between both countries. The operation disrupted a major vehicle trafficking network and reinforced bilateral security ties. “These collective efforts underscore a simple truth: crime knows no borders, and neither should our pursuit for justice. Canada deeply values its law enforcement partnerships with Nigeria and looks forward to deepening these collaborations to enhance global security, protect victims, and dismantle criminal enterprises that threaten our economies and communities”, he said. In his remarks after receiving the certificate, Olukoyede expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to international cooperation. “I’d like to sincerely thank Your Excellency and truly appreciate this honour,” Olukoyede said. Continuing, he stressed that, “it is one thing to do something; it is another thing for it to be recognised. This engagement is a testimony to the collaboration between Nigeria and Canada, between the EFCC and RCMP, over the years.” Olukoyede acknowledged the global nature of organised crime, stressing that the only way to effectively counter it is through equally strategic international alliances. “The kind of crime we fight today has become global in nature. You’ll be shocked at how sophisticated these criminal enterprises are. It therefore requires countries to also form their own syndicates in order to nip it in the bud,” he said He pledged the EFCC’s readiness to take the partnership with Canada and the RCMP to greater heights. “We are open to more mutually beneficial relationships between our countries. We believe that by the time we take this collaboration to the next level, we will see even more remarkable results,” he said. Other Nigerian law enforcement agencies honoured at the event include the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigerian Police’s Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, received the award on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service, while the Secretary of the NDLEA, Haruna Shadrack, received the certificate on behalf of the NDLEA Chairman. Assistant Inspector General of Police, Olaolu Adegbite, received the award on behalf of Interpol Nigeria. The press release contains photos: canada-honours-olukoyede-for-outstanding-role-in-global-crime-fight *********************************************** 21 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests 35 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday May 20, 2025 arrested 35 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City. The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet- related fraud. Items recovered from them include nine exotic cars, smartphones and laptopsThe suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-35-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ********************************************** 21 MAY 2025 Port Harcourt Courts Jail Three Internet Fraudsters 90 Months Justices P. I. Ajoku and S. D. Pam of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state have convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters, Rex Akah Kinikachi Kelvin, Kennedy Chinedu Eleyi-Waltar and Chris Orji to 90 months jail terms in Port Harcourt Correctional Center for impersonation and obtaining money under false pretence. They were convicted and sentenced on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 upon being arraigned by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on one- count separate charges bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and impersonation. The charge against Kelvin reads: That you, Rex Akah Kinikachi Kelvin, sometimes in February, 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud obtained the sum of $500 (Five Hundred United States Dollars) from your victim-Denise D. Moore, through your Telegram account under the guise of being an American fashion model from the United States of America which pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(2)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. They all pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them individually. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, H. O. Nweze, N. A. Dodo and M. Abubakar tendered some documents in evidence which were admitted and marked as exhibits. They prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants in line with their pleas. Counsel to the defendants, Eugene, S. A. Kyenge and B. E. Onuoha did not oppose the prayers by the prosecution but prayed the court to temper justice with mercy stating that the defendants, being first time offenders, did not have any previous criminal records. Justice Ajoku and Justice Pam convicted and sentenced all the defendants to thirty months imprisonment each in the Port Harcourt Correctional Center with 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, two Samsung mobile devices, a Toyota Highlander SUV, one iphone 7 plus, one iphone 6S plus, one iphone 14, one Samsung S 10E, one iphone XR recovered from the convicts at the scene of arrest be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Convicts should also depose to an affidavit of good behaviour before the court. The convicts started their journey to the Correctional Center when they were arrested in a sting operation carried out by operatives of the EFCC, sometime in March, 2025 at various locations in Port Harcourt. They were arrested for internet- related fraud and obtaining money under false pretence. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: courts-jail-three-internet-fraudsters-90-months *********************************************** 21 MAY 2025 Housing Minister Commends EFCC on Asset Recovery & Handover The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for its remarkable efforts in asset recovery across the country, especially the landmark recovery and handover of 753 unit of houses at the Lokogoma axis of Abuja. He gave the commendation on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, during a physical inspection of the property located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, measuring 150,500 square meters with 753 housing units, including duplexes and other apartments. The recovery came following a final forfeiture order granted by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High, FCT, Court, Abuja, on December 2, 2024. Speaking during an inspection tour of the property, the minister described the recovery as unprecedented. “I have to seriously commend the stewardship of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on this outstanding recovery,” he said. “As you can all see, this is the biggest recovery of its kind in the history of this country, 753 housing units recovered within just about a year of his appointment. Many more recoveries are ongoing, and we assure Nigerians that we will see more of such results. Nigerians will be better for it.” He further urged the public to support the EFCC in its mission to cleanse the country of economic and financial crimes. “Nigerians should continue to trust in the efforts of the EFCC Chairman,” he said. “I believe his drive stems from the goodwill of Mr. President, who has given him the mandate and the leverage to perform and he is utilizing it very well. Nigerians should have confidence in the EFCC and the capable leadership of Mr. Olukoyede in achieving a corruption-free nation.” In his remarks, Olukoyede reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of recovered assets. He explained that the visit was a follow-up to the handover of the estate to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. “This inspection follows our meeting with the Honourable Minister yesterday regarding the handover of this recovered property. We wanted Nigerians to see firsthand the impact of the anti-corruption fight. We’ve walked for over an hour, yet we haven’t exhausted the estate. This shows the enormity of what has been recovered.” He noted that although 753 units were initially declared, the number might increase after remodeling and valuation. “The figures we gave were based on architectural drawings and preliminary assessments. After remodeling, we may discover even more units. But what's most important is that this property now belongs to the Federal Government and will be put to good use.” Olukoyede emphasized that the recovery is a tangible result of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the use of anti-corruption tools to drive economic development. “This recovery is a clear testimony to the President’s vision of using the instrumentality of anti-corruption to stimulate the economy. Once the remodeling is completed, the Federal Government will decide the best course of action, possibly offering opportunities to hardworking Nigerians to acquire affordable housing through a transparent and accountable process.” The EFCC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to continue to tackle economic and financial crimes without fear or favour. The press release contains photos: housing-minister-commends-efcc-on-asset-recovery-handover 419 Coalition comment: Of couse, we'd like to see many more large scale recoveries and repatriation of stolen funds and liquidated assets bought with stolen funds to victims of 419, both domestically and internationally. The EFCC gets kudos for the recovered assets described in the above press relase. ******************************************** 19 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests 120 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lagos Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 120 suspected internet fraudsters, comprising 95 male and 25 female at various locations in Lagos. The suspects were arrested on Monday, May 19, 2025, following credible intelligence and thorough surveillance regarding their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud. Items recovered during the coordinated operation include 26 exotic cars and expensive jewelries, smartphones, laptops and several incriminating documents. The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-120-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos ************************************************* 16 MAY 2025 Olukoyede Decries Rising Involvement of Young Men in Internet Fraud The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has expressed concern over the increasing involvement of youths, particularly young men in internet fraud, stating that the trend is destroying their future and damaging their mental health. Olukoyede raised the concern in Abuja on Friday, March 16, 2025, at an event to mark the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, held at the National Merit Award House. “Cybercrime has become a pervasive threat, with far-reaching consequences. Young people, particularly boys, are vulnerable to its allure, often driven by financial gain, peer pressure, or a desire for excitement. The criminal dimension to cybercrime and the global resentment and outrage over its effects on humanity demand that we all rise up to treat it as a problem needing urgent solutions,” he said. Olukoyede who spoke through, Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the Commission, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, further described cybercrime as a growing threat that must be urgently addressed, noting that cybercrime has significant mental health implications, notably anxiety, depression, fear of arrest, and long-term psychological trauma on youths that are involved in it. “The mind is either a gold field or a furnace; gold field if it is healthy and furnace if it is unhealthy. Cybercrime has a tendency of distractions and destruction to our young boys,” he said. To provide the youth alternatives to cybercrime, he revealed that the Commission was setting up a Cybercrime Research Centre, aimed at offering young people opportunities to explore innovation, digital literacy, and ethical conduct. “The EFCC believes that there are alternatives to cybercrime and that criminal routes are not positive routes to a good future. We urge young people to make informed choices, reject the line of least resistance, and embrace values that lead to meaningful success,” he said. In his goodwill message, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, General Buba Marwa (rtd), who was represented by Assistant Commander General, Mohammed Bashar, charged young people to develop resilience to unethical conducts and shun bad influences. “There is no easy way to success. Do not listen to friends who try to lure you into drugs. Face your challenges and overcome them with courage and determination,” he said. He called on parents to pay attention to the upbringing of the male child as much as they do to the girl child. “Do not leave the responsibility of raising your children to teachers alone. Guide them, support them, and make them your friends,” he said. In his remarks, Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Mainasara Umar Kogo, urged parents to instill positive values in their children and discourage them from being influenced by bad elements in society. “Try and socialize the brains of your children to prevent them from being misled into becoming bandits or kidnappers. Government should also ensure that education is accessible to every child. It must not be a privilege, but a right,” he said. President and Convener of the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development, GAIYD, Dr. Hillary Akpua, stressed the need for greater attention to the education and moral upbringing of the male child. He noted that the neglect of the male child has contributed to the rise in criminality and social vices. “We are focusing on non-formal and informal education for boys. The attention given to the moral upbringing of the male child has been low. There are many untrained and untamed men in the society today because the male child has been overlooked for too long,” he said. The press release contains photos: olukoyede-decries-rising-involvement-of-young-men-in-internet-fraud ************************************************** 16 MAY 2025 Kwara Court Jails Tailor for Impersonating, Defrauding EFCC Investigator Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has sentenced a 27-year-old fashion designer, Haruna Musa Tolani, to 12 months imprisonment for impersonating and defrauding Callitus Egwuonwu, an investigating officer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Directorate. Tolani, an indigene of Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, was initially arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on impersonation and cybercrime on January 28, 2025 and pleaded not guilty, but later changed his plea to guilty after overwhelming evidence was presented by counsel to the EFCC, Sesan Ola. Count one of the charge reads: "That you Haruna Musa Tolani in August,2024 at Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, misrepresented yourself via electronic message sent through unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) to Access Bank Plc. With respect to account number 0022643389, property of Mr Callistus Egwuonwu, with which you purchased N20000.00( Twenty Thousand naira) worth of MTN data which resulted into loss to the owner of the account and you thereby commit an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 14(2) of the cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015" Similarly, count two reads: "That you Haruna Musa Tolani sometime in August,2024 at Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently impersonated one Callistus Egwuonwu via electronic message sent through unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) to Access Bank Plc with respect to account number 0022643389, property of Callistus Egwuonwu with intention to purchase MTN data worth Twenty Thousand Naira (20,000.00) which you did purchase and thereby committed offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(ii) of the cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act,2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act" In his judgment, Justice Awogboro imposed a 12-month custodial sentence on Tolani with an option of a fine of N200,00(Two Hundred Thousand Naira). The court also ordered the forfeiture of a First Bank manager’s cheque of N200,000 in favour of the victim and directed the convict to restitute the sum of N20,000, the amount he fraudulently obtained. Tolani bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested for internet fraud. He was charged to court, pleaded guilty and convicted. The press release contains a photo of the 419er kwara-court-jails-tailor-for-impersonating-defrauding-efcc-investigator *************************************** 16 MAY 2025 EFCC Decries Youths’ Involvement in Cybercrime in Lagos The Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Ahmed Ghali, has expressed worry over the involvement of youths in cybercrime in the country. Ghali stated this on Thursday, May 15, 2015 during a seminar with the theme “The Role of Boy Child in Community Development and Safety” organized by the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, Bode Thomas Division, Area C Command Headquarters, Surulere, Lagos. He said many youths had jeopardized their futures on the altar of excessive ambitions. He added that many youths were not only amoral, but had also been lost in the rat race for unearned riches through fraudulent online activities. Ghali, who spoke through ACE 11 Babatunde Sulaiman, Head, Public Affairs, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, added that “as beautiful as your dreams may be, they could be doomed from the start if you don't embrace the culture of discipline and integrity. The reason is clear: many youths are increasingly drifting towards antisocial behaviours that can disrupt public peace, harm individuals, or degrade the environment. In addition to commonly known antisocial behaviours, internet fraud has become a prevalent pastime among many youths.” According to him, many Nigerian youths now harbour an insatiable desire in their hearts to make money and achieve financial advancement through the internet. He, however, said the approach by the majority of the youth had been misguided. Ghali, who described the internet as a double-edged sword, further stated that “if you use it wisely, it can elevate you financially and enable you to contribute to your community's development. However, if you choose to use the internet for criminal purposes, you won't just harm your unsuspecting victims, but you'll also jeopardize your own personal goals.” He, therefore, advised the youths to redirect their energies and ingenuity to exploring legitimate online income streams rather than dissipating them on activities to scam innocent individuals and organizations. In his remarks, Prince Samuel Olaoluwa Akintoye, Chairman, PCRC, Bode Thomas Division/ Organizing Secretary Area C Command, Surulere, Lagos State, said the initiative was aimed at nurturing a generation of responsible, ethical, and patriotic young individuals who would not only improve their own lives but also contribute to societal development. “The purpose of this initiative by the PCRC is to present a valuable opportunity to engage them and provide guidance on navigating the complex paths to realizing their dreams. They need to reflect on how they can contribute to the development of their communities,” he said. Other speakers at the event include: Prof. ( Mrs.) Aderonke Lawal-Are, Director, Centre For General Studies/ Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos; Chief Alaka Yusuf Lukman Owolabi, President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Lagos and Mr. Ayomide Hussain Public Complaints Commission, Lagos. In attendance were the representative of the Area Commander, Area C Command Surulere, Lagos, ACP Oni Abayomi; Prof. Ehi Eric Esoimeme, Legal Adviser, Area C Command, Surulere, Lagos; Barr.(Mrs.) Ene Sarah Unobe, Executive Director, International Centre for Human Rights and students from select secondary schools in the State. The press release contains a photo: efcc-decries-youths-involvement-in-cybercrime-in-lagos ********************************************* 15 MAY 2025 EFCC Arraigns Chinese for Alleged Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, arraigned a Chinese, Li Kuang Kuang before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos He was arraigned on a one-count charge of alleged cybercrime. The defendant is one of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024, in Lagos, during a sting operation tagged 'Eagle Flush Operation' conducted by EFCC operatives. The charge reads: “That you Li Kuang Kuang and Genting International Co. Limited sometimes in December 2024 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourabe Court, willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime [Prohibition, Prevention, Etc] Act, 2015 [As Amended, 2024]. He pleaded “not guilty” to the offence when it was read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, U.S Kyari, prayed the court for a trial date and the defendant’s remand in the Correctional Center. Justice Osiagor remanded the defendant in Ikoyi Correctional Center and adjourned the matter to July 18, 2025 The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-chinese-for-alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: That this fella "willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria" seems like an overreach to us... more likely, he was just trying to make a few bucks for himself and pals, and not trying to be a regime and society destablizing nerdo free lance super spook :) :) ****************************************************** 15 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests 31 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt Officers of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Their arrest followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include cars, smart phones, smart wristwatches and laptop computers. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-31-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-port-harcourt ************************************************ 15 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests 28 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday May 14, 2025 arrested 28 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City. The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include five exotic cars, smartphones and laptop computers. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-28-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ************************************************ 14 MAY 2025 Calabar Court Jails Internet Fraudster... Four Suspected Fraudsters Arraigned in Uyo The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday May 12, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of one internet fraudster Ogagarojo Godstime a.k.a Alex Gonzalex before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court Calabar, Cross River State. Godstime was prosecuted on two count-charges bordering on criminal impersonation on the cyber space. One of the charge reads, 'That you, Ogagarojo Godstime (aka Alex Gonzalex ) "M" sometime in 2024, in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently present yourself as Marc Labelle on the social media with intent to gain advantage for yourself, did take possession of the aggregate sum of Four Hundred United Sate Dollars ($400) knowing that the money form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit; cyber impersonation and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act' Godstime pleaded guilty to the charges, prompting the prosecution counsel Khamis Mahmud to pray the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Mahmud also informed the court that the convict had restituted the sum of $400(Four Hundred United States Dollars) through the Commission. He also urged the court to grant a forfeiture of the convict’s iphone 11 to the Federal Government of Nigeria. After listening to the prosecution, Justice Ojukwu convicted Godstime and sentenced him to twelve(12) months jail term on each count to run concurrently, or to pay a fine of N800,000.00 (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) and to forfeit the IPhone 11 device used in committing the crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. In a related development, the Directorate also arraigned three suspected internet fraudsters and one foreign currency dealer before Justice Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court Uyo on Monday May 12, 2025. The suspected internet fraudsters are; Inemesit Asuquo Bassey, Franklin Edet Eyo and Chukwudi Patrick Ahiahwo. The alleged illegal foreign currency dealer is Kassim Mohammed. At the time of his arrest, Mohammed was in possession of various currencies such as; the United States Dollars USD, Philippines Dalawampung Piso, Japanese Nippon Ginko, Swaziland Emalangeni, Gambia Dalasis and Chinese Yuan, but had no valid license from the Central Bank of Nigeria. He pleaded guilty to a one- count charge preferred against him by the Commission for operating a Bureau de change business without an appropriate licence. The charge reads: 'That you, Kassim Muhammed "M" sometime in May, 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a company duly incorporated in Nigeria and without a valid license granted to you by the Central Bank of Nigeria, did conduct business of other financial institutions to wit: Bureau de change and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 57 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020 and punishable under Section 57 (5) (b) of the same Act'. In view of his 'guilty' plea, prosecution counsel, Barrister Joshua Abolarin prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant. "My Lord, may I apply that the defendant be convicted as charged due to his plea and the facts presented before this Honourable Court. Also, that the currencies tendered as exhibits be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria", he said. The defence counsel Chigozie Ogunji did not oppose. Justice Onah adjourned the matter for judgment while the defendant was remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Service centre in Uyo. Mohammed was arrested on Friday May 17, 2024 by Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Commission, at Aba in Abia State. Similarly, Bassey also pleaded 'guilty' to the two-count charges preferred against him by the Commission for criminal impersonation and defrauding one Joy Thompson (a Hungarian) of the sum of €150 (One Hundred And Fifty Euros) using fictitious social media handles. One of the charges reads; 'That you, Asuquo Enemesit Bassey "M" sometime in 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of £150 (One Hundred and Fifty Euros) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit; obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an-offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and punishable under the Section 18(3) of the same Act'. Justice Onah suspended judgment to May 22, 2025. Franklin Edet and Chukwudi Patrick Ahiahwo plead 'not guilty' to the two counts and three counts charges bordering on internet fraud preferred against them respectively. The court adjourned to June 2, 2025, for Edet's trial, and May 15, 2025, for Patrick's bail deliberations. All the defendants were remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Service centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The press rel4ease contains photos: calabar-court-jails-internet-fraudster-four-suspected-fraudsters-arraigned-in-uyo **************************************************** 14 MAY 2025 Abuja Court Jails One for Internet Fraud Justice A.I. Kutigi of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Jabi Abuja, has convicted and sentenced Danji-Fari Ubadallah to two-months imprisonment for internet fraud. He was arraigned on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 on one-count charge bordering on internet fraud. The charge reads “That you, Danji-Fari Ubadallah sometime in 2024 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court cheated by personation when you created a Facebook account with the profile name Precious Rashel a United States of America citizen and under that assumed character obtained the sum of $50.00 (Fifty United States Dollars) from his victim one Rueben GI through a gift card and traded same with one Zhang Jie a Chinese citizen and received the Naira equivalent in your Opay account number 8100877271 under the false pretense that you are in a romantic relationship with him, a fact you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990 and punishable under Section 324 of the same Law.” When the charge was read to him, he pleaded guilty to it, prompting prosecution counsel S.N. Robert to pray the judge to convict and sentence him. Justice Kutigi convicted and sentenced Ubadallah to two months in the Correctional Center with an option of N90,000 (Ninety Thousand Naira) fine. The judge also ordered that the iPhone which was used to perpetrate the crime be forfeited to the Federal Government. Ubadallah bagged the imprisonment when he was arrested for internet crime. He was charged to court and convicted. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: abuja-court-jails-one-for-internet-fraud **************************************** 14 MAY 2025 Court Jails Two for Internet Fraud in Kaduna Justice R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced one Samuel Ezekiel Godfrey and Yahaya Mustapha to jail for fraud. The duo was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on criminal impersonation, cybercrime and money laundering. The charge against Godfrey reads: "That you Samuel Ezekiel Godfrey (a.k.a Dixon Kelvin), (m) sometime in 2025 in Bida, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, falsely presented yourself as Dixon Kelvin on Facebook (an online social media application) and in that assumed character gained advantage for yourself the total sum of N191, 580,00 (One Hundred and Ninety One Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty Naira) 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.” That of Mustapha reads: "That you Yahaya Mustapha (a.k.a Mike Benjamin) sometime in April, 2025 in Minna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Mike Benjamin (a United States of America citizen) on Facebook ( a social media platform) and in such assumed character you benefitted the sum of $100 (One Hundred USD) from unsuspecting victims and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Prevention Etc Act, 2015, and punishable under Sub-section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the Act.” They pleaded "guilty" to their charge when it was read to them, following which prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Aikawa convicted and sentenced Godfrey to two years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he is to forfeit the sum of N191, 580,00 (One Hundred and Ninety-one Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty Naira), being the proceeds of crime and an iPhone, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Mustapha was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition he is to forfeit his iPhone 14 Pro, being the tool of his crime to the federal government and restitute his victim with $100 (One Hundred USD) being the proceeds of his crime. The convicts were arrested in Bida LGA of Niger State, following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photograps of the 419ers: court-jails-two-for-internet-fraud-in-kaduna ********************************************** 13 MAY 2025 Court Jails Two Internet Fraudsters in Enugu as EFCC Arraigns Two Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu has convicted and sentenced two internet fraudsters, Arinze Johnpaul Chukwudi and Ajah Damian Uchechukwu to jail for fraud. They were by the prosecuted by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a separate one-count charge, bordering on cybercrime and conspiracy to commit impersonation. The charge against Chukwudi reads: “That you, Arinze Johnpaul Chukwudi, (26 years), sometime in 2024 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated the identity of JIMCHO MUN, a male foreigner and military personnel from South Korea, who works as a nurse in Damascus, Syria and residing in the United States of America, through a Facebook account, via your Itel A662L, with intent to obtain money from M Irfan, an unsuspecting foreign national 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 charge against Uchechukwu reads: “That you, Ajah Damian Uchechukwu (also known as Uchechukwu Damian Ajah, Uche Ajah and Damian Uchechukwu Ajah), Obinna Iro Valentine (already convicted in United States of America), Enuma George (at large) and Patrick Kelechi (a.k.a Pastor Kelechi) sometime in 2017 at Amakohia, Imo State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, with fraudulent intent, conspired to commit a felony to wit: impersonation in order to gain $10,452 USD for yourselves from one Ngan Nguyen, a citizen of the United States of America and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) and of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended) and punishable under the same section of the Act.” They pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to them following which prosecution counsel, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Ajobiewe Rotimi Enitan prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel, Chijoke E. prayed the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing them. Justice Umar convicted and sentenced Chukwudi to 11 months imprisonment without an option of fine, while Uchechukwu bagged six months imprisonment and to pay a fine of N500, 000.00 (Five hundred thousand Naira). The convicts who specialized in criminal impersonation of foreign nationals were arrested on May 17, 2024. In a related development, the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC arraigned the trio of Prince Odinaka Ogbu, Nwachukwu Chidalu Prosper and Desmond Okoye Chidera before Justice Umar. Ogbu is being prosecuted on a separate two-count charge, while Prosper and Chidere are facing a two-count charge, all bordering on cybercrime. Count one against Ogbu reads: “That you, Prince Odinaka Ogbu, ‘M’ 34 years, sometime in 2024 in Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, aided Ledata Evans and others at large to commit a felony to wit; Unauthorized Modification of Computer Systems, Network Data and System Interference and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 16 (1) of the same Act.” Count one against Prosper and Chidera reads: “That you, Nwachukwu Chidalu Prosper and Desmond Okoye Chidera, sometime in 2024 in Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently made use of the electronic mail password of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Ugochukwu Nwachukwu with the intent to gain advantage for yourselves and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (a) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) of the same Act.” Prosper pleaded “guilty” while Ogbu and Chidera pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE I Anyanwu Somtochukwu prayed the court to convict and sentence Prosper accordingly and asked for a date for Chidera’s trial. Similarly, prosecution counsel, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Blessing Obasi asked the court for a trial date for Ogbu. Justice Umar, thereafter adjourned till June 25, 2025 for the hearing of Ogbu’s bail application, while he adjourned till May 21, 2025 for the review of facts of Prosper’s case and hearing of Chidera’s bail application. He ordered the remand of the trio in the Enugu Correctional Centre. The press release contains photos: court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters-in-enugu-as-efcc-arraigns-two ************************************************** 13 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests 17 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Kwara Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested 17 suspected internet fraudsters in coordinated sting operations in Ilorin and Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. They were rounded up at Asa Dam, Al-Hikmah University area and Gaa-Odota areas of Ilorin and in Ganmo and Amoyo areas of Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. The arrests which took place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 followed actionable intelligence that linked the suspects to fraudulent internet activities in the state. Items recovered from them upon arrest include three luxury vehicles, high -end mobile phones and laptop computers. The latest arrests came on the heels of that of last week that involved 47 suspects, picked up in Ilorin and Ifelodun LGA on the basis of intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-17-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-kwara **************************************************** 13 MAY 2025 Lagos Court Issues Bench Warrant against Fleeing Internet Fraudster Justice Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, issued a warrant for the arrest of one Ekweozor Peter, a suspected internet fraudster, for failing to appear in court for his arraignment. He was arrested alongside others on May 13, 2024, following credible intelligence received by the Commission about the alleged criminal activities of a syndicate of internet fraudsters operating at the Indy-Pool Hotel, ldowu Street, Ajegunle, Olodi Apapa Lagos State. Investigation revealed that he opened fake Facebook and Instagram accounts and falsely represented himself as a female pornstar from Atlanta, United States of America, with a view to defrauding unsuspecting users of the internet. During investigation, the defendant was granted an administrative bail and was scheduled to report at the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC, at some specified dates. Upon conclusion of investigation, a charge was preferred against him before the court. At the scheduled sitting on Tuesday, prosecution counsel, Ayanfe Ogunsina, told the court the Commission’s efforts to re-arrest the defendant, since he jumped the administrative bail granted him and owing to this, he could not be brought before the court for arraignment. “Efforts to reach the two persons who stood as sureties for him have also been futile, as they too have absconded. My Lord, the defendant is aware that a charge has been filed against him and he is on the run to evade arraignment and trial", he said. Ogunsina consequently, filed a motion ex-parte seeking an order of the court to issue a warrant of arrest against the defendant. Ruling on the application, Justice Fadipe held that “the application is granted as prayed". The case was adjourned till June 18, 2025 for further proceedings. lagos-court-issues-bench-warrant-against-fleeing-internet-fraudster ************************************************** 12 MAY 2025 Stay off Internet Fraud, Olukoyede Charges Nigerian Youths The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged Nigerian youths to stay away from internet fraud and focus on education, innovation and entrepreneurship. He made the call at a sensitization event, organised by Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs, CONYSSA in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development with the theme: “Uniting Nigerian Youths in the Fight against, Cultism, Internet Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Abuse, Child-Trafficking and Economic Sabotage, held at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja. “As we stand together, united and determined, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and our nation. Let us join forces to reject cultism, internet fraud, money laundering, drug abuse, child trafficking and economic sabotage. Together, we can promote education, innovation and entrepreneurship, foster a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability, support one another in making positive life choices, and build a society that values hard work, merit and patriotism,” he said. The EFCC Chairman who spoke through the Head, Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II, Aisha Muhammed noted that Nigerian youths are important stakeholders in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes and therefore must stay focused on building their capacities and on the path of ethical behaviour. While expressing concern on youths’ involvement in cybercrimes, he declared that “There is no virtue in deceit, no honour in impersonation and no sustainable wealth in stealing from others. Nation builders cannot emerge from business breakers. Education, innovativeness and entrepreneurial spirit are the pathways to enduring success. The reputation issues we are having across the world are hideous. Besides, our youth are losing their sense of values and dignity to internet fraud. Nigerian youths should redirect their talents, skills to sustainable ventures and means of livelihood and imitate the positive strides of other youths around the world,” he said. In his remarks, the Minister of Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, who was represented by Chief Obinna Nwaka stated that social vices such as cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse, child trafficking, and economic sabotage are not isolated issues, “they are symptoms of deeper societal problems. They demand a united front, prompt and coordinated response from the government and relevant stakeholders to tackle.” Kabir Adamu, managing director, Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, on his part, blamed the increasing problems the country is facing on corruption. “Corruption at various levels acts as a significant facilitator and exacerbator of these problems. By diverting resources meant for youths’ development, education, and job creation, corruption creates a climate of limited opportunities and fuels frustration among young people. This erosion of trust in government and societal institutions can lead to a sense of alienation and a greater propensity towards engaging in illicit activities,” he said. President of CONYSSA, Ambassador Ade Mario called for a holistic approach at taming the tide of insecurity in the country. “It is time for a holistic approach that will end social menace and vices in this country to be adopted and to be used in a way that result can be achieved. The more politics people play with issues of insecurity the more the country and the citizens we continue to lose,” he said. The press release contains a photo: stay-off-internet-fraud-olukoyede-charges-nigerian-youths ************************************************ 9 MAY 2025 Court Jails Nine for Internet Fraud in Uyo Justices Ijeoma Ojukwu and Rosemary Oghoghorie Dugbo of the Federal High Court Calabar have convicted and sentenced nine fraudsters to jail. The convicts are: Nsofor Charles Ochiabutor, Aneikan Monday Akpan, Igwe Greg, Ubong Emmanuel and Columba Chukwubuikem David. Others are: Edet Christopher Asuquo, Justice Chinonso, David Sunday Aniete and Fidelis Andrew Effiom. They were prosecuted by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate charges, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, money laundering and impersonation. The charge against Ochiabutor reads: “That you, Nsofor Charles Ochiabutor "M" sometime in 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of $3000 (Three Thousand United States Dollars) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit; obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and punishable under the section 18(3) of the same Act.” The charge against Akpan reads: “That you, Aneikan Monday Akpan (a.k.a Hwan Yeong) "M" sometime in 2024, in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently present yourself as Hwan Yeong on the social media with intent to gain advantage for yourself, did take possession of the aggregate sum of Three Hundred United States Dollars ($300) knowing that the money form part of the proceed of an unlawful act to wit: cyber impersonation and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18." They pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin and Khamis Mahmud prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while defence counsel Udeme Tom, David Akpanifum and Emmanuel Nsebe prayed the court for leniency. Justice Ijeoma convicted and sentenced Ochiabutor to 12 months imprisonment on each of the two-count charges or to pay N1million (One Million Naira) fine. In addition, he was ordered to restitute his victim the sum of $3000 (Three Thousand USD). His jail terms are to run concurrently. She convicted and sentenced Akpan, Greg and David to 12 months imprisonment on each of their two-count charges. Their jail terms are to run concurrently. David in addition is to restitute the sum of $1,800 USD (One Thousand, Eight Hundred Dollars) to his victim. Emmanuel bagged six months imprisonment on his one-count charge. Justice Dugbo convicted and sentenced Asuquo, Chinonso, Aniete and Effiom to two years imprisonment each with option of fines. In addition, they forfeited $300, $180 and $1,300, respectively to the federal government. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-nine-for-internet-fraud-in-uyo ******************************************** 9 MAY 2025 Alleged $1,043,000 Fraud: Supreme Court Revokes Fred Ajudua’s Bail, Returns him to Prison The Supreme Court on Friday, May 9, 2025 allowed an appeal made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division which granted bail to a socialite, Fred Ajudua. Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly obtaining the sum of $ 1,043,000( One Million, Forty Three Thousand Dollars from a Palestinian, Zad Abu Zalaf, in fraudulent circumstances. At the beginning of trial in 2005 before Justice M.O Obadina of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Ajudua employed several legal technicalities to stall proceedings which made his arraignment difficult until the matter was re- assigned to Justice J. E Oyefeso and later Justice M. A Dada before whom he was arraigned on June 4, 2018. Ajudua challenged his denial of bail at the Lagos Court of Appeal and the appellate court granted him bail on September 10, 2018. Dissatisfied with the judgment, the EFCC approached the apex court in suit number SC/ 51C/ 2019. challenging the judgment of the appellate court. The Commission also entered another appeal before the apex court in suit number SC/912C/2018 against the Court of Appeal Lagos’ judgment ordering the case to be transferred from the court of Justice Dada of the Lagos State High Court to another judge for the case to start de novo. Delivering judgment on the appeals on Friday, the Supreme Court allowed the EFCC’s appeals and revoked Ajudua’s bail granted to him by the Court of Appeal, Lagos and reinstated the ruling of Justice Dada which declined to grant him bail. The Supreme Court also ordered that Fred Ajudua be remanded in the Correctional Centre). The Court further directed that the Chief Judge of Lagos State should reassign the case to Justice Dada to continue the trial. The apex court further held that the appeal in appeal no SC/912C/2019 has become academic since the payer in that appeal was against an order of the Court of Appeal, Lagos, transferring the case to another court to start the case de novo. The press release contains a photo of this infamous 419er, "Fast Freddie" Ajudua: alleged-1-043-000-fraud-supreme-court-revokes-fred-ajuduas-bail-returns-him-to-prison ********************************************************* 9 MAY 2025 Court Jails 32 Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan, Osogbo The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of 32 internet fraudsters before seven judges High Court judges in Ibadan, Oyo State and one High Court judge in Osogbo, Osun State. The convicts are: Udoka Uzo Omefe, Adedara Ademola Ayobami, Ajayi Elijah Oladimeji, Eze James Jeffery, Olaleye Tope Akorede, Akinyemi Emmanuel Olawale, Ogbu Martins Abuchi, Oluwadare Daniel Ayomide, Adaja Oluwadamilola Oladipupo, Oyedele Diekolope Isreal, Aro Adewale Temitayo, Aluko Daniel Opeyemi, Gbadegesin Jamiu Seun, Emmanuel Oladiran Adewale, Ozor Chidozie Patrick, Adebowale Sam Adabariki and Olamilekan Akeem Adewale. Others are: Godstime Favour Ubierowoh, Lawal Azeez Ishola, Ismail Abayomi Akinsola, Oyetunji Zikrullah Temilade, Ojo Ayomide Samuel, Tade Dickson Ayomide, Okunade Azeez Babatunde, Omotosho Adebayo Olayinka, Rotimi Mayowa Oluwatosin, Akande Samson Tunmise, Ekundayo Mayowa Victor, Abiodun Akindoyin Oluwafemi, Christopher Inalegu Daniel, Onazi Lucky Bidemi and Akingbogun Tobi Afeez. They were prosecuted on a separate one-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Omefe reads: “That you Udoka Uzo Omefe ‘M’ on or about the 8th of June, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did aid one Yemi and other internet fraudsters, now at large to create the profile pictures they used to obtain money from their victims by false pretence, and hereby commited an offence of aiding another person in committing an offence, contrary to Section 7(c) and Punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.” They all pleaded “guilty” to their charge when they were read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, Modupe Akinkoye, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsuddeen Bashir, David Olubode and A.M. Aliyu to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they are first time offenders and they are willing to turn over a new leaf. Justice Olusola Adeyemi of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan convicted and sentenced Ayobami and Adewale to six months of community service each and ordered that Ayobami restitute his victim, the sum N3.6million, being proceeds of his crime. Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan convicted and sentenced Oladimeji to one year imprisonment or to pay N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. He convicted and sentenced Olawale, Ayomide and Tunmise to six months community service each or to pay N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), N180, 000.00 (One Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira) and N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. Also, he convicted and sentenced Patrick, Adabariki, Akinsola, Temilade, Samuel, Oluwatosin, Daniel and Afeez to three months of community service, each or to pay N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, each. Justice U.E Maha of the Oyo State Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan convicted and sentenced Jeffery, Oladipupo and Olayinka to one year imprisonment each or to pay N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. She further ordered Olayinka to pay the sum of N1, 150, 000.00 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) as restitution to his victim. On her part, Justice Uche Agomoh of the Oyo State Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan, slammed Babatunde and Ayomide with one year jail term and four months imprisonment on Akorede without an option of fine. Justice K.B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan convicted and sentenced Abuchi, Israel, Temitayo, Victor and Oluwafemi to one year imprisonment each or to pay N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira), N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira), N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) and N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. Justice O.A. Adetujoye of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan convicted and sentenced Opeyemi to one year of community service, Ubierowoh and Ishola to one month community service, each and Bidemi to two months of community service, without option of fine having remanded them in the Agodi Correctional Centre for two weeks after their arraignments. Justice Demi-Ajayi of the Osun State Federal High Court, Osogbo convicted and sentenced Adewale to two years imprisonment or to pay N1million fine while Seun bagged six months of community service without an option of fine. Justice O.A. Olajide of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan convicted and sentenced Omefe to six months imprisonment or to pay N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited all items recovered from them, including one unregistered dark ash Toyota Avalon 2013 model car with Chassis Number: 4TIBKL1EBODU023730, a black Lexus ES 250 car with registration number: AGL – 840 – HK and a wine colour Lexus ES 330 car with registration number: KTU – 623 – GS. The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began with their arrest by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers: court-jails-32-internet-fraudsters-in-ibadan-osogbo ************************************************** 8 MAY 2025 Court Jails 25 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Justices W.l. Aziegbemhin and A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City have convicted and sentenced 25 internet fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicts are: Tremendous Irosaike Eraze, Etinosa Newman, Benjamin Evbayemwenru, Otomobor Prosper, Osalumhewse Hope, Omigiri Shedrack Sabinus, Imasekhomwan Favour Lucky, Karoighen Enamegoulor, Onuka Patrick, Osarenmen Iyobosa and Justice Osakpolor Amadin. Others are: Iboi Joshua, Edward Peter Osagie, Sunday Wisdom, Ozili Jude, Idehen Kelvin, Destiny Melekwelu, Eyoto Favour, Blessed Awosei Odekhilan, Melekwelu Daniel Chinedu, Sunday Olawole, Abulime Promise, Salisu Lucky Nurudeen, Idehen Lucky and Ohikhozai Zion. They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a separate one-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Eraze reads: "That you Tremendous Irosaike Eraze (m) on or about the 15th of April, 2025 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 charge when they were read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, I.M Elodi I.K Agwai, K.Y Bello, A. Al-Amin Ibrahim, Salihu Ahmed, Bala Rabah and Faisal Ibrahim 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 they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Eraze, Newman, Evbayemwenru, Prosper, Hope, Sabinus, Lucky, Enamegoulor, Patrick, Iyobosa, Wisdom, Jude, Kelvin, Melekwelu, Favour, Odekhilan, Chinedu, Olawole, Promise, Lucky and Zion to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, while he convicted and sentenced Nurudeen to one week community service around the court premises. On his part, Justice Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Amadin to three years imprisonment or to pay N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, while he convicted and sentenced the duo of Joshua and Osagie to two years imprisonment each or to pay N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones, computers and money found 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 the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers: court-jails-25-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ******************************************** 8 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests 98 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Enugu, Kwara Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested 51 suspected internet fraudsters, while those of Ilorin Zonal Directorate have arrested 47. The Enugu suspects, made up of three females and 48 males were arrested in Premier Layout area of the state capital. Items recovered from them include 18 luxury cars, laptop computers and high grade mobile phones. The Ilorin 47 were picked up along Awolowo Road, Tanke, and Harmony Estate areas of the city as well as in Ganmo and Amoyo in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. Items recovered from them include 10 luxury cars, 74 high grade mobile phones, 18 laptop computers, and a motorcycle. Both arrests followed credible intelligence that linked the suspects to fraudulent internet activities. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-98-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-enugu-kwara ***************************************************** 7 MAY 2025 Court Jails Two Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna Justice R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced one Olawuyi Segun Caleb and Abdulkareem Abubakar to jail for fraud. They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on internet fraud, retention of proceeds of crime and money laundering. The charge against Caleb reads: "That you Olawuyi Segun Caleb (a.k.a Larissa Livier), Male, sometimes in March, 2025 in Jos Plateau State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Larissa Livier (a citizen of Chicago, United States of America) on Facebook (an online social media application), with intent to gain advantage to 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.’ That of Abubakar reads: "That you Abdulkareem Abubakar (a.k.a Elizabeth Robertson) sometime in February, 2025 in Minna, Niger State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained the total sum of $150.00 (One Hundred and Fifty USD) 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 pleaded "guilty" to their charge when it was read to them, following which prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Aikawa sentenced Abubakar to five years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of $150.00 (One Hundred and Fifty United States dollars), being the proceeds of crime and Itel A58 Lite, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Caleb also bagged five years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone 13, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. The convicts were arrested in White Hill Luxury Hotel, Minna, Niger State, following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna ******************************************** 7 MAY 2025 Courts Jail Seven Fraudsters in Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba The Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have secured the conviction and sentence of seven fraudsters for offences of cheating and obtaining under false pretences. The convicts are: Yusuf O. Muhammed, Joseph Opeoluwa, Samuel Chukwudi Okonkwo, Rotimi Tobi Samuel, Oladimeji Mubarak , Blessed Johnson and Usman Lari. Samuel and Mubarak were arraigned on May 6, 2025 before Justice Muazu Abubakar of the Bauchi State High Court. Muhammed, Opeoluwa and Okonkwo were arraigned on May 5, 2025 before Justice Shafa'u ladan Yusuf of Bauchi State High Court while Lari and Johnson were arraigned before Justices Kereng Abdulhameed and Ludukiya Bulila Ikharo of Gombe and Taraba State High Courts respectively between April 3 and April 16, 2025. The charge against Rotimi Tobi Samuel reads: That you Rotimi Tobi Samuel sometimes in March 2024 at Bauchi State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud created fake social media account on telegram with the user name, paigeandpaigechannel and represented yourself as a female bearing the name Paige residing in Alabama USA, induced Jack Phillips and Martinfred ( United States of American citizens ) to deliver to you $300 through gift card 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 M.A. Aliyu and others to pray the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy. Having listened to both prosecution and defence counsel, Justice Muazu Abubakar convicted and sentenced Samuel and Mubarak to seven years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira only) respectively. On May 5, 2025, Justice Yusuf convicted and sentenced Muhammed to four months imprisonment with an option of fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) Okpelowa baged six months imprisonment or a fine of N300, 000( Three Hundred Thousand Naira while Okonkwo is to pay a fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) in lieu of six months imprisonment. On April 3, 2025, Justice Ikharo convicted and sentenced Johnson to four months imprisonment or a fine of N50,000. On April 16, 2025 Justice Abdulhameed convicted and sentenced Lari to twelve months imprisonment with an option of fine of N50,000. The courts ruled that the aggregate sum of $735 ( Seven Hundred Thirty Five United States Dollars), being proceeds of crime recovered from the convicts during investigation be used to restitute the victims of crime while the mobile phones of the convicts, being instruments of crimes, be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for obtaining money under false pretences. They were subsequently prosecuted and jailed. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: courts-jail-seven-fraudsters-in-bauchi-gombe-taraba 6 MAY 2025 EFCC Traces over $300,000 Laundered Money to Arrested Yahoo Boy Suspect The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has traced money laundering activities in excess of $300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollar) to a suspected internet fraudster. The suspect was among the 35, picked up on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Sabo Iyako area of Auchi, Edo State by the Commission, following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. As a “picker” or “azaman” in internet fraud lingo, investigations revealed that the suspect has collected and laundered over $300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) for his syndicate members who are at large. Apart from internet fraud, EFCC’s investigations revealed that the suspect is equally involved in investment and banking fraud. He will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded. efcc-traces-over-300-000-laundered-money-to-arrested-yahoo-boy-suspect ******************************************************* 2 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests Three Suspects Behind Q-net Scam Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have nabbed three suspected fraudsters linked with Q-net scam in the country. The suspects, Olaniyan Joshua, Oyetunde Julius Akano, and Victor Oluwale who are currently undergoing interrogation in the Commission, were arrested on Wednesday, May 1, 2025, in Abuja. Operating under the name, Mighty Infinity Millionaire Limited, the trio falsely claimed to be representatives of Q-net, a global e-commerce and direct selling company. While Q-net has since denied any link with the suspects and their activities, investigations further revealed that the suspects were equally running a fraudulent university training in pavilions and under trees, offering fake Bachelor of Science degrees in Medicine, Nursing, Cybersecurity, Computer Studies, and Geology, among others with a false claim of affiliation with Quest International University, Malaysia. Student victims were charged between N1.2 million and N1.3 million as registration fees from which the suspected scammers raked in hundreds of millions in proceeds of crime. Earlier on March 24, 2025, the Commission raided Q-net University at Compensation Layout, Gwagwalada, FCT, Abuja where it arrested 133 suspects. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-three-suspects-behind-q-net-scam **************************************** 1 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests Technician for Suspected Employment Fraud Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested one Saifullahi Ismail for suspected involvement in employment fraud. He was arrested at Abakpa New Extension in Kaduna on April 30, 2025 following credible intelligence on his alleged involvement in employment fraud. Ismail, a technician with Kaduna Electric Distribution Company was arrested based on intelligence linking him and his accomplice, Halima Yakubu Ngulde with obtaining money from job seekers on fraudulent promise of getting job placements for them in the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, EFCC, etc. Ngulde was arrested in November 2024 by the EFCC but Ismail had been evading arrest until Wednesday when he was held for the suspected offence. Items recovered from him include a forged letter of employment by the EFCC. He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-technician-for-suspected-employment-fraud ********************************************** 1 MAY 2025 EFCC Arrests 40 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Nassarawa Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 40 (forty) suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested on Wednesday April 29, 2025 in Tamah, in the Tamah Local Government Area of Nassarawa State. Their arrest followed actionable intelligence linking them with suspected fraudulent activities. Items recovered from them include five laptops and 34 mobile phones. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-40-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-nassarawa ********************************************** 29 APR 2025 EFCC Quizzes Suspected “Yahoo” School Operators and Students Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, commenced investigation of 30 suspected internet fraudsters arrested in a Yahoo training School (a.k.a Hustle Kingdom, HK) in Benin City. The suspects, arrested by officers of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army at their hideout in Benin City, were on Monday April 28, 2025 handed over to the EFCC for further investigation. At the time of arrest, the Yahoo School has full trappings of a conventional computer school with desktop computers, work stations and other computer accessories. There was also a compartment stocked with various fetish items.Items recovered from the suspects include a Toyota Corolla car, phones, laptops and Mpeg Audio-layer 3, MP3. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed. The press release contains photos: efcc-quizzes-suspected-yahoo-school-operators-and-students ***************************************************** 28 APR 2025 EFCC Arrests 27 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Jalingo Operatives of the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Sunday, April 27, 2025 arrested 27 suspected internet fraudsters in Jalingo, Taraba State. The suspects were arrested at Fenson Guest house and mile 6 in Jalingo, based on credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet fraud. Items recovered from them include one Toyota Camry car(2013 model), 27phones, five laptops and other electronic devices. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-27-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-jalingo ********************************************** 28 APR 2025 Alleged Cybercrime: EFCC Commences Investigation of 24 Suspects Arrested in Ghana Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, have commenced investigations of 24 Nigerian youths arrested in Ghana over their alleged involvement in internet fraud. The suspects were arrested on April 17, 2025 at Kumsark Estate in Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra, Ghana by the Economic and Organised Crime Office, EOCO, Ghana. They were subsequently transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, on April 25, 2025. Speaking during the handing over of the suspects to the EFCC’s Lagos Directorate 2 on Monday, April 28, 2025, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Lagos Zonal Command, Comfort Agboko, said: “ On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Agency received a total of Two Hundred and Thirty-one (231) Nigerians comprising twenty-four (24) suspects and Two Hundred and Seven (207) victims from EOCO that repatriated them from Ghana upon their arrest on April 17, 2025 on the suspicion of their involvement in internet fraud. “Preliminary investigations by NAPTIP revealed that these individuals were engaged in cyber-related crimes, including romance scams, phishing, and fraudulent online transactions, some of which are suspected to have ties to cybercrime networks.“ Agboko, who spoke on behalf of the Director General, NAPTIP, Binta L. Adamu Bello, described the collaboration between NAPTIP and the EFCC as “pivotal in addressing the nexus between human trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime.” Speaking further, Agboko said: “This partnership had yielded significant results in the past, including a similar case handed over to your Commission in 2022, which led to the conviction of four suspects for Advanced Free Fraud. “The current handover is a continuation of this synergy, with NAPTIP leveraging EFCC's expertise in financial crime investigations to ensure thorough prosecution of the suspects.” While receiving the suspects, the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Ahmed Ghali, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the NAPTIP for sustaining the existing collaboration with the Commission in a bid to stamp out economic and financial crimes from the country. Ghali also assured the Agency that the Commission would conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the extent of the involvement of the suspects in the alleged fraudulent activities, while also unearthing their potential links. He said: “On behalf of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, I hereby take over the 24 suspects; 276 laptops; 118 mobile phones; 12 pieces of NIN; two Voters Card: two Drivers Licences; 10 ATM cards and five COVID-19 Vaccination cards. “I assure you that we will be diligent and investigate this matter. I also assure you that justice will be done and the perpetrators brought to book.” The press release contains a photo: alleged-cybercrime-efcc-commences-investigation-of-24-suspects-arrested-in-ghana ************************************************ 25 APR 2025 EFCC Arrests 24 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, April 25, 2025 arrested 24 suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested at Mararaba in Nasarawa State following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in cybercrimes. Items recovered from them include three cars, 34 phones and 7 laptops The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-24-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja ********************************************** 25 APR 2025 Court Jails Man for N1.2m Fraud in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction and sentence of one Darlington Ogihonmwanghomwan before Justice A. Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna. Ogihonmwanghomwan was prosecuted on a one-count charge, bordering on cheating to the tune of N1.2million (One Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira). The charge reads: "That you Darlington Ogihonmwanghomwan (while being the operator of Hale Bird Poultry Company) sometime in December, 2023 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court cheated one Zainab Baloni by dishonestly inducing her to deliver to you the sum of N1,200,000.00 (One Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira) only which was the property of the said Zainab Baloni and that you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 306 (a) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 307 of the same Law.” He pleaded "guilty" when the charge was read to him, following which prosecution counsel, M. U. Gadaka urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Justice Isiaka sentenced him to three years imprisonment or to pay N100,000.00 (Hundred Thousand Naira). Ogihonmwanghomwan’s road to jail began sometime in 2023 following a petition to the Commission by his victim, who alleged that she came in contact with the convict through his business account on Instagram, and that in their conversations he assured her that his company is a multi-billion naira agricultural firm that was into mass production of poultry and eggs and offers investors five percent return on the investment every two days for 15 days in one month, of which an investor can make withdrawals at will and at any point. After the victim paid him a total of N1.2million, Ogihonmwanghomwan failed to fulfil his own end of the agreement and also ensured that all efforts by the victim to make him refund the money proved abortive. The press release containd a photo of the 419er: court-jails-man-for-n1-2m-fraud-in-kaduna ****************************************** 25 APR 2025 Cyber-Terrorism: Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of 73 Properties Linked to Chinese Suspects in Lagos Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday , April 23, ordered the interim forfeiture of 73 properties, including 1,596 laptop computers recovered from Chinese involved in cyber -terrorism and internet fraud.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 judge gave the order, following an ex parte motion filed on April 17, 2025 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its counsel. B.M. Isah, against Genting International Co.The forfeited items include 1,596 computers/laptops; 4,091 mobile phones; 350 foreign SIM cards, and 3,399 Nigerian SIM cards of various telecommunications providers( 1,122 MTN SIM Cards , 316 9mobile SIM Cards , 1,277 Airtel SIM Cards , and 684 Glo SIM cards).The Judge also ordered the interim forfeiture of 194 routers; 205 sofas; 501 double-step bunks; 754 mattresses; 40 refrigerators; 10 microwaves; two whiteboards; 16 inverter batteries; 14 inverters; 43 CPUs/ monitors; a ring light; two fuel tanks; a transformer; seven vehicles; 411 deep freezers; 13 electric kettles; 21 UPS units; a toaster; an air fryer; 558 office tables; two television sets; a network server; six gas cylinders; a blender; three weight scales; a spiral dough mixer; two double-burner stoves, and a dining set.Moving the application for the forfeiture, the EFCC’s lawyer submitted that the properties are reasonably suspected to be instruments of computer-related fraud and money laundering.In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu said : “I have read the motion and attachments and found sufficient merit in the application. Consequently, the motion succeeds and is hereby granted.”The Judge also ordered the publication of the interim forfeiture order in any national newspaper for anyone or party interested in the properties sought to be forfeited to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture of the said properties should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria. cyber-terrorism-court-orders-interim-forfeiture-of-73-properties-linked-to-chinese-suspects-in-lagos **************************************************** 25 APR 2024 EFCC Arrests 15 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lagos They were arrested during a sting operation on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Maple and Jand Court, Royal Pine Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos, following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet-related activities. Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include mobile phones, laptop computers and cars. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-15-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-lagos ******************************************* 24 APR 2025 EFCC Arrests 13 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. EFCC, have arrested 13 suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in their hideout in Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja, following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet -related activities. Items recovered from the suspects include three laptops, 17 phones and two cars. 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 ************************************************ 22 APR 2025 Court Jails Man Eight Years for Impersonation in Lagos Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Tobor Efeturi Godspower to eight years imprisonment for impersonation. Godspower was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents. One of the counts reads; “That you, Tobor Efeturi Godspower, on or about the 24th day of October, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one 'Stephen Townsend', purporting to be a military man stationed in Syria, 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 second count reads: “That you, Tobor Efeturi Godspower, on or about the 24th day of October, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held yourself out as the manager of crypto account bearing the name 'Rosemarie Altez', with intent to gain advantage for 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 charges when they were read to him. In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, S.I.Suleiman, tendered the defendant’s statements dated October 28 and 30, 2024 and November 1, 4 and 6, 2024; a Toshiba laptop computer; iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 11 Pro Max; a casio wristwatch; fraudulent documents printed from his device as well as the sum of $300 restitution made by the defendant. Suleiman, therefore, urged the court to convict him as charged and sentence him accordingly. He also prayed that the exhibits recovered from the defendant be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Justice Aluko found the defendant guilty of the offences and sentenced him to four years imprisonment on each of the two counts. The Judge also gave him an option of fine of N600,000( Six Hundred Thousand Naira only) on each of the counts. The exhibits were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convict bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested for fraudulently impersonating one 'Stephen Townsend', purporting to be a military man stationed in Syria and defrauded innocent victims in the process. The press release contais a photo of the 419er court-jails-man-eight-years-for-impersonation-in-lagos ********************************************** 21 APR 2025 Encomiums As Olushesi Bows Out of Service Excitement, pomp and pageantry rent the air as the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and financial Crimes Commission ,EFCC on April 15, 2025 held a colourful pull out parade for its retired Zonal Director, Commander of the EFCC, CE Kamal Olushesi. The event which held in Gombe saw officers of the Commission eulogise the Director for his exemplary leadership skills, humility, fatherly love and achievements in Gombe Zone and EFCC at large. Head, Legal and Prosecution department of the Zone, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa'ad .H. Sa'ad commended the Zonal Director for the meritorious service rendered to the Commission over the years and wished him success in his future endeavours. Many colleagues at the event described him as “an excellent administrator and a father, a gentle genius and a silent achiever who is totally dedicated to the service of the nation”. Responding , Olushesi who was almost in tears while trying to express his appreciation at the massive show of love for him, said that he would surely miss his time with the Commission adding that he spent the bulk of his working life at the EFCC and admonished staff in the Directorate to be patient with one other and always look after one another. "I am grateful to God and thankful for working with each and every one. I thank all the past Executive Chairmen and particularly the incumbent Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede for giving me the platform to lead and for his support all through the years of my working with the EFCC. My charge to you this morning is that you continue in the legacy I left behind, be professional always and lead by example, remember no one is perfect in life so be patient with one another and be your brother's keeper” “Lastly, I thank you for your show of love, I will surely miss my time in the EFCC as the bulk of my working life was spent in the Commission. He promised to continue to identify with the Commission assuring that "you are still going to be seeing me around" Olushesi joined the Commission in 2004 and rose to become a Director championing the prosecutorial mandate of the Commission in the fight against economic and financial crimes. He retired from the service of the Commission after attaining the age of 60 years. Other sister agencies who graced the occasion include the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and others. The press release contains photos: encomiums-as-olushesi-bows-out-of-service ******************************************** 19 APR 2025 Court Jails 23 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Justices W.l. Aziegbemhin and A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City between April 11 and 17 convicted and sentenced 23 internet fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicts are: Uzorchukwu Peace Udoka, Erubasa Oghenetega, David Ogwunu, Jude Okólie, Lucky Ehizojie, Chineye Isioma Christian, Obadiunor Josoph Ikechukwu, Ugochukwu Adingwu, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Patrick Chinedu Chukwujekwe, Ugboh Chibuzor, Monday Shedrack, Udochukwu Onuka, Uzodion Luke and Ehighola Emmanuel Akhere. Others are Godstime Osunde Oskpolor, Promise Onyugboh, Onuka Patrick, Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu, Ajayi Aisosa, Aiwansoba Prince, Goddey Jeremiah and Ojimah John Oseni. 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 Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu reads: "That you Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu (m) on or about the 12th of April, 2025 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, 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 they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu, Jude Okolie, Obadiunor Josoph Ikechukwu, Ugochukwu Adingwu, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Patrick Chinedu Chukwujekwe, Ugboh Chibuzor, Monday Shedrack, Udochukwu Onuka, Ehighola Emmanuel Akhere, Godstime Osunde Oskpolor, Promise Onyugboh, Onuka Patrick, Aiwansoba Prince, Goddey Jeremiah, Ojimah John Oseni to two years imprisonment each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, while the duo Chineye Isioma Christian and Uzodion Luke were sentenced to Three Years Imprisonmen each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Uzorchukwu Peace Udoka, Erubasa Oghenetega, Ajayi Aisosa to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. The duo of David Ogwunu, Lucky Ehizojie were convicted and sentenced to Three Years Imprisonment each or to pay N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones, computers and money found in their respective bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria, being proceeds of crime. They also undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers: court-jails-23-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ************************************************ 17 APR 2025 Olukoyede Bags Integrity Award The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has once again been recognized for his unrelenting commitment to transparency, justice, and integrity in the fight against corruption and other financial crimes as he was conferred with the prestigious award for Courage in Justice and Transparency by the Nigerian Human Rights Community. The event, which took place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Airport Hotel in Lagos, was attended by top public servants, civil society leaders, and stakeholders in governance and justice. Olukoyede, who was represented by the Chief of Staff to the Commission, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe emphasized the collective responsibility of all Nigerians in the fight against corruption, stating “We owe this obligation to our nation and to future generations. Fighting corruption truly requires courage and transparency.” He described the recognition for Courage in Justice and Transparency as both humbling and motivating, adding that combating graft demands unwavering resolve. “Corruption is a monstrous mountain, and you need courage to break it into pieces. The most difficult thing to say is NO in the face of threats and challenges,” he said Olukoyede also stressed the need for transparency among EFCC operatives and the entire justice system, asserting that “he that comes to equity must come with clean hands.” He dedicated the award to the hard-working staff of the Commission and expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Human Rights Community and the Green Peoples Environmental Network for the honour. “This award will surely encourage us to do more,” he said. He called on the civil society and advocacy groups to intensify efforts in promoting justice and integrity across the country. “We need to build formidable synergy against corruption. Every little success in breaking the hard nut of corruption is significant, and if we remain consistent, we will eventually succeed in bringing down the rocky tower of graft in our land.” "The EFCC remains committed to upholding its mandate and strengthening Nigeria’s anti- corruption fight, inspired by recognitions such as this that affirm its enduring efforts," he said. The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-bags-integrity-award 419 Coalition comment: We congratualte the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on receiving this award for Courage in Justice and Transparency given by the Nigerian Human Rights Community ********************************************** 17 APR 2025 EFCC Spokesman Emerges Government Spokesperson of the Year The Head, Media and Publicity Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, a Deputy Commander of the EFCC, has emerged Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR Outstanding Federal Government Spokesperson of the Year, 2025. The award ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Abuja Continental Hotel was themed: "Integrity and the Evolving Roles of Spokespersons in Leadership Communication." Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA. The Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, while commending the nominees emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and driven by merit. Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities. Winners from other categories include: Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) – Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian Customs Service – Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) – Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Osagie Edwards Omoruyi (NIMASA) - Outstanding Spokesperson (Marine and Blue Economy), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) - Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services). Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi-NPF, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year. In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member House of Representatives congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the outstanding communicators across various sectors and lauded the winners for their professionalism and devotion and urged them to continue to strive for excellence in the roles they play. The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication. The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management. The award is an annual celebration of individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication. The press release contains a photo: efcc-spokesman-emerges-government-spokesperson-of-the-year 419 Coalition comment: We congratulate Mr. Dele Oyewale, a Deputy Commander of the EFCC, on his selection as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR Outstanding Federal Government Spokesperson of the Year, 2025 *************************************************** 16 APR 2025 EFCC Arrests 40 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Niger State Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 40 suspected internet fraudsters in Bida and Minna Local Government Areas of Niger State. They were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to suspected fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include three cars, eight power generating sets, one Hisense air conditioner, two power stabilizers, 10 motorcycles, eight laptop computers, four bluetooth speakers and 60 android phones. Also recovered were fetish items that included three calabashes, adorned with feathers, traditionally made soap and sponge, a bottle of hot drink, 20 cowries, a waist bead and four lady’s underwears. They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-40-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-niger-state ****************************************************** 15 APR 2025 EFCC Identifies Financial Crimes as Major Drivers of Violent Non-State Activities in Nigeria The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has identified financial crimes, governance gaps and weak accountability structures as key enablers of the operations of violent non-state actors in Nigeria, with grave implications for national security and economic development. The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, stated this on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in a lecture to members of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 18 of the Institute National Institute of Security Studies, Abuja. In his paper titled “Violent Non-State Actors in Security Management: Issues, Challenges and Prospects for Peace and Development in Africa: EFCC Perspective”, Olukoyede warned that violent non- state actors ranging from insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and separatist agitators to cybercriminals pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s territorial integrity, political stability, economic prosperity, and social cohesion. The EFCC boss who spoke through the Director of Public Affairs, Commander of the EFCC, CE Wilson Uwujaren, lamented that the activities of these groups have not only led to mass killings and destruction of public infrastructure, but also triggered massive economic losses, rising food inflation and displacement of rural communities. According to him, “To say that the activities of violent non-state actors have disrupted the rhythm of our national security strategy and undermined the nation’s economic equilibrium, political and social order, is to state the obvious.” The anti-graft czar noted that while the kinetic response by the military and other security agencies remains central to the counter-terrorism strategy, the non-kinetic aspects, particularly financial surveillance and regulation, are crucial in choking the funding lifelines of violent actors. He pointed to EFCC’s interventions through the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, regulation of non-governmental organisations operating in conflict zones, and monitoring of financial transactions in both traditional and emerging payment channels, including virtual currencies. “The Commission equally strengthened surveillance and monitoring of transactions in designated non-financial sectors especially trading in foreign currencies through the bureau de change, and the sudden popularity of virtual assets especially crypto currencies as outlets for international transactions with the guarantee of anonymity which suits the terror groups”, he said. Olukoyede also cited successful investigations and prosecutions of military officers implicated in the misappropriation of funds meant for counter-insurgency operations as part of the Commission’s contribution to transparency and accountability in the sector. He stressed that terror organisations’ sustained operations for over a decade point to deep financial networks and international linkages, with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons also having strong ties to money laundering and illicit financial flows. “Some of the terror organisations in Nigeria have survived for more than ten years, which is evidence that they have managed to establish a steady stream of funding outside of the Nigerian financial system,” he said. The EFCC Chairman identified challenges facing the Commission in its task, including poor inter- agency collaboration, widespread cash-based transactions, gaps in telecoms regulation, and weak compliance with Know Your Customer, KYC requirements by financial institutions and fintech operators. Despite these challenges, Olukoyede expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome the menace of violent non-state actors through collective national resolve, inter-agency synergy, and improved governance. In his closing remarks, the Director of Studies at the National Institute of Security Studies, Mr. Hyginus Ngele, thanked the EFCC Chairman for the depth of insight shared, expressing the hope that the Chairman would continue to honour future invitations to engage with security professionals. He urged the course participants to internalise the lessons from the lecture and distinguish themselves positively when the mantle of leadership falls upon them. The lecture was part of a series of engagements designed to prepare participants for strategic roles in national security and intelligence management. The press release contains photos: efcc-identifies-financial-crimes-as-major-drivers-of-violent-non-state-activities-in-nigeria 419 Coalition comment: 419 Coalition and Ultrascan have been reporting on the relationship between West African Advance Fee Fraud to terrorism and transnational crimes for literally decades, from before the EFCC even existed, so we are gratified to read that EFCC agrees with our analysis in such matters. ******************************************************** 15 APR 2025 EFCC Arrests 47 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 arrested 47 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City, Edo State. The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included five exotic cars, smartphones and laptop computers.They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-47-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ************************************************* 14 APR 2025 Lagos Court Jails Two for Possession of Fraudulent Documents, Impersonation The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of two internet fraudsters to one year imprisonment each before Justice Abike Fadipe of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos. The convicts, Innocent Joseph Odumusor and Ajose Samuel Chukwudi, were arrested by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos and subsequently handed over to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC for further investigations. Consequently, they were arraigned on two-count separate charges bordering on possession of fraudulent documents, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct and impersonation. One of the charges against Odumusor reads: “That you, Innocent Joseph Odumusor, on or about the 3rd day of March, 2025 in Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial Division of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, had in your possession a bundle of fraudulent documents printed from your email account innocentodumusor@gmail.com., which documents you knew or ought to have known, having regard to the circumstances of the case, to be false; and you thereby committed an offence of possession of document containing false pretence, contrary to Section 320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.” One of the charges against Chukwudi reads: “That you, Ajie Samuel Chukwudi, on or about the 3rd day of March, 2025, in Lagos, within the Ikeja jurisdiction division of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, had in your possession a bundle of fraudulent documents printed from your WhatsApp account, in order to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, which documents you knew or ought to have known, having regard to the circumstances of the case, to be fraudulent and you thereby committed an offence of possession of documents containing false pretence contrary to Section 320 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.” The defendants each pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against them. Following their guilty pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Ahmed Yerima, called on John Daniel, an operative of the EFCC, to give a review of the facts against the defendants. In his review, Daniel said Odumusor was arrested alongside another internet fraudster and subsequently handed over to the EFCC. He added that : “He was processed accordingly and found in his possession was an iPhone 16 pro max, an AlienWare laptop computer and a Mercedes Benz GL 53. “Upon his arrest, he was brought to the EFCC office, where his iPhone 16 pro max was taken to the Forensic Department and analyzed. “In his statement, he admitted to have engaged in fraudulent activity of loading of accounts and taking over some foreign accounts. “He also admitted to have benefited the sum of N150,000,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira).” Yerima then sought to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s extra judicial statement, forensic documents print out, his iPhone 16 pro max, AlienWare laptop computer and Mercedes-Benz GL 53. Justice Fadipe admitted and marked them as exhibits. Yerima prayed that the iPhone 16 pro max, AlienWare laptop computer and Mercedes-Benz GL 53 be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria and that the defendant be jailed. Also, Daniel, while giving a review of the facts in the case involving Chukwudi, said: “In March, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force arrested and handed over the defendant as a suspected internet fraudster operating in Lagos . “He was processed accordingly, and found in his possession was an iPhone 15 pro. "Upon his arrest , he was brought to the EFCC office, where his iPhone 15 pro max was taken to the Forensic Department and analyzed. In his statement, he admitted to have engaged in a middle-man scam, which involved him getting foreign accounts from online vendors and selling them to loaders. “He benefited the sum of $7000 ( Seven Thousand United States Dollars).“ He further told the court that the defendant had restituted the sum of $4000 ( Four Thousand United States Dollars ). Yerima then sought to tender, in evidence, Chukwudi’s extrajudicial statement, $4000, forensic documents print out and the iPhone 15 pro. Justice Fadipe admitted and marked them as exhibits. Yerima prayed that the Iphone 15 pro, $4000( Four Thousand United States Dollars) be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria and that the defendant be jailed. The judge found the defendants guilty and convicted him as charged. Counsel to the defendants, Peter Taiwo and Z. S. Makinde, respectively pleaded for leniency, stating that their clients were remorseful and that they were first-time offenders, “who didn’t waste the time and resources of the court. Delivering judgment, Justice Fadipe sentenced Odumuzor to one year imprisonment, effective from April 9, 2025, with an option of a fine in the sum of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and 100 hours of community service." The judge further ordered that the iPhone 16 pro, AlienWare laptop computer and the Mercedes- Benz recovered from Odumozor be forfeited to the Federal Government Chukwudi was also sentenced to one year imprisonment, effective from April 9, 2025, with an option of a fine in the sum of N500,000 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira ) and 100 hours of community service . Similarly, Justice Fadipe ordered that the iPhone 15 pro and the sum of $4000 recovered from Chukwudi be forfeited to the Federal Government. The Judge also ordered that both convicts be registered on the Lagos State Offenders' Register and should sign an undertaking with the EFCC never to commit any financial crime within and outside the shores of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: lagos-court-jails-two-for-possession-of-fraudulent-documents-impersonation **************************************************** 14 APR 2025 EFCC Arrests 17 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 17 suspected internet fraudsters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The suspects are: Osita Emmanuel (25 years), Saint Johnson, (20 years), Peter Lucky (26 years), Samuel Asuquo, (28 years), Raphael James, (29 years), Chimobi Moses, (29 years), Edara Ubong, (21 years) and Nchekwube Paul, (23 years). Others are, Happiness Anietie Michael (23 years), Christopher Edet (32years), Amadi Justice (27 years), Patrick Ahiakwo, (30 years), Sunday Umoh (24 years), Michael Ekerette Sunday, (25 years), Kennedy Etim Okokon, (29 years), Igwe Greg, (30 years), and Goodnews Ita, (23 years). They were arrested on April 11 and 14, 2025 in an intelligence-driven sting operation in Use- Offot Nwaniba, Urua Ekpa, Ring Road 3, Ikot Ekpene Road, Calabar Itu Road and the Mechanic Village areas of the state capital. Items recovered from them included 26 smartphones, three laptop computers, a white-coloured Lexus IS 250 with registration number ABJ- 739AV, a metallic grey-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KTE-687EP, a black-coloured Lexus 350 with registration number BWR-36LN and a black-coloured GLE with Registration number FST-863JS. They would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-17-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo ************************************************** 11 APR 2025 Courts Jail Five for Fraud in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction and sentence of five internet fraudsters before Justices R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna and D.H Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna. The convicts are, Henry Kyasi Yohanna (a.k.a Alessandra Bondani), Samson Adeoye Iyangbe (a.k.a Trans Anna Bella), Bashir Kashim (a.k.a Hannah Barron) Merenini Ekene and Yakubu Musa. While Yohanna, Iyangbe, Kashim and Ekene were prosecuted before Justice Aikawa on a separate one-count charge, bordering on impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents, obtaining by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime, Musa was prosecuted before Justice Khobo on amended one-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N3million. The charge against Yohanna reads: "That you, Henry Kyasi Yohanna (a.k.a Alessandra Bondani) male, sometime in 2023 in Jos, Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, falsely presented yourself as Alessandra Bondani; a white woman on Facebook and Telegram (which are online social media applications) and in that assumed character gained advantage for yourself the total sum of Two Hundred United States Dollars ($200.00), 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.” The charge against Musa reads: "That you Yakubu Musa sometime in 2014 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honourable court dishonestly misappropriated a certain property to wit: the total sum of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million Naira) only, property belonging to Thalmon Friday, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 1999 and punishable under Section 308 of the same Law.” They all pleaded "guilty" to their charge when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel, K.S Ogunlade, F.A.I Asemebo and M. Lawa prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that their clients have become remorseful for their actions. Justice R.M.Aikawa convicted and sentenced Yohanna to five years imprisonment or to pay N600,000.00 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition he forfeited the sum of $200.00, being proceeds of his crime, one Redmi 13c phone and one Dell laptop computer being tools of his crime to the federal government. Iyangbe bagged five years imprisonment or to pay N600,000.00 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of $15.00 (Fifteen United StatesDollars), being the proceeds of crime and one Gionee phone, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Kashim was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay N600,000.00 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of $500.00 (Five Hundred United States Dollars) being the proceeds of crime, one iPhone 14 pro Max mobile phone and one Samsung A14 mobile phone, being the tools of his crime in favour of the federal government. Ekene on his part, bagged five years imprisonment or to pay N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his Techno Smart 4 mobile phone, being the tool of his crime to the federal Republic of Nigeria. Yohanna and Iyangbe were arrested in Jos, Plateau State, while Kashim and Ekene were arrested in Minna, Niger State following actionable intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Justice Khobo sentenced Musa to one year imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) In addition, he is to restitute his victim the sum of N3million (Three Million Naira). Musa’s road to jail began following his victim’s petition that in 2014 that he, Musa, being his inlaw informed him that there is a plot of land at Mahuta area of Kaduna State for sale at the cost of N3million, of which he became interested and transferred the money to him. While Musa never bought the land, all efforts to recover the money from him proved abortive. The press release contains photos: courts-jail-five-for-fraud-in-kaduna ********************************************** 11 APR 2025 Court Jails Nine Internet Fraudsters in Benin City The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, between March 27 to April 11, 2025 secured the conviction and sentence of nine internet fraudsters before Justice A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City, Edo State. The convicts are: Desmond Aghanenu, Okolie Bright, Emeka Matthew, Anikwushe Calin, Precious Onyeka Okonkwo, Ojie Victor Emeka, Safety Tamarakuro Austin, Promise Osas Lucky and Ebi Ferguson.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 Desmond Aghanenu reads: "That you Desmond Aghanenu (m) on or about the 14th of March, 2025 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, Isa K. Agwai and Bala-Ribah 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 they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Desmond Aghanenu, Okolie Bright, Emeka Matthew, Anikwushe Calin, Precious Onyeka Okonkwo, Ojie Victor Emeka, Safety Tamarakuro Austin, Promise Osas Lucky to two years imprisonment, each or pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, while Ebi Ferguson bagged three years imprisonment or pay a fine of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones, computers and money found in their respective bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. They were prosecuted and convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-nine-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ********************************************** 11 APR 2025 Internet Fraudster Surrenders Voluntarily to EFCC in Benin An internet fraudster on Monday April 8, 2025 surrendered himself to the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACEI Effam Okim The 28-year-old fraudster who hails from Oredo Local government area of Edo State explained that he turned himself in because he did not want to continue with the fraudulent practice for fear of being apprehended by Operatives of the Commission. "I reported myself because I wanted to stop and turn a new leaf", he said. Prior to surrendering, the fraudster was a specialist in romance scam variants of internet fraud. "I tell my victims that I am from China and that I work as a medical doctor in a war- torn country. My victims are foreigners who I deceive into love relationships. I communicate with them in Chinese using a mobile app translator. I profess love for them by telling them how beautiful and attractive they are", he said. internet-fraudster-surrenders-voluntarily-to-efcc-in-benin 419 Coalition comment: We respect this unnamed 419er for wanting to "turn over a new leaf" and Doing something tangible towards achieving that goal. ******************************************************* 10 APR 2025 Court Jails Internet Fraudster One Year in Lagos Justice O.A. Okunuga of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced one Adebambo Fawas Olamilekan to one year imprisonment for internet fraud. Olamilekan was arraigned on April 3, 2025 by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Awolowo Office, Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on possession of documents containing false pretence and cheating, contrary to Sections 320 and 323 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. One of the counts reads: “That you, Adebambo Fawas Olamilekan, on or about 14th May, 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession documents, where you falsely represented yourself as a female, which were printed from your iPhone 13 pro, and which documents you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence and committed an offence contrary to 320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.” He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him. In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, O.Daramola, reviewed the facts of the case and tendered some documents as well as the defendant’s confessional statement. Daramola also urged the court to convict him as charged. Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Okunuga found him guilty and sentenced him to one year imprisonment, with an option of fine in the sum of One Million Naira. The judge also ordered that his iPhone device as well as a Zenith Bank managers cheque of N100,000.00 be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-internet-fraudster-one-year-in-lagos *********************************************** 10 APR 2025 EFCC Arraigns Two Suspected Fraudsters for Impersonating Kano Oil Mogul The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned the duo of Sulaiman Inuwa Zakiru and Aliyu Ahmed before Honourable Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of the Kano State High Court on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretenses. The defendants allegedly conspired to impersonate Alhaji A.A. Rano, a prominent oil mogul and owner of A.A. Rano Oil and Gas Limited and defrauded their victims the sum of N12,000,000 (Twelve Million Naira) for payment for an oil allocation purportedly issued by A.A. Rano Oil and Gas. The principal suspect, Sulaiman Inuwa Zakiru allegedly defrauded the petitioner by claiming that A. A. Rano would contact him after paying the oil merchant a courtesy visit. Subsequently, someone purporting to be A.A Rano called the petitioner and offered him petroleum products in the sum of N12,000,000. After making payment to two bank accounts bearing ‘A.A Yansamary General Enterprise and Zahda General Enterprise provided by the suspects, the petitioner eventually met the real A.A Rano and intimated him about the transaction but the oil merchant denied any knowledge of the transaction. Count one of the charge reads: “That you Sulaiman Inuwa Zakari and Aliyu Ahmed sometime in April 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offense, to wit: cheating , by impersonation, contrary to Section 96(1) and punishable under Section 97(1) of the penal code law”. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Zarami Mohammed requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants in a Correctional Facility pending the commencement of trial. Consequently, Justice Aliyu adjourned the case till May 22nd 2025 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Correctional Facility. The press release contains a photo of each convict: efcc-arraigns-two-suspected-fraudsters-for-impersonating-kano-oil-mogul **************************************************** 9 APR 2025 Courts Jails Seven Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction and sentence of seven internet fraudsters before Justice R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna. The convicts are: Paul Emmanuel Tumba (a.k.a Cynthia Ebuka), Gabriel Fidelis (a.k.a Diana Siako), Rotji Makwin Gonchor (a.k.a Sofia Marcelor), Danboyi John (a.k.a Ana Martins), Agbaje Abbas Olaleken, ( a.k.a Dave Smith Vegas), Solomon Ameh, (a.k.a Scott Phillips) and Wisdom Mundi Luka (a.k.a Loredana Calinescu). They were prosecuted on separate one-count charges each, bordering on impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents, obtaining by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime. The charge against Ameh reads: "That you Solomon Ameh (a.k.a Scott Phillips), male, sometime in 2025 at Minna, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, falsely presented yourself as Scott Phillips an investment broker from Miami, Florida USA on Gmail and in that assumed character gained advantage for yourself the sum of $300.00 (Three Hundred United States Dollars) only, 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.” The charge against Fidelis reads: "That you, Gabriel Fidelis (a.k.a Diana Siako), sometime in December, 2024 at Jos Plateau State, within the Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, fraudulently impersonated one Diana Siako, a female purportedly resident in Italy on Telegram and Facebook, defrauded Rain Shemesh and other unsuspecting persons of the sum of N970,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira) 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 Section 22(2)(b) of the same Law.” They all pleaded "guilty" to their charge when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel, Y.J Matiyak and M. U Gadaka prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the defendants have become remorseful for their actions. Justice R.M Aikawa convicted and sentenced Tumba to two years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. He also forfeited the sum of N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and his Infinix Smart 7 phone to the federal government, being the proceeds and tool of his crime, respectively. He convicted and sentenced Fidelis to five years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira ) fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of N970,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Seventy Naira) and Infinix Hot 5oi to the federal government being the proceeds and tool of crime. Gonchor bagged two years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. He also forfeited his Samsung Galaxy S9, being the tool of his crime in favour of the federal government. John was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited the sum of $450 (Four Hundred and Fifty US Dollars) and ash-coloured Honda Accord car, being the proceeds of his crime and iPhone 15 and a HP laptop computer, being the tools of his crime cybercrime to the federal government. Justice Aikawa convicted and sentenced Olalekan to five years imprisonment or to pay N600,000.00 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. He also forfeited his iPhone 14 Pro Max mobile phone, being the tool of his crime to the federal government. Ameh bagged five years imprisonment or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited his iPhone 16 Plus, an iPad and the sum of $300 (Three Hundred US Dollars), being tools and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government, while Luka was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay N600,000.00 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited an iPhone 13 Pro and €220.00 (Two Hundred and Twenty Euros), being the tool and proceeds of his crime, respectively to the federal government. The convicts were arrested in Jos, Plateau State and Niger State respectively, following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: courts-jails-seven-internet-fraudsters-in-kaduna ************************************************ 9 APR 2025 Interpol Applauds EFCC and Its Collaborative Efforts The International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for its operational effectiveness and collaborative efforts with it in driving activities against national and trans-border financial crimes. This plaudit was given in Abuja on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 when Interpol top officers, led by Cyril Gout, Executive Director, Police Services, paid a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters. Speaking at the occasion, Olaolu Adegbite, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG and Head, Interpol National Central Bureau observed that the EFCC, Nigerian Police Force and other law enforcement agencies are partners. “We have been working together, supporting one another and whatever we do at the Nigerian Police Force, specifically from the National Central Bureau, the NCB, we always put EFCC first”, he said. Adegbite specifically commended the EFCC for its local and global strides, pointing out that "EFCC is a model for us. The EFCC is an international brand. When you say EFCC, the whole world knows that it projects Nigeria in a very positive way.” Speaking further, he stated that the EFCC has been pivotal to all the Interpol’s operations. “It is part of Project Agric, Project Water, all our cybercrime projects and Project Serengeti that we just concluded. In all our projects, we always invite EFCC officers and they've been doing amazing jobs, working as a collective to make sure that together, we protect our country. The EFCC is one of the first agencies that the NCB linked to the i247 Network. The i247 Network is the global system of communication for Interpol member countries”, he said. He appreciated Olukoyede for allowing the participation of EFCC representatives at the Interpol’s Silver Working Group. The Silver Notice was created last year specifically to tackle money laundering. He pleaded that the EFCC continues to utilize Interpol’s tools because they are multi-jurisdictional and transnational” He disclosed that Mr. Gout was in Nigeria for the handover of the West African Police Information System, WAPIS, to West African regional and national authorities . The System is a digitized information-sharing network among law enforcement agencies to break criminal activities among the 16 ECOWAS states. “The WAPIS system is supposed to be domiciled with all our law enforcement agencies where they upload data. Criminal databases are key, especially digitized ones like WAPIS in resolving all forms of crimes,” he said. He further disclosed that West Africa has the unique challenge of crime dispersal. Criminals migrate across regional borders easily but with WAPIS, crimes such as human trafficking, money laundering, economic crimes, cyber crimes and terrorism can be tackled through robust information amenities among ECOWAS member nations. Adegbite recalled that the EFCC played a leading role in operationalizing WAPIS right from the onset. “When the WAPIS programme started I think in 2019, the EFCC became the leader of the WAPIS project. It was the agency which provided the largest data upload from Nigeria and it was very reassuring that it did that”. In his remark, Gout noted that with the handover of WAPIS to Nigerian law enforcement agencies, it has become a national information system. “It's a Nigerian Information System to collect and share data that are relevant for the nation’s safety and security. Whatever information that we have, whatever information that we want to cross-check should be contained or shared within this information system. We see the national information system as the only way that we are interconnecting our information sharing and that we are efficient together. So, it is a necessity that we work together,” he said. Director of Investigation, EFCC, Commander of the EFCC, CE Abdulkarim Chukkol who represented Olukoyede at the occasion, while expressing delight at the visit, noted that the EFCC and INTERPOL have come a long way in synergy and collaboration in multi-dimensional ways that included field operations and human capital development. According to him, since the EFCC was established in 2003 and started operational activities, the INTERPOL has always been a dependable ally. “We've done many things with INTERPOL. We've used their tools. It has also enhanced our capacity in many ways. There have been many trainings in which our people benefited. We've also done joint operations. I'm also one of the people that have participated in many of those operations both home and abroad. I would say that the EFCC has actually contributed largely in terms of discovering crime trends, in terms of data, in terms of the analyses that are done. It has also helped in formulating some strategies when it comes to crime prevention, when it comes to how to attack some of these crimes that we are seeing”, he said. Speaking further, Chukkol noted that the scaling up of EFCC activities in the past one year and the globalization of crime trends have made data exchange among law enforcement agencies more compelling. “You may have noticed that the EFCC has heightened its operations in the past one year or so. In one operation alone, it arrested more than 700 people, including 194 foreign nationals and with the globalization of crime and terrorism today and people moving from one country to another, our work is going to be hindered one way or the other without data exchange. Movement in the ECOWAS sub region is very easy and without visas. So, data sharing is something that will assist us in our work. The frightening part of it today is that we have seen people coming from other countries, not within the West African region and participating in some of these frauds. The WAPIS, we believe, is going to do quite a lot for us. We're going to benefit from it,” he said. The press release contains photos: interpol-applauds-efcc-and-its-collaborative-efforts ********************************************** 9 APR 2025 EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 14 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. They were arrested on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Ikot Akpanabia, Udoudoma, and the Nwaniba areas of Uyo in an intelligence-driven sting operation. Three of the arrested suspects are undergraduates of the University of Uyo. Items recovered from them include 26 smartphones, one iPad, three laptops, one wristwatch, and a black Toyota Camry car. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-14-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo ********************************************** 9 APR 2025 EFCC Arrests 25 Suspected Fraudsters in Makurdi Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Directorate have arrested 25 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within the Makurdi metropolis. They were arrested on Tuesday April 8 and Wednesday April 9 2025 following credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in cybercrimes. tems recovered from them include three cars, five laptops, 22 (twenty two) phones and three bikes. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-25-suspected-fraudsters-in-makurdi ******************************************** 9 APR 2025 EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt Operatives of the Port Harcourt’s Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested Thirty Seven (37) suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Tuesday April 8, 2025 in an operation code named "operation eagle sweep". They were arrested for alleged internet fraud after the Commission received credible intelligence on their activities in various hideouts within the State. Items recovered from them include different brands and models of exotic vehicles, smart phones, smart wrist watches, international passports, Automated Teller Machine, ATM cards of different banks and laptops containing incriminating materials and documents. The matter will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-37-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-port-harcourt ************************************************ 7 APR 2025 Olukoyede Challenges Commonwealth Nations to Emulate Nigeria in Fight against Financial Crimes Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has challenged Commonwealth Nations to learn from Nigeria’s proactive reforms and collaborative approaches in its fight against corruption to strengthen their defences against financial crimes. He threw this challenge on Monday, April 7, 2025 at the opening of a five-day Commonwealth Law Conference organised by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, CLA, in Malta, with the theme: Combating Transnational organised Crime in the Commonwealth: Opportunities and Challenges. Olukoyede who spoke on the topic: "Combating Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing: Has FATF Enhanced Monitoring Made any Difference in Non-Compliant Countries?", said the Financial Action Task Force's, FATF’s enhanced monitoring framework, while presenting significant challenges, also offers a clear roadmap for reforms. According to him, Nigeria’s experience reinforces the fact that the benefits of monitoring extend beyond mere compliance but the creation of a resilient financial system capable of disrupting the financing of terrorism and proliferation activities. In his advice to the Commonwealth Nations, the EFCC boss said that while the FATF has made major changes to the criteria for putting countries on its lists to relieve pressures on least developed countries and focus on those countries posing greater risks to the international financial system, "members of the Commonwealth should continue to push for more considerations for countries in the Sub-Saharan who continued to constitute the highest number on countries on the enhanced monitoring list". He pointed out that Nigeria has largely addressed all its action items under the enhanced monitoring process with exception of the items under Immediate Outcome 8 (Confiscation and highlighted lessons for other Commonwealth Countries. Such lessons include, high level political commitment, proactive compliance over reactive measures, building enforcement capacity, harnessing Technology, fostering public-private partnerships and continuous international engagement. Held biennially, the Commonwealth Law Conference is a prestigious event in the legal calendar, attracting senior justice leaders, academics and practicing lawyers from around the 56 member Commonwealth Nations. The Association exists to maintain and promote the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth by ensuring that an independent and efficient legal profession, with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, serves the people of the Commonwealth. Among other speakers at the event were: Juliet Ibekaku- Nwagwu, founder, Africa Centre for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development; Richard Salter KC, Barrister 3 Vericulam Building, London and Loretta Joseph , Senior Policy Adviser and Consultant to the Commonwealth Secretariat on Virtual Asset Model Law. The press release contains photos: olukoyede-challenges-commonwealth-nations-to-emulate-nigeria-in-fight-against-financial-crimes ************************************************************ 28 MAR 2025 Courts Jail 17 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City 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 Ekene Ezerioha reads: "That you Ekene Ezerioha (m) on or about the 14th of March, 2025 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, F.A Jirbo, K Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, Faisal Ibrahim, Al-Amin Ibrahim Abdul, Bala-Ribah and Salihu Ahmed 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 they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Igbinekaro, Adebor, Oseh, Edozie, Okojie, Christopher, Best, Nwadiashi, and Grace to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, while he sentenced Richard, Kingsley, Ezeala, Goodluck and Isioma to three years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. On his part, Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Oboh, Ayomide and Ezerioha to two years imprisonment each or to pay N400, 000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively.In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones, computers 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 in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: courts-jail-17-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ********************************************* 26 MAR 2025 EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 arrested 15 suspected internet fraudsters in Tanke Oke-Odo area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. Officers of the Directorate had earlier on Friday, March 22, 2025 arrested 22 suspected internet fraudsters in Tanke, Alao Farm Estate, Yidi Road, and Irewolede areas of Ilorin. The arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included eight luxury cars, smartphones and high-end laptop computers. Both arrests brought to 37, the number of suspected internet fraudsters, rounded up in Ilorin by the anti-graft in a space of one week. The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-37-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-ilorin ********************************************* 25 MAR 2025 Court Jails BDC Operator, Internet Fraudster in Ilorin The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, secured the conviction of Abubakar Suleiman for operating a Bureau De Change business without a valid licence. The Directorate also secured the conviction of one Lawal Farauq for cybercrime-related offences. Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ilorin, convicted and sentenced the two fraudsters who were charged separately on one-count charges The charge against Suleiman reads: “That you, Abubakar Suleiman, sometime in May, 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 57 (5) of the Bank and other Financial Institutions Act, 2020 and punishable under Section 57 (5) (B) of the Act” The charge against Farauq reads: “That you, Lawal Farauq sometime in September 2023 within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, fraudulently impersonated one Johanna Smith via your messenger account with intent to obtain money from one Mark Dewitt which you did obtain the sum of Seventy Dollars and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) of Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b)(iv) of the same Act” The defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them. Following their guilty pleas, EFCC prosecutor Aliyu Adebayo and Andrew Akoja, through witnesses who are investigators in the Commission presented evidence, including extra- judicial statements and monetary exhibits recovered at the time of their arrests. Satisfied that the prosecution had sufficiently proven the cases, Justice Awogboro convicted the defendants and sentenced them to various jail terms. The judge sentenced Suleiman to 300 hours of community service at five hours per day, ordering him to report to the court with a discharge certificate upon completion. Additionally, the court ordered the final forfeiture of CFA 3,360,000; N220,000, and N71,000 in counterfeit Naira notes to the government In the same vein, Farauq bagged 200 hours of community service at five hours per day. The court also ordered the forfeiture of an iPhone 6s Plus used to commit the crime and the $70 he fraudulently obtained. The two 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 photos of the convicts: court-jails-bdc-operator-internet-fraudster-in-ilorin ********************************************** 25 MAR 2025 Uyo Court Jails Internet Fraudster Two Years Justice Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, March 24, 2025 convicted and sentenced Oguzie Chima Joseph ( a.k.a Sergeant Flores Nguyen) to two years imprisonment for internet fraud. He was prosecuted by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on two –count charges bordering on cybercrimes. Count one of the charges against reads: "That you Oguzie Chima Joseph (a.k.a Sergeant Flores Nguyen), 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 Sergeant Flores Uguyeni an officer of the United States Army on social media platform (Facebook) 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.” Count two reads: "That you Oguzie Chima Joseph (a.k.a Sergeant Flores Nguyen), sometime in 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, did directly take possession of the sum of One Hundred United States Dollar (S100), 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". Joseph pleaded guilty to the charges when they were first read to him on Monday, March 10, 2025. Based on his pleas, prosecution counsel, Khamis Mahmud, tendered some exhibits through a witness, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE ll Musa Yahaya, an EFCC investigator. The exhibits include: a written statement of the defendant, one iphone OR mobile device and printouts of fraudulent documents from the defendant’s phone. While delivering judgment on Monday, March 24, 2025, Justice Onah convicted Oguzie on both counts of the charges against him. "The prosecution has been able to present his facts before this Honourable Court, and with the guilty pleas by the defendant, I therefore find you Oguzie Chima Joseph guilty as charged". Thereafter, the judge sentenced him to one year imprisonment on each of the two counts, and the sentence is to run concurrently with an option of fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira). The convict would also restitute the sum of $100(One Hundred United States Dollars) which he benefited from the fraudulent dealings. In addition, Justice Onah ordered the forfeiture of the convict’s iPhone XR mobile device being proceeds of crime to the government. The convict commenced his journey to the Correctional Centre on December 6, 2024, when he was arrested by a team of investigators from the Commission’ s office in Uyo. He was linked to internet fraud through credible intelligence that showed that he used fictitious social media handles to lure and defraud his victims. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: uyo-court-jails-internet-fraudster-two-years ******************************************** 24 MAR 2025 EFCC Arrests 13 Suspected Internet Fraudsters Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, March 21, 2025, arrested thirteen (13) suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. They were arrested in an intelligence-driven sting operation, with seven of the suspects arrested at Campgee hotel, five arrested along Mission Road, off Ring Road 3 and the other one in another location, all within Uyo, Akwa I bom State. Items recovered from them include two exotic cars, five laptops and 14 smartphones. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-13-suspected-internet-fraudsters ************************************************* 24 MAR 2025 EFCC Arraigns One for Suspected Internet Fraud in Uyo The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) before Justice Maurine A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for alleged internet fraud to the tune of $1,500 ( One Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars). He was arraigned on Thursday, March 20, 2025 on a two-count charge bordering on impersonation, possession of fictitious messages and obtaining by false pretence through a fictitious Facebook account: "Kolor Cabiek Ye". One of the charges reads, "That you Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) Sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to obtain property and gain advantage fraudulently presented yourself as Kolor Cabiek Ye on social media platform (Facebook) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the scime Act". Count two reads "That you Chigozie Omereonye Solomon (aka Kolor Cabiek Ye) sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did take possession of the sum of $1500 (One Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars) while impersonating Kolor Cabiek Ye on Facebook which you reasonably ought to have known forms 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". Chigozie pleaded not guilty to both counts when they were read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Enobong Ubokudom prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and remand him in a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, Ikwere Davies did not oppose the prayers. Justice Onyetenu adjourned the matter to May 22, 2025 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Centre, Uyo. Chigozie was arrested in Uyo on October 3, 2024 on credible intelligence regarding his suspicious activities on the internet. Investigations showed that he impersonated foreigners to defraud his victims across the world. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-one-for-suspected-internet-fraud-in-uyo ****************************************** 24 MAR 2025 29 Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Benin City Justices A.N. Erhabor and W. I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Courts, sitting in Benin City have convicted and sentenced 29 internet fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicts are: Edeyibo Rukewe Hope, Igbafe David, Emakhu Bonfrey, Genesis Ndujifor, Okolosie Godstime, Chukwu David, Ebuka Emmanuel, Akhere Akahomhen, Odiniru Emeka Vet, Obiora Mike Kelvin, Stephen Eghosa, Osagioduwa Samuel Aivihenyor, Lucky Ekhator, Ekechukwu Chima Stanley, Lucky Moses, David Odiniru, Christopher Alex, Orovirie Sunny, Abraham Ifeanyi and Aisosa Vincent. Others are: Agbede Shola Harrison, Endurance Ebalukpe, Igbiniken Osarvmwense, Okonoboh Senator Odiegie, Joseph Imhangbegbe, Orion Aigbona, Godstime Adebor, Ambrose Otsemeuno and Mattew Obayuywana 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, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Hope reads: "That you Edeyibo Rukewe Hope (m) on or about the 27th of February, 2025 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 prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, K Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, Faisal Ibrahim, Al-Amin Ibrahim Abdul, Bala-Ribah and Salihu Ahmed 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 they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Hope, David, Bonfrey, David, Emmanuel, Akahomhen, Sunny, Ifeanyi, Vincent, Otsemeuno, Ebalukpe, Harrison, Osarvmwense, Odiegie, Imhangbegbe, Aigbona, Adebor and Obayuywana to two years imprisonment each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, Justice Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Ndujifor and Godstime to two years imprisonment each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. The judge slammed Kelvin, Eghosa, Aivihenyor, Ekhator, Stanley, Moses, Osarvmwense, Vet and Alex to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, The judge ordered the forfeiture of a Red Color Mercedes Benz C300 with Registration number BEN258CM recovered from Odiniru Emeka Vet being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited all items recovered from them to the federal government, including phones, computers, money and cars and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour going forward. The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers: 29-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-benin-city ******************************************** 21 MAR 2025 EFCC Arrests 10 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 10 suspected internet fraudsters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. They were arrested on Thursday March 20, 2025 in a coordinated sting operation at different locations across Uyo. While five were arrested at Shelter Afrique, others were arrested at Ifa, off Oron Road, both in Uyo. Two of the arrested suspects are undergraduates, three are online cloth vendors, one forex trader and another one film director Items covered from them include 21 mobile phones, six laptops, one international passport and three luxury cars The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-10-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-uyo *********************************************** 20 MAR 2025 EFCC Arraigns Three for N3.4bn, $2,562,203 Alleged Cyber- Terrorism, Money Laundering The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 17, 2025, arraigned two Chinese, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu ,alongside a Nigerian, Audu Friday, before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The defendants are standing trial on an 11-count charge bordering on cyber-terrorism, computer-related offences and money laundering to the tune of N3,407,824,740.78 (Three Billion, Four Hundred and Seven Million, Eight Hundred Twenty-Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira, Seventy Eight kobo) and $2,562,203( Two Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Three United States Dollars). They are members of the syndicate of 792, who were arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC over their alleged involvement in cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud. Investigations revealed that Friday allegedly incorporated the company, Genting International Co. Ltd., on the order of Huang Haoyu. One of the counts reads: “That you, Huang Haoyu, a.k.a Ken, Audu Friday, An Hongxu, Duliang Pan (at large) and Genting International Co. Ltd, sometime in 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, conspired to willfully cause 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, with intent to gain a financial advantage for yourselves and cronies , procured and or employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalities, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024) and punishable under Section 18 of the same Act”. Another count reads: “That you, Huang Haoyu, a.k.a Ken, Audu Friday, An Hongxu, Duliang Pan (at large) and Genting International Co. Ltd, between August and December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court , retained in Genting International Co. limited account number 0225100403 domiciled in Union Bank the sum of N3,407,824,740.78 (Three Billion, Four Hundred and Seven Million, Eight Hundred Twenty Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira Seventy Eight kobo) which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of unlawful activity to wit: "fraud" 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”. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari prayed the court for a short trial date and the defendants’ remand in the EFCC custody. Counsel to the first defendant, Emeka Okonkwo, SAN, however urged the court to remand the defendants in the EFCC custody, pending the hearing of the bail application before the court. Justice Osiagor remanded the defendants in the custody of the EFCC and also adjourned the matter for hearing of the bail application. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-three-for-n3-4bn-2-562-203-alleged-cyber-terrorism-money-laundering ********************************************* 20 MAR 2025 Courts Send 20 Internet Fraudsters to Jail in Makurdi The convicts are: Abdulazeez Musa, Akpam Demetrius Oderdoo, Idris Musa Oguga, Godwin Chibuike Dimoji, Egbo Emmanuel Chimezie, Godwin Nnamdi Marcus, Cyprian Okafor, Adewale Lukman, Henry Ifebuche Thomas, Ikper Tavershima Francis and James Inalegwu Godwin. Others are: Ugochukwu Hycinth Emeka, Kingley Chukwuemeka Kalu, Joseph Christopher Aondowase, Daniel Ugwu Chidubem, Ahar Aondongu Joseph,Terna Moses Velumun, Peter Chigozie Alliswell, Kelvin Akor Oche and Apine Terver. They were prosecuted by the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge that bordered on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Lukman reads: "That you Adewale Lukman (M) (21 years old) sometime between February 2024 and February 2025 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, and for the purpose of procuring the issuance of a card, sent false electronic messages on Facebook to unsuspecting foreign nationals "American citizens" which they relied upon respecting your identity as one Elon Musk, an American national causing them wrongly lost to the tune of $2300 ( Two Thousand Three Hundred USD) by your deceit which you transfered to your UBA account number 7039010094 and Opay account number 2350863311, and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 2 (3)of the cybercrime ( Prohibition, Prevention ETC ) Act 2015 and punishable under Section the same section.” The charge against Okafor reads: “That you, Cyprian Okafor "M" 23 years sometime in 2024 and 2025 in FCT, Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently impersonate the identity of one "Zhang Wei" a citizen of Taichung, Taiwan by fraudulently using his identity through internet to create fake social media profile with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(1) of the Cybercrime ( Prohibition, Prevention. ETC) Ac, 2015 and punishable under section 22(2)(b)(IV) of the same Act.” They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, Ramiah Ikhanaede, M.Yusuf, A.S.Idris, A.Gazali, Uwaisu Yusuf, K.T.Sunday, and Imadifon Igbnidu to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsels prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice M.S.Abubakar convicted and sentenced Aondowase, Chiduben, Joseph, Verlumun, Alliswell, Oche and Terver to one year imprisonment each with options of fine. In addition, Chidubem to restitute the sum of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) to his victim, while Verlumun and Joseph forfeited the sum of N5,000,000 ( Five Million Naira ) each to the federal government. Justice R.J Egbe convicted and sentenced Musa, Oderdoo, Oguga, Dimoji, Thomas, Francis, Chimezie, Marcus, Okafor, Lukman, Emeka, Kalu and Godwin to one year imprisonment each or to pay fines ranging from N100,000 ( One Hundred Thousand Naira to N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition to their sentences the convicts forfeited all items recovered from them, including mobile phones, laptop computers and sums of money seen in their bank accounts to the federal government. Okafor further forfeited his Mercedes Benz C300 with Chassis Number WDDGF8BB0CR234168 and registration Number KUJ 300 FA to the federal government.Their journey to the correctional centre began when they were arrested by the operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in an intelligence-driven sting operation. The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers: courts-send-20-internet-fraudsters-to-jail-in-makurdi ****************************************** 20 MAR 2025 Court Jails Man for Internet Fraud in Kwara Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Olowookere Temitope to six months imprisonment for internet fraud. The convict was prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a one-count charge that bordered on cheating by personation. The charges reads: "That you, Olowookere Temitope, sometime between 2023 and 2024 in Offa, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did cheat by personation when you pretended to be unsypathisch, a verified streaming app, and in that guise induced one psychological wolf, via your discord account on twitch to send you the sum of $400 (Four Hundred Dollars) which you did receive via Gift Cards and 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 charge following which prosecution counsel, Innocent Mbachie reviewed the facts of the case, tendered the convict’s extra-judicial statements in evidence, including the sum of $300 (Three Hundred 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 Olowookere to six months suspended jail term and ordered that the sum of $300 (Three Hundred United States Dollars) recovered from him be forfeited to the federal government. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-man-for-internet-fraud-in-kwara ***************************************** 20 MAR 2025 29 Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Benin City Justices A.N. Erhabor and W. I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Courts, sitting in Benin City have convicted and sentenced 29 internet fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicts are: Edeyibo Rukewe Hope, Igbafe David, Emakhu Bonfrey, Genesis Ndujifor, Okolosie Godstime, Chukwu David, Ebuka Emmanuel, Akhere Akahomhen, Odiniru Emeka Vet, Obiora Mike Kelvin, Stephen Eghosa, Osagioduwa Samuel Aivihenyor, Lucky Ekhator, Ekechukwu Chima Stanley, Lucky Moses, David Odiniru, Christopher Alex, Orovirie Sunny, Abraham Ifeanyi and Aisosa Vincent. Others are: Agbede Shola Harrison, Endurance Ebalukpe, Igbiniken Osarvmwense, Okonoboh Senator Odiegie, Joseph Imhangbegbe, Orion Aigbona, Godstime Adebor, Ambrose Otsemeuno and Mattew Obayuywana 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, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Hope reads: "That you Edeyibo Rukewe Hope (m) on or about the 27th of February, 2025 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 prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, K Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, Faisal Ibrahim, Al-Amin Ibrahim Abdul, Bala-Ribah and Salihu Ahmed 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 they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Hope, David, Bonfrey, David, Emmanuel, Akahomhen, Sunny, Ifeanyi, Vincent, Otsemeuno, Ebalukpe, Harrison, Osarvmwense, Odiegie, Imhangbegbe, Aigbona, Adebor and Obayuywana to two years imprisonment each or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, Justice Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Ndujifor and Godstime to two years imprisonment each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. The judge slammed Kelvin, Eghosa, Aivihenyor, Ekhator, Stanley, Moses, Osarvmwense, Vet and Alex to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, The judge ordered the forfeiture of a Red Color Mercedes Benz C300 with Registration number BEN258CM recovered from Odiniru Emeka Vet being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited all items recovered from them to the federal government, including phones, computers, money and cars and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour going forward. The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos: 29-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-benin-city ********************************************* 20 MAR 2025 BDC Operators Bag Sentences in Kwara Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State has sentenced one Musa Buba to 300 (Three Hundred) hours of community service at the rate of five hours of work per day for operating bureau de change without a valid licence. The sentence is without an option of a fine. Similarly, he sentenced one Akinwale Olamilekan from Owena Ijesha in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State to 300 (Three Hundred) hours of community service, also at the rate of five hours of work daily for commiting internet fraud. The sentence is without an option of a fine. Both convicts were arraigned on March 20, 2025 by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on illegal operation of BDC services and fraudulent impersonation, respectively. The charge against Buba reads: "That you, Musa Buba, 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 the business of another financial institution, to wit: Bureau de Change Business, without a valid license issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, contrary to Section 57 (1) & (2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, and punishable under Section 57(5)(b) of the same Act." The charge against Olamilekan reads: "That you, Akinwale Olamilekan (Alias: Mary Williams), sometime in November 2024, within the judicial division of the Federal High Court, did fraudulently impersonate one Mary Williams via your iMessage account to obtain the sum of $950 (Nine Hundred and Fifty US Dollars) from one Mark Durham, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act and punishable under Section 22 (2)(b)(iv) of the same Act." They pleaded “guilty” to their respective charge. Convinced by the facts of the case and the uncontroverted evidence, presented by prosecution counsel, Andrew Akoja, Justice Awogboro convicted and sentenced them accordingly. In addition to his sentence, Buba forfeited to the federal government the sum of 409,500 CFA and N1,973,200 (One Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Two Hundred Naira Only), recovered from him at the point of arrest, while Akinwale restituted his victim with the sum of $450 (Four Hundred and Fifty US Dollars), being proceeds of his crime. He also forfeited iPhone 12 Pro Max, being the instrument of his crime to the federal government. bdc-operators-bag-sentences-in-kwara ************************************** 17 MAR 2025 EFCC Arrests 21 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Bauchi Operatives of the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, March 15, 2025 arrested 21 suspected internet fraudsters in Bauchi, Bauchi State. The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud at Kaure New Government Reservation Area, GRA, Bauchi and Awala, Maiduguri road, Bauchi state. Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include one BMW and Toyota Camry cars, three play station 5, 30 expensive phones, one flat screen television set, six Point of Sale, POS, machines, four ipads, and five laptops. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-21-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-bauchi *************************************************** 17 MAR 2025 EFCC Arraigns Woman for Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam in Maiduguri The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 17, 2025 arraigned one Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court Maiduguri. The defendant was arraigned on a four -count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation and cheating by impersonation to the tune of N6, 815,300.00 (Six Million Eight Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Three Hundred Naira only). Count one reads: “That you Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu between the period of June, 2023 to August, 2024 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the aggregate sum of N6, 710,300.00 (Six Million Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Three Hundred Naira) from Emmanuel Ani into your bank account: 1778806195 domiciled with Access Bank plc. under the pretence that same is meant for the upkeep of his purported fiancee, one Miss Chinansa, which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud related Offences Act, 2006.” The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her. Counsel to the prosecution S.O Saka and Faruku Muhammad prayed the court for a trial date and for the remand of the defendant in a Correctional Centre. Justice Kumaliya thereafter adjourned the matter till April 8, 2025 for commencement of trial and remanded the defendant in a Correctional Centre. Ugwu’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when she obtained the sum of N6.8million by impersonating and pretending to be the fiancée of the petitioner. When contacted by the petitioner, the defendant can neither account for or return the money she collected. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-woman-for-alleged-n6-8m-romance-scam-in-maiduguri *************************************************** 15 MAR 2025 Alleged $968,000 Fraud: How Fake US Engineer Duped Me-Witness The trial of Wawe Eseoghene Nelson, a.k.a James Andrew Shmit and Philip Bradley before Justice Aliyu Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja commenced on Thursday, March 14, 2025 with the presentation of the First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Kathleen Sharp by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Nelson, arraigned on February 11, 2025 is facing prosecution by the EFCC on 11 count-charges bordering on advance fee fraud, impersonation, conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence to the tune of $968,000 (Nine Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand Dollars), allegedly obtained from two US victims, Sharp and Holly Stamm. Count one of his charge reads: “That you, Wawe Esoghene Nelson (a.k.a James Andrew Smith) sometime in 2023 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($155,000) from one Kathleen Sharp, living in the United States of America with Telephone Number +130259***** through Chase Bank with account name Pearl and Allison Llc, account number 952177670, Routing 021000021, account address 35 Knollwood Dr Aptos CA 95003 with bank address at 1990 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010 under the false pretence that you are James Andrew Smith, a Petroleum Engineer from United States of America that is into engineering project, relating to petroleum project which pretence you knew was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” Count 11 reads: “That you Wawe Esoghene Nelson (a.k.a Philip Bradley) sometime in 2022 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000.00) from one Holly Stamm, a Citizen of United States of America with email address stammu*****2@gmail.com through Bitcoin and under the false pretence that you are James Andrew Shmit a Petroleum Engineer from United States of America that is into engineering project relating to petroleum exploration and that the said sum will be used to secure a petroleum project which pretence you knew was 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.” He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting his trial. Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Maryam Aminu Ahmed, the witness narrated how the defendant lured her via the social media into sending him money in the guise of financing a project and would repay her when the project yielded dividends upon completion. “I was contacted by the Commission that they discovered that I was defrauded by one James Andrew Shmit via social media platform. We communicated over social media where he presented himself as an engineer working at BP Oil in the Gulf of Mexico. He started by asking for funds because he did not have access to his personal funds and the credit situation in connection with the project required a large amount of funds with the promise that it will be returned and he will avail the funds to me. The total funds are $183,000 (One Hundred and Eighty-three Thousand Dollars) through three instalments, one by wired certificate cheque, two instalments by wired transfer. The first one was for $45,500, (Forty-five Thousand Dollars), the second one was $131,000 (One Hundred and Thirty-one Dollars) and the third was $7000 (Seven Thousand Dollars) I wired. I have not been paid my money. After the third instalment, he pushed me to pay another $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars), but I did not pay. There was a picture on his profile, he has brown hair and white. I will like the refund of the investment and funds and he should be persecuted for his actions,” she said. Justice Halilu adjourned to April 16, 2025 for cross examination of the witness. alleged-968-000-fraud-how-fake-us-engineer-duped-me-witness ************************************************** 14 MAR 2025 EFCC Arrests 30 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Asaba, Delta State Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday March 14, 2025 arrested 30 suspected internet fraudsters in Asaba, Delta State. The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud. Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include five exotic cars and phones. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-30-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-asaba-delta-state ****************************************************** 12 MAR 2025 Courts Jail 32 Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.S. Adeyemi, K.B. Olawoyin, G.A. Sunmonu of the Oyo State High Court and Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan. Oyo State, have convicted and sentenced thirty-two persons to prison for fraud. They were prosecuted by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, internet-related offences. The convicts are: Kolade Olayinka Akinlosotu, Adetoro Kolawole Jelili, Olatunji Opeyemi Matthew, Ehifowoju Kehinde Emmanuel, Basit Akorede Mustapha, Banjoko Olamide Oriyomi, Badmus Quazeem Damilola, Ikumapayi Olalekan Babajide, Muili Olamilekan Sodiq, Odususi Yemi Michael, Ashiru Adebola Ibrahim, Ayomide Olamide Ogidan, Fatusin Michael Abayomi, Omotosho Oluwapelumi James, Adewale Ibikunle Abdullahi, Ismail Ibrahim Friday, Adedara Ademola Ayobami and Ajayi Elijah Oladimeji. Others are: Oladele Salam, Olasunkanmi Kadril Yakub, Ayomide Hassan Omolade, Ojo Oluwanifemi Emmanuel, Temitope Gbenga Agbaminoja, Oyewale Timileyin Ayodeji, Olajide Lekan Peter, Obaoye Samuel Olaoluwa, Ajayi Okiki Michael, Mustapha Quadri Ayinde, Oluwatimilehin Noah Ojo, Oluwajana Segun Joseph, Oluwashina Gbenga Adeniyi and Kolawole Ojukotimi Adebesin. The charge against Akinlosotu reads: “That you, Kolade Olayinka Akinlosotu sometime in May, 2023 at Ibadan, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud one Orlando Mejia, did falsely represent yourself as one Amanda Smith, a woman from Texas, United States of America through Facebook with account name Amanda Smith, thereby committed an offence of impersonation, contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.” They all pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to them, upon which prosecution counsel, Modupe Akinkoye, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsuddeen Bashir, David Olubode and A.M. Aliyu prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Consequently, Justice Olawoyin convicted and sentenced Peter to two years imprisonment or to pay N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, and Ayodeji to one year imprisonment or to pay N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, while Justice Maha convicted and sentenced Abayomi to one year imprisonment or to pay N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. Justice Adeyemi on her part, convicted and sentenced Oriyomi and Ibrahim to one year imprisonment each without option of fine. Ayobami, Abdullahi and Ayinde bagged six months community service each, without an option of fine. She convicted and sentenced Ojo, Mustapha and Adebesin to three months community service each without option of fine. Justice Akintola convicted and slammed Oladimeji, Joseph and Olaoluwa with one year jail term each or to pay a fine of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira, N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira) and N150, 000. 00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively. He slammed Adeniyi with six months jail term or to pay N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, while Jelili bagged six months community service or to pay N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. Michael and Olamide got three months jail term each or to pay N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, each. Also convicted and sentenced by Justice Akintola were Kehinde Emmanuel, Babajide, Sodiq, James, Salam, Yakub, Omolade, Oluwanifemi Emmanuel, Agbaminoja, Okiki Michael and Friday who bagged three months of community service each or to pay N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N75, 000.00 (Seventy-five Thousand Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N75, 000.00 (Seventy-five Thousand Naira), N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira), N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira), N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) and N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively. Furthermore, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Matthew and Damilola to a fine of N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) and N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively. Justice Sunmonu convicted and sentenced Akinlosotu to three months community service without an option of fine. Besides their sentences, all the convicts forfeited items recovered from them to the federal government. These include money, phones and laptop computers. Others are a green-coloured Toyota Camry 2205 model car with registration number: EPE – 232 – GU recovered from Oriyomi, a wine-coloured Toyota Camry vehicle with registration number: MUS – 84 – GU recovered from Ibrahim, a red-coloured Toyota Corolla car with chassis number: 2T1BU4EE3AC495391, recovered from Olaoluwa, a black-coloured Toyota Camry car with registration number: MUS – 683 – HJ, recovered from Adeniyi and a golden-coloured Toyota Camry vehicle with chassis number: 411BE46KX8U203665 recovered from Abdullahi. In addition, the court ordered that Ayobami pay the sum of N2.5million (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) as restitution to his victim. The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers: courts-jail-32-internet-fraudsters-in-ibadan ************************************************ 11 MAR 2025 U.S Mission Nigeria Reaffirms Robust Relationship with EFCC The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Richard M. Mills Jr. has reaffirmed that the robust working relationship between the United States government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, would continue in order to achieve significant success in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption. He stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 when he led a delegation of the US Mission in Nigeria on a familiarization visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters. “I'm very grateful for the relationship we have both through our legal attache and with these other offices here. The US government was strongly supportive of the creation of the EFCC when it was established and our relationship has continued since then. I'm here today to learn a little bit about what the Chairman's priorities are for the EFCC moving forward; what you see as the key trends in financial crimes that you're addressing and how the U.S. government and U.S. Mission can assist you, either with information sharing or sharing of expertise, closer cooperation in specific cases”, he said. Explaining further, Mills pointed out that, “part of the reason we're so interested in these issues is because they affect both our countries and they affect what we're both trying to do, which is to create a secure, prosperous Nigeria and build our economies, both the US and the Nigerians”. He stated strongly that the work of the EFCC in the areas of anti-corruption, counter- terrorism and money laundering were of priority to the US government and the US Mission in Nigeria. “This office is at the epicenter of the work being done to counter corruption, financial terrorism, counter-terrorism, money laundering. And that is a high priority for the US Government and for this mission. And as you can see, it involves several offices at the US Mission. Our economic team follows these issues closely, especially anti money laundering, counterterrorism, financing, and has engaged with members of your staff on that issue”, he said. Olukoyede, who was delighted with the visit, took the delegation on a brief tour of the mandate of the EFCC. “In the EFCC, our mandate is to fight economic and financial crimes not only to prevent them. We have a mandate to prevent, to investigate and where one has occurred to also prosecute and by extension we also recover assets in the course of our work, which are one way or the other subject to the directive of the Federal Executive Council, led by the President to manage them. While recognizing that Nigeria over the years has had a beneficial relationship with the US government and its agencies in EFCC’s efforts to sanitize the country’s financial space, Olukoyede looked forward to amplified relationship with the US government and the US Mission in Nigeria for improved outcomes in the fight against corruption and financial crimes. “The relationship between the United States of America and Nigeria in relation to the fight against financial crimes dates way back and has been one of very strong synergy and mutually beneficial collaboration. Nigeria and America have been having mutual cooperation particularly in the area of the fight against financial crimes. And this we hope to build on, to strengthen and to take to the next level”, he said. He sued for enhanced support and collaboration stressing that, “the support is needed especially in the areas of technology, intelligence gathering and sharing and human capital development. We recognize the fact that most of the work we do is intelligence-driven. And when we talk of intelligence, we are talking of technology. So we need your support in that area. And also need it in capacity building, collaboration, information and intelligence sharing which is very important. And we are requesting that America needs to reciprocate by attending to our requests on time because we notice that maybe you consider your laws and all of that. We will just wish you could fast track your response to some of our requests. We would really appreciate it if you can improve on that during your tenure,” he said. Speaking further, the EFCC boss disclosed some of his recent efforts at curbing visa fraud that pose an endless challenge to foreign missions in the country. “Just last year, I established the Visa Application and Immigration Fraud Section in EFCC and we have its desks all across our zonal offices to deal with issues that have to do with visa racketeering and immigration fraud. It is a dedicated desk that works 48 hours. And we'll be having good results. So we also need your support in that area in the exchange of information and intelligence with us and in technology and gadgets you can support us with. The Nigeria government is willing to collaborate more with the government of the United States to work more for the mutual interests of both countries”, he said The press release contains photos: u-s-mission-nigeria-reaffirms-robust-relationship-with-efcc ************************************************ 10 MAR 2025 Your Voices Matter in Tackling Scourge of Internet Fraud- EFCC Charges Students The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has tasked students across the country to be loud in their opposition to any form of internet fraud, stressing that their voices matter in tackling the menace He made the appeal on Monday, March 10, 2025, during a sensitization and re-engagement visit to Doveland International School, Abuja. The event, held at the school’s assembly hall, was aimed at enlightening students about the dangers of internet fraud and corruption. Representing the Chairman at the event, Head of the Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACEII Aisha Mohammed reiterated the Commission’s commitment to engaging the youth in the fight against corruption, stressing that talking loudly against corruption could positively cause a change of attitude by fraudsters and even the older generation. “The future belongs to you. That’s why we are here, urging you to join this fight and secure a better future. The older generations are phasing out, and without proper guidance, the mess will keep recycling. Your voices matter. You matter. Please join us in this crusade and make Nigeria a better place for us all. Shun Yahoo Yahoo, exam malpractice, bullying, drugs, and other social vices,” she said. Mr. Chris Oluka, Head of the Creative Communications Unit of the EFCC, urged the students to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and play active roles in rebuilding the nation’s reputation. He emphasized that the havoc being wreaked by internet fraudsters on the country’s image requires proactive efforts, particularly from the youth, to change the negative narrative. “We are here today to let you know that you can be good ambassadors, foot soldiers, and take the front seat in this crusade to champion the fight against other social vices,” he said. He encouraged the students to live upright lives and even educate their parents on the negative effects of corruption and how it hampers national development. Recalling his school days, Olukoyede noted that in his time, public school students enjoyed free education, including bursaries, uniforms, books, and food. “Why don’t we have those things now? It’s because of corruption. Corruption is the reason we have bad roads, dilapidated hospitals and schools, lack of potable drinking water, unstable power supply, brain drain, poor working environments, and inadequate educational facilities. I’m saying enough is enough; let’s drive this fight together now and safeguard your future,” he said. In her presentation, Eniola Kayode from the Cybercrime Section of the EFCC warned the students about the dangers of engaging with strangers online. She explained that doing so could make them easy targets for sextortion and other cybercrimes. Kayode also cautioned against clicking on suspicious links sent to their devices, as hackers could easily gain access to sensitive information and then attempt to blackmail them. To avoid such threats, she advised the students not to keep nude pictures on their phones. “When hackers gain access to your devices, they can start holding you to ransom. When this happens, report immediately to the EFCC, the police, your parents, or a trusted adult and ignore the threats from criminals,” she said. The event also featured a quiz competition where students, Nifemi Odeseye and Yosola Ogunsola, emerged as winners. They were rewarded with brand-new mobile phones and were also appointed as EFCC Ambassadors to further spread the anti-corruption message among their peers. The EFCC’s visit to Doveland International School is part of its ongoing effort to engage young Nigerians and promote integrity, discipline, and patriotism in the fight against corruption. your-voices-matter-in-tackling-scourge-of-internet-fraud-efcc-charges-students ************************************************ 10 MAR 2025 EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Jos The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested fourteen suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested in K-Vom and Rayfield areas in Jos, Plateau State on Saturday March 8, 2025 following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related activities. Items recovered from them include five laptops, 13 phones and two power banks. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. efcc-arrests-14-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-jos *********************************************** 6 MAR 2025 Court Jails 21 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction and sentence of 21 internet fraudsters before Justices A.N. Erhabor and W. I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Courts, sitting in Benin City. The convicts are: Eimuen Nathaniel, Ighagbon Anderson Andy, Precious Aigbokhai, Divine Ebosetale Okhitie, Ekpekurede Valour, Akuson Sunday, Oshoikpor Joshua, Onumegu Chukwuebuka Emmanuel, Sylvester Oseokoedion, Osifor Kenneth, Abraham Eromosele, Aliu Sanusi Aliu. Others are: Donald Emuen, Oseghale Paris, Amavu Paul, Godsent Omokhoa, Omere Osabvohien Love, Stephen Edetalen Obhanoghor, Segun Nelson Owoyele, Emmanuel Essence and Oriarewoh Divine Eronmonsele 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 Eimuen Nathaniel reads: "That you Nathaniel (m) on or about the 14th of February, 2025 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, Faisal Ibrahim, Al-Amin Ibrahim Abdul, Bala-Ribah and Salihu Ahmed 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 they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Love, Valour, Sunday, Oriarewoh Eromosele, Okoedion, Omokhoa and Kenneth to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, while he slammed Obhanoghor, Okhitie and Paul with three years imprisonment each or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Owoyele and Esence to two years imprisonment each or to pay N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and N600, 000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. He slammed Andy, Aigbokhai, Joshua and Emmanuel to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, while Nathaniel, Abraham Eromonsele, Aliu and Paris bagged two years imprisonment or to pay N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, while Emuen bagged three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N600,000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones, computers and money, found in their respective bank accounts to the federal government of Nigeria and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth. The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers: court-jails-21-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ************************************************ 6 MAR 2025 EFCC Arraigns Three for N74m Fraud in Maiduguri The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 arraigned three defendants before Justice K. Dagat of the Federal High Court, Maiduguri. They are; Vincent Markus (a.k.a kayluvjaybaby), Ahmed Aliyu Maiizawaka alongside his company Maizawaka De-Crawler Nigeria Limited and Enoch Adebayo Richard. The defendants were arraigned on separate count charges bordering on money laundering, impersonation, obtaining money by false pretences and internet related offences to an aggregate sum of N74,636,943 ( Seventy Four Million, Six Hundred and Thirty Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Three Naira only) The charge against Marcus read: “That you, Vincent Markus (a.k.a kayluvjaybaby) ‘M’ on or about 11th day of July, 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of the aggregate sum of N 27,636,943.62 (Twenty Seven Million Six Hundred and Thirty Six Thousand Nine Hundred and Forty Three Naira, Two Kobo) into your Kuda Microfinance Bank Limited account with account number 2014444920, Vincent Markus being the value for crypto currency, cash apps, pampay and gift cards which sum you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form part of proceeds of your unlawful act to falsely representing yourself to unsuspecting foreign nationals amongst who are Jayj77 with tiktok account alwayzjj@yahoo.com, Zahra Khan (aka) Reel Gems @screensages), Megan Hoffman @meagan0060, Marisol Bruce, Edwin Amilar Lobo Medina e.t.c a United States of American Citizens through electronic messages on Tiktok account, @kayluvjaybbaby 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 Maiizawaka read: “That you, Ahmed Aliyu Maiizawaka, being the CEO and alter ego of Maizawaka De-Crawler Nigeria Limited and Maizawaka De-Crawler Nigeria Limited, a company registered in Nigeria sometime in February 2019, at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly converted the aggregate sum of N9,000,000.00 (Nine Million Naira) which you ought to have known that it forms part of proceed of an unlawful act to wit: obtaining 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” While the charge against Richard read: “That you, Enoch Adebayo Richard between 2022 and 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of United States of American Dollars denominated cash app and gift coins worth about $40 (Forty United States of American Dollars) from foreign nationals like Victor Adrian Brnard, Stephanie Scotts, Meldda Sana Jane amongst others which you upon conversion to naira amounted to an aggregate sum of N 38,000,000.00 (Thirty Eight Million Naira ) only paid into your Opay, Microfinance Bank number 9015469104, Enoch Adebayo Richard, being the naira equivalent value for the cash app and gift coins which you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form part of proceeds of your fraud or form 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.” The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. Thereafter, prosecution counsel Faruku Muhammad prayed for a trial date and the remand of the defendants in a Correctional Centre. Justice Dagat thereafter adjourned till May, 14, 12 and 24, 2025 for the commencement of trial and remanded the defendants in a Correctional Centre. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-three-for-n74m-fraud-in-maiduguri ******************************************* 4 MAR 2025 EFCC, France to Collaborate on Asset Tracking and Cybersecurity Training The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the French government have expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the areas of asset tracking, cybercrime investigation, and security training. This disclosure was made in Abuja on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 when Lieutenant General Regis Colombet, Director of Security and Defence Cooperation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, paid a Courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters. Colombet highlighted France’s extensive collaboration across various security domains, particularly in the establishment of specialized academic and training centres. He cited the Cyber School in Dakar, Senegal, where training on cyber investigations, ransomware threats and criminal investigations related to asset tracking, are taking place. Additionally, he mentioned an Academy in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, dedicated to counterterrorism training alongside several other academic and security training. “In our cooperation, we prioritize developing academic centres and training hubs, particularly in areas such as cyber investigations and security threats. We provide training opportunities, including specialized courses in France, to enhance expertise in security and defence. Since crime has no borders, international collaboration is essential, and the EFCC’s role in combating financial and cybercrimes is crucial to our collective security efforts”, he said. He emphasized that the visit was a follow up to a strategic meeting held in December 2024, aimed at reinforcing partnerships and identifying ways to implement more effective cooperation between Nigeria and France. He pointed out that France’s security collaboration extended beyond military cooperation to include cyber security, home affairs, civil defence, and broader security concerns. Responding, Olukoyede, welcomed the collaboration, noting the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and France in tackling crime. He acknowledged the necessity of working together to prevent and investigate cybercrimes, money laundering, and other transnational financial offences. “Nigeria and France have a long history of collaboration in crime prevention and investigation. We have successfully worked together in asset tracing, and we are committed to strengthening that relationship further. Given the borderless nature of financial and cybercrimes, international cooperation is crucial in curbing these offenses.” The EFCC’s boss drew attention to a recent breakthrough in dismantling an international criminal syndicate operating across Europe and Asia, with plans to establish a foothold in Nigeria. He disclosed that some of the syndicate’s victims included individuals in France, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration with international partners to prevent such crimes from taking root. “If we work together, we can significantly reduce the chances of these criminals finding safe havens anywhere in the world. Our primary responsibility is to ensure that these international syndicates do not succeed in perpetrating their crimes. This will help maintain global security, prevent civil unrest, and curb related offenses such as arms trafficking and terrorism, which are often linked to financial crimes.” The EFCC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the French embassy and its security attaché in Nigeria. He also expressed gratitude about the capacity development initiatives offered by France, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements in modern crime-fighting efforts. “We appreciate the opportunities for training and capacity building. Crime detection and investigation in Nigeria differ significantly from Europe. While European law enforcement can access digital records at the push of a button, our investigations require extensive fieldwork. By combining our practical expertise with France’s advanced technological tools, we can create a more effective crime fighting strategy”, he said. The press release contains a photo: efcc-france-to-collaborate-on-asset-tracking-and-cybersecurity-training **************************************************** 4 MAR 2025 Abuja Court Jails Two Internet Fraudsters Justice M.Y. Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Maitama, has convicted and sentenced two suspected internet fraudsters, Godwin Christopher and Temitope Ature Mario to one year imprisonment each. They were jailed on Friday, February 28, 2025 after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering on internet fraud. Christopher’s charge reads, ‘That you Godwin Christopher 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 Facebook account with the profile name Annita Scott and pretended to be an American from Atlanta, Georgia which you were not and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 95 and punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004” Mario’s charge reads, ‘That you Temitope Ature Mario sometime in 2024 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory attempted to cheat by personation when you represented yourself on Facebook profile page as Karlee Jean, a citizen of the United States of America which you know to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 95 when you read in conjunction with Section 321 of the Penal Code Laws (Laws of the Federation, Abuja) 1900 and punishable under Section 324 of the same law’. They both pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them. Based on their pleas, Prosecution counsel, S. N .Roberts prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Halilu thereafter convicted and sentenced both Christopher and Mario to a one year imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each. He also ordered that their phones be forfeited to the Federal Government. Justice Halilu sentenced both Godwin and Ature to a one year prison term or pay a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each. He also ordered that their phone be forfeited to the Federal Government. The two convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet fraud. They were prosecuted and convicted. The press release contains a photo of each 419er: abuja-court-jails-two-internet-fraudsters ********************************************** 4 MAR 2025 EFCC Arrests Nine Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested nine suspected internet fraudsters in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. They were arrested on Tuesday, March 4 2025 at Sunnyville Estate in Lokogoma and Open Heaven Estate in Dawaki areas of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Items recovered from them include four high-end cars, laptop computers, iPads and phones. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. efcc-arrests-nine-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja ************************************************** 4 MAR 2025 Chinese Working Group to Collaborate with EFCC in Tackling Cybercrime Worried by the rising tide of Chinese involvement in financial crimes in Nigeria, the Ambassador of People's Republic China to Nigeria, His Excellency, Yu Dunhai has broached the possibility of collaboration between a Chinese working group with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in tackling cybercrime. Dunhai mooted the proposal in Abuja on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 when he led a delegation of Chinese Embassy officials on a visit to the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters. “The Chinese government is ready to send out a working group to come here to Nigeria to work with your law enforcement officers to have the evidence collection, the fraud tracing, and to find evidence and bring those criminals to justice,” he said. He explained that anti-corruption issues are always priorities both for China and Nigeria, maintaining that law enforcement has been an integral part of bilateral relations between the two countries. “We understand that over the past couple of months, the EFCC uncovered quite some cybercrime and also telecom frauds which involved some Chinese. As Chinese Ambassador, I feel very much regret for that. But as a country that has a big population, there are always some bad apples. But what I can assure you is that we have zero tolerance for this kind of crime. The Chinese government has always been committed to countering cyber crime and telecom frauds”, he said. Dunhai disclosed that every Chinese overseas has been instructed to abide by the rules and regulations of their host countries by following all their procedures. Explaining further, he stated that, “according to our intelligence and information we see that there is a trend by criminals to move from other countries to Nigeria. That's why it resulted in some of the arrests in the past few months. But I can assure you from the embassy side that we would like to work with you. And this is also the attitude of the Chinese government”. He condemned the involvement of his compatriots in criminalities in Nigeria but sued for the respect of the rights of those arrested. “As the Chinese Ambassador, I would also request that the legitimate right of the Chinese citizens, even if they committed a crime, should be well protected and have been assured many times by your colleagues that their legitimate rights are well protected. And I'm thankful for that”, he said. In his response, Olukoyede expressed delight at the visit and the proposals, noting that mutual respect and benefit have been the bedrock of Nigeria-China relationship. “The relationship between China and Nigeria has been of mutual benefit and respect. We have so much to benefit from each other. And it is my desire that we build on that existing relationship and strengthen it. A number of times we have had cause to receive your police attache and your other officers here in our office and believe we've been having a very good working relationship,” he said. Olukoyede thanked Chinese authorities for their support to the EFCC and sued for heightening of the relationship. “We're going to come up with a memorandum of understanding, law enforcement to law enforcement, so that it will ease the process of exchange and intelligence. Information and intelligence exchange will be good for both countries. I want to thank you for that. Also the issue of capacity development which you have been supporting. I also thank you for the support. And just like you said, more will be coming. We appreciate that. We can also transfer our knowledge to them because there are things about our system that they don't know which we would need to put them through in the interest of the two countries. Security is very key to economic development and that's why both countries will do everything possible to ensure that we prevent crime from happening,” he said. In relation to the scores of Chinese undergoing EFCC’s criminal prosecution, Olukoyede assured the delegation of the Commission’s tradition of adherence to global best practices and respect for human dignity in the conduct of its affairs. “The investigation we carried out in Lagos involved quite a number of Chinese with other nationals. We discovered that some of them didn't come directly from China. They came from other South Asian countries. That was why I directed on the day we carried out the arrest that we should write to your Embassy. “Rest assured of due process. We follow the rule of law in whatever we do. As a matter of fact, while we're preparing for prosecution, they were giving your people Chinese food. They were eating Chinese food. That is to show you how we respect fundamental human rights and due process. Rest assured that we'll continue to collaborate with you. We thank you for your support because you were able to confirm some of their identities for us. If our citizens do anything wrong in your country, we should be able to help you to fight that crime. I believe this is how countries should work together,” he said. The press release contains a photo: chinese-working-group-to-collaborate-with-efcc-in-tackling-cybercrime ********************************************** 3 MAR 2025 Two Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Maiduguri Justice K Dagat of the Federal High Court, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, March 3, 2025 convicted and sentenced Chimdi Godson Izuogu and Chidera Precious Izuogu to various jail terms. They were prosecuted by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on two separate count charges bordering on internet-related offences, money laundering and impersonation to an aggregate sum of N8,207,479.00( Eight Million, Two Hundred and Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Nine Naira) The charges read: “That you, Chimdi Godson Izuogu between 2022 and 2023 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of the aggregate sum of N 4,622,571.00 only into your Kuda Microfinance Bank Limited, account number 2024535085 and Opay with N389,852, account number 8141817415 account name Chimdi Godson Izuogu totaling N5,012,422 being the value for the United States of American Dollars and Euro denominated cash apps, pampay and gift cards that you fraudulently received which you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form part of proceeds of your 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 you, Chidera Precious Izuogu between 2022 and 2023 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of the aggregate sum of N 3,195,057.59(Three Million One Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Five Seven Naira and Fifty Nine Kobo) only into your UBA account number 2152438098, Chidera Precious Izuogu being the naira equivalent of $2,508.00 and €1,103,028.85(Euros), the value for the United States of American Dollars and Euros denominated cash apps, pampay and gift cards that you fraudulently received which you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form part of proceeds of your 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 defendants pleaded guilty to their separate charges when they were read to them, upon which prosecution counsel, S.O Saka prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Dagat thereafter convicted and sentenced them to four years imprisonment on each count with the option of N100,000.00 fines as well. He further ordered the forfeiture of iPhone 14 pro max, a blue Techno mobile phone, HP laptop, and the sum of N2,000,000.00 ( Two Million Naira only) as well as N1, 455,057.59 ( One Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand, Fifty Seven Naira, Fifty Nine Kobo) and iPhone 13 pro max. Other items forfeited to the government include iPhone 11 pro max and the sum of $100(One Hundred United States of American Dollars) The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested for defrauding foreign nationals through fake social media handles. They were charged to court and convicted. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: two-internet-fraudsters-bag-jail-terms-in-maiduguri ********************************************** 3 MAR 2025 EFCC Arrests 21 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, February 28, 2025 arrested 21 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within 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 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-21-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ***************************************************** 2 MAR 2025 EFCC Arrests 11 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Niger Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Directorate, on Thursday, February 27, 2025 arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters. ?They were arrested in broad daylight at White Hotel, Chanchangi Local Government Area in Niger state following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet activities. ?Items recovered from them include two vehicles and 13 phones of different brands. The Commission's operatives carried out the arrest professionally with no motive or tinge of abduction. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-11-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-niger ****************************************** 27 FEB 2025 EFCC Arrests 19 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, February 27, 2025 arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City, Edo State. Their arrest followed credible intelligence linking them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include seven exotic cars, laptop computers and phones. They have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-19-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ************************************************ 26 FEB 2025 Organized Foreign Fraud Syndicates Establishing Cells in Nigerian Cities- Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has alerted Nigerians that organized foreign fraud syndicates are establishing cells in Nigerian cities and recruiting young Nigerians into serious organized cybercrimes, including cryptocurrency fraud. He made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 while receiving participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course, EIMC 18 of the National Institute for Security Studies, NISS, led by the Director of Studies, Hyginus Ngele to the Commission. Olukoyede expressed surprise on how bandits and insurgents are able to sustain their activities over the years, stressing that the flow of small arms and light weapons across our borders and the involvement of non-state actors in the illegal exploitation of minerals in parts of the country all compound the threats in the security landscape. “Another dimension that is not given attention is the discovery, recently, that organized foreign fraud syndicates are establishing cells in Nigerian cities and recruiting young Nigerians into serious organized cybercrimes, including cryptocurrency fraud,” he said. Speaking further, he stated that by virtue of EFCC’s recent discovery “we are beginning to see the likelihood, the propensity that a lot of these people are into illegal importation of arms into the country using cryptocurrency as means of payment. And this is an area that must interest all of us” “In the special operations we carried out in Lagos recently, we arrested 194 foreigners in the heart of Victoria Island. One hundred and ninety-four of them, Chinese, Filipinos, Eastern Europeans, Tunisians and the like in one building at a time. You can imagine what these guys are doing, 194 of them. Some of them don't even have valid visas and most of the financial activities they carried out they did through cryptocurrency” “Another thing that we discovered is that some of the foreigners we arrested were already ex-convicts in their countries. Some of them have been convicted and escaped from their countries and found safe haven in Africa, not only Nigeria. We discovered that they are also developing cells in some other African countries by virtue of the investigation we are carrying out,” he said. The EFCC’s boss called for spirited efforts at both national and continental levels to combat the menace of internet fraudsters, stressing that the money laundering and national security dimension of the presence of foreign organized crime groups demand close scrutiny. “All security, intelligence and law enforcement organisations in Nigeria and indeed Africa, must close ranks in dealing with this challenge,” he said. Olukoyede decried the fact that Nigeria, for nearly two decades, has been besieged by all manners of security challenges ranging from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping for ransom and farmer/herder clashes, which he partly blamed on activities of non-state actors. Specifically, he noted that the role of non-state actors in stoking the embers of security and corruption challenges has not been fully interrogated. “At the level of the EFCC, we have always been suspicious of the activities of non-state actors in the areas where we are challenged security-wise. In the Northeast for instance, the activities of local and international NGOs have been under focus. This was a major impetus for the decision to mandate their registration with SCUML, Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, , a department in EFCC, and a clear directive to notify the Commission on cash movements within the region,” he said. Earlier in his speech, NISS Commandant, Joseph Obule Odama who spoke through Ngele praised Olukoyede’s leadership of the EFCC for the Commission’s “remarkable achievements in combating corruption, money laundering, and other financial crimes,” noting that the achievements “have not only strengthened Nigeria's integrity but have also served as a model for other nations in Africa and beyond.” He further noted that the EFCC, under Olukoyede, has been at the forefront of investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, including those involving non -state actors. “Your Commission's exploratory activities have uncovered the intricate networks through which some NGOs and other entities channel funds to support hostile non-state actors, thereby fueling instability in various parts of the country and the African Continent. “We recognize the critical role the EFCC plays in disrupting these networks and ensuring accountability. In light of this, we are particularly interested in hearing your insights on how your Commission navigates the complexities of investigating and prosecuting cases involving non-state actors” “We also seek your contributions on how Nigeria and other African nations can strengthen legal and institutional frameworks to address the challenges posed by these actors while promoting transparency and accountability in their operations”. Members of the NISS EIMC 18, comprised 74 senior officers, drawn from Nigeria’s intelligence community, the military, law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC, strategic government ministries, and representatives from the federal and state governments and international participants from Ghana, Somalia, Rwanda, and The Gambia. The theme for EIMC18 is "Non-state Actors in Security Management: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects for Peace and Development in Africa," which according to Ngele “was carefully selected in recognition of the growing influence of non-state actors in shaping the security landscape across the continent.” Part of the highlights of the visit featured an enlightenment and question and answers session, moderated by the Director of EFCC’s Public Affairs Department, Commander of the EFCC, CE Wilson Uwujaren. Director of SCUML, Commander of the EFCC, CE Daniel Isei, Director Special Duties, Office of the Executive Chairman, CE Friday Ebelo and Director Legal and Prosecution, CE Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, offered insights on what the EFCC has done in strengthening the anti-corruption engagements through its diverse activities. The press release contain photos: organized-foreign-fraud-syndicates-establishing-cells-in-nigerian-cities-olukoyede 419 Coalition Comment: On 419 matters, we feel the assertion "that organized foreign fraud syndicates are establishing cells in Nigerian cities" is quite overblown. In terms of 419 (Joint West African Fee Fraud) operations, we continue to assert the vast majority of 419ers and members of 419 syndicates are Nigerian nationals, and that the home offices of most expatriate 419 cells worldwide remain in Nigeria. We have recently posted several commentaries on this issue is this news section of late, simply scroll down to find and read them please. Bottom line for us is that the foreigners 419ing in Nigeria are largely not Ogas, or members of foreign sydicates, but are skilled workers imported by Local 419 syndicates to expand their targeted markets. Our view is also that local 419 syndicates would never allow foreign 419 syndicates to function on their "Turf" in Nigeria for very long. See our commentaries on these matters following other recently posted articles on these issues, scroll down. *********************************************** 26 FEB 2025 Rain of Encomiums as EFCC Director, Mahmud Bello Bows Out of Service The staff of Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, February 24, 2025 heaped encomiums on the Zonal Director, Mahmud Shuaib Bello, Commander of EFCC, as they bade him farewell in an elaborate sendoff party, organized in his honour, having retired meritoriously from the service of the Commission. Speaking at the event, organized at the office premises in Enugu, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, and the Directorate’s Head of Legal and Prosecution Department, DCE Onjefu Obe, described Bello as epitome of gentility, noting that saying goodbye to a leader who passionately served the nation without blemish was always difficult. “Here we are with one of the best persons you can meet in the world, full of love and leaving us at this moment. He is an epitome of gentility. He is a man who has served the Commission for more than twenty years and has passionately served our dear nation without blemish. In his short stay with us as Zonal Director, he made tremendous achievements and we will greatly miss him,” he said. The zone’s Head of Administration, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Yunusa Aliyu, described Bello as a calm and firm leader, who has left the staff prepared for the challenges ahead. “We have always known you for your leadership and guidance. You are calm and firm and always desired to succeed. As you retire, rest assured that you have left us well prepared for the challenges ahead,”he said. Assistant Commander of the EFCC ACE II Mainforce Ekwu Adaka of the Legal Department on his part stated that Bello provided a conducive environment for everyone to thrive in the workplace, adding that he is an administrator par excellence. “Oga mentored me in the practice of law. He sharpened my advocacy skills. He is a father-figure, who provided a very calm and conducive environment for us to thrive and develop ourselves and our intellectual capacity in the workplace. He is an administrator par excellence.” Bello in his response appreciated the tremendous show of love and appreciation from the staff of the directorate and encouraged the officers to continue to uphold the integrity of the Commission. "I wish you all the best. Let us continue to be friends. And let us also continue to uphold the integrity of the EFCC," he said. Prior to joining the EFCC, Bello worked with some private law firms. To qualify as an EFCC operative, he enrolled in the Commission’s Executive Course 4 in Police Training College. The press release contains many photos: rain-of-encomiums-as-efcc-director-mahmud-bello-bows-out-of-service *********************************************** 25 FEB 2025 EFCC Arraigns 16 Additional Chinese for Alleged Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 arraigned additional 16 Chinese before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos for fraud. They are: Hu Hui (a.k.a A Bin), Liao Ri Xing (a.k.a. Li Jun), Li Qiang (a.k.a. Yang Huan Huan), A Wen, Da Tou, Cheng Jian, Cong Bing, Fei Fan, Huxi Heng, Zheng Wei (a. k. a. A Hong), Huang Zhi, Zhang Lei, Sun Zhi Peng, Huang Jin Hui, Wù Hao, and Lu Qiang. They are among the 792-member cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested by EFCC operatives on December 10, 2024, in Lagos, in a sting operation tagged "Eagle Flush Operation". The suspects were arraigned on separate charges, bordering on cybercrimes, cyber- terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence, advance fee fraud and identity theft. One of the charges against Qiang reads: “That you, Li Qiang (a.k.a Yang Huan Huan) and Genting International Co. Ltd Sometime in December, 2024 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court cause to be accessed, computer system used for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015". One of the charges against Heng reads: "That you, Hu Xi Heng and Genting International Co. Ltd sometime in December, 2024 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court cause to be accessed, computer system used for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015." They all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, asked the court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in a correctional facility. Justice Osiagor adjourned the matter till June 23, 2025 for trial, and ordered that they be remanded in a correctional facility. The press release contains photos: efcc-arraigns-16-additional-chinese-for-alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: EFCC needs to quit trying to pass the buck onto the Chinese for being big-time 419 Ogas. The vast majority of 419ers (West African Advance Fee Fraudsters) are Nigerian nationals, and the home offices of expatriate 419er cells worldwide are generally in Nigeria. For an extended commentary on this issue, scroll down to our 21 FEB 2025 News post "EFCC Arraigns 17 Chinese for Alleged Cyber- terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos" below. *************************************************** 24 FEB 2025 Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abuja Zonal Directorate, on Monday, February 24, 2025 arrested 59 suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested at Abacha Road, Mararaba axis of Nasarawa state following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include 73 phones of different brands. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains photos: efcc-arrests-59-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja" ************************************************* 21 FEB 2025 Olukoyede is Anti-corruption Crusader of the Year 2024 The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has been honoured as the Anti-corruption Crusader of the Year 2024. The honour was bestowed on him on Saturday, February 15, 2024 by a leading Nigerian news magazine, The Reporters Nigeria, at an impressive ceremony which held at A Class Park and Events Centre, Maitama, Abuja. Halima AbdulRauf who spoke on behalf of the organisers, said Olukoyede’s choice for the award was informed by his “tireless efforts in combating financial crimes, promoting accountability and setting ethical leadership benchmarks.” Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs who received the award on behalf of Olukoyede, thanked the organisers for acknowledging the ground-breaking works being done by the EFCC Chairman in sanitizing the economic space, restoring confidence in the economy and fighting the scourge of internet fraud. He said the honour will further motivate the EFCC, while also dedicating the award to all the hardworking personnel of the Commission. The press release contains a photo: olukoyede-is-anti-corruption-crusader-of-the-year-2024 ************************************************ 21 FEB 2025 EFCC Arraigns 17 Chinese for Alleged Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, February 21, 2025, arraigned 17 more Chinese and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before Justice Musa Kakaki and Justice Daniel Osiagor, both of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos for fraud. They are: Mao Bu Yi, Li Xiang Long, Dai Li, Yu Hai Qing, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi, Hao Tao Kun, Liu Chuang, Zhao Xiao Liang, Ziao Zi Cheng, Zhang San Feng, Li Zhong Chan, Chen Gui Ping, Su Jan Fu, Su Zong Gen, Wang Jie, and Zeng Zerong. The defendants are among the 792-member cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 10, 2024, in a sting operation tagged "Eagle Flush Operation" by EFCC operatives. They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cyber-terrorism, cybercrime, possession of documents containing false pretence, and identity theft. While Jie and Zerong were arraigned before Justice Kakaki, the remaining 15 were arraigned before Justice Osiagor. The charge against Yi reads: “That you, Mao Bu Yi and Genting International Co. Limited sometimes in December 2024 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourabe Court, willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the Economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc} Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024)." The charge against Jie reads: “That you, Wang Jie (a.k.a. Xu Zhong Xiang) and Genting International Co. Limited, sometime between the 29th 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 willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems which were organized to destabilized 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)." They all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, following which prosecution counsel, M.S. Owede, T.J. Banjo, A.C. Olowonihi, and N.C. Mutfwang asked the courts for trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in the appropriate correctional center. While Justice Kakaki adjourned the matter till March 20, 2025 for trial, Justice Osiagor adjourned till June 11, 2025 for trial. They were all ordered to be remanded in the correctional centre. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-17-chinese-for-alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition comment: So, to recap all these "the Chinese are the True 419er Ogas stories" of late: The EFCC has arrested 792 419ers of a large scale 419 syndicate in Lagos, about 200 of which were Chinese, operating from the offices of a company with a Chinese sounding name. These Chinese "willfully caused to be accessed computer systems which were organized to destabilized the social and economic structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria" doing this having "secretly procured and employed several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer related fraud". So, there was this company, says the EFCC, with a Chinese name, that nobody knows who owns or are the principals in, or where the monies it "made" were sent, or to whom; who somehow managed to import a hundred Chinese who may or may not have had visas, or sponsors, or any legal reason to be in Nigeria; who then managed to somehow "secretly" hire "several" (actually 600 or so) naive Nigerian youths to engage in 419 operations "for identity theft and other computer related fraud" who then "accessed computer systems in order to destabilize the social and economic structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria" (we have rephrased this quote a bit). So, says the EFCC, this latest thing is the fault of these criminal Chinese corrupting Nigerians and attacking the Nigerian state. This operation could not have been set up by Nigerian 419 Ogas bringing in the Chinese to use their language skills to target potential 419 victims in China and other Asian countries, Nooooooo... if course not. After all, what 419 Oga would be smart enough to want to expand in a big say into the vast Chinese speaking Asian market? Apparently, the EFCC thinks the big Nigerian 419 Ogas and Sydnicates are too stupid to do this obvious thing. Well, the 419 Coalitiom doesn't agree with that. Given the huge and continued success of Nigerian 419 operations over the last 40 years or so, we have learned to give the 419 Ogas and Syndicates high marks for their sophistication, vision, marketing, globalization, and other skills. We suggest that the EFCC is selling the local talent short. And, of course, the EFCC lstely has arrested a couple of hundred Chinese 419ers nationally to date, and many thousands of Nigerian nationals, all of which which is great - but it does not mention the kazillion unarrested Nigerian nationals who have been 419ing away nationwide for the last 40 some years. These Chinese are a tiny drop in the bucket of 419 crime. It seems like tha EFCC has been pressing the view lately that 419 (West African Advance Fee Fraud) is not really a Nigeria centered problem. They seem to be pushing the idea that "See, it isn't us Nigerians, it is the Chinese who are running it! The Chinese are the Real bad big time 419ers! They are the culprits! It's not us Nigerians! These bad Chinese are corrupting our people! We are protecting the Nigerian people, Nation, and the world from these rapacious Chinese who are corrupting them and destroying our nation"! Let 419 Coalition tell you... the big 419 syndicates are Never going to allow the Chinese to muscle in on their operations, especially on their own turf. In the unlikely event the Chinese were to attempt this, the local 419 Syndicates would take out their operations one way or another... and who knows, maybe that is what happened to Genting International. Maybe the local Ogas ratted out the competition. Stranger things have happened in the World of 419. While 419 Coalition is in favor of arresting 419ers of any nationality in any location, we think the EFCC should quit trying to blame 419 on the Chinese. The vast majority of 419ers (West African Advance Fee Fraudsters) are, have always been, and continue to be, Nigerian nationals, and the "home offices" of most 419 syndicates operating at home and globally are in Nigeria. So, EFCC, arrest Your national 419ers, and any other nationality 419ers you find on your turf, by all means! But quit trying to pass the buck on 419 off onto the Chinese. Trying to pass the buck reflects badly on you, and tarnishes the Good work that you Do. Respectfully, Coordinator, 419 Coalition *********************************************** 21 FEB 2025 EFCC Hands Over $132,362.43, N78,566,324.81 to Foreign Victims of Fraud As a gesture of its commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes and offering restitution to victims of fraudulent practices, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has handed over a total sum $132,362.43 ( One Hundred and Thirty Two, Three Hundred and Sixty Two United States Dollars, Forty Three Cents), N78,566, 324. 81( Seventy Eight Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty Four Naira, Eighty one kobo) to American, Spanish and Swiss victims of local fraudsters. The handover, which was performed by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede took place on Friday, February 21, 2025 at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. A delighted Olukoyede observed that, “The event is a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes. A commitment to good governance, a commitment to stimulating the economy and a commitment to prove to the entire world that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes, a commitment to international cooperation and international synergy in the fight against financial crimes, which you will agree with me, has become a global crime.” Speaking further, he said. “We are here to demonstrate that the federal government of Nigeria, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is ready to do everything possible to prevent financial crimes from being perpetrated in our system. And when one has taken place, to investigate where assets are involved, to trace, to recover and where necessary, prosecute. “We don't just recover, we restitute the victims. We are here this morning to restitute those who were victimized through the perpetration of economic and financial crimes. It is important to know that once proceeds of crime are recovered, the most responsible thing to do is to restitute the victims. Handed over in addition to money are vehicles and real estate to citizens of Spain, United States of America and Switzerland. Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco received the sum of $1,300 (One Thousand Three Hundred Dollars) and evidence of N30 million already transferred to the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose. Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer, First Secretary, Embassy of Switzerland received $100,011.43 (One Hundred Thousand, Eleven Dollars and Forty-three Cents on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy, formerly known as Chantai Helene Maeder. Charles Smith, Legal Attache, Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Embassy of the United States received the sum of $7,344 (Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-Four Dollars); N7,963,483.35 (Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-three Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty -three Naira, Thirty-five Kobo), and Bitcoin cryptocurrency valued at $4,470.00 (Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Jesus Brockell. Also received by Smith was Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Chasis No:WDDHF9AB6AA111112, Mercedes Benz C450 AMG with Chasis No: WDD20J0641F282467, and one residential bungalow, located at 17/19 Seaman Street, Unguwar Maigero, Kaduna, Kaduna State on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim. Additionally, Smith received the sum of $7,527 (Seven thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-seven Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the victim of the crime, Michael Smith. He also received the sum of $11,710.00 (Eleven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Cheryle Williams. Lastly, Smith received the sum of N32,639,358.11 (Thirty-Two Million, Six Hundred and Thirty- nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-eight Naira, Eleven Kobo) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Marva Marrow. In her remarks, her Excellency Velasco expressed gratitude, adding that “This is a sign of the collaboration between Nigeria and Spain and we are very grateful for this collaboration.” Smith said “As the FBI Legal Attache and the representative of the US government I want to say we personally appreciate this. Many here may not understand what the impact this does to the victims. This gives them complete closure and it allows them to feel whole again. So we really do appreciate and we thank the EFCC. The EFCC is just not operating in Nigeria. The EFCC is a major global contender and you should recognize that every time.” On behalf of the government of Switzerland, Geel I thanked the government of Nigeria and EFCC for the recovery and restitution. “I thank the Nigerian government and especially the EFCC for the work they have done to combat internet fraud and other financial crimes. Today's restitution of money obtained from a Swiss citizen demonstrates the effectiveness but also integrity, professionalism, courage and collaboration that occur between Nigeria and Switzerland. So, thank you for this exemplary collaboration and work in making the digital world safer and better regulated. Switzerland will continue to work alongside the Nigeria government in the service of the security of our respective people. So thank you again,” he said. The Permanent Secretary, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Umar Ahmed, thanked Olukoyede for his efforts in the anti-corruption fight and conveyed the felicitation of the Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the ministry to the EFCC and the Nigerian government. According to him, “This is really an unprecedented development, and you cannot believe the impact that this development will have on the mandate of the ministry, because it makes our work a whole lot easier because it really enhances the credibility of Nigeria in the international scene. And it will also go a long way in restoring investors’ confidence in the country. And the ministry is very well with you in pursuing this mandate and want to thank you for this initiative. It demonstrates the support of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the fight against corruption and also in strengthening the EFCC in carrying out its mandate. All of us in the ministry are really happy with this development and we'll keep on working with you and supporting you and in carrying your mandate.” The press release contains photos: efcc-hands-over-132-362-43-n78-566-324-81-to-foreign-victims-of-fraud 419 Coalition comment: Now, this is the type of press release we are always very pleased to see, and we hope to see many more like it. Kudos to the EFCC for repatriating these 419ed monies to the 419ed victims. ************************************************** 21 FEB 2025 EFCC Arraigns 18 more Chinese for Alleged Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, February 20, 2025 arraigned additional 18 Chinese before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. They are: Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Deng Wei Qiang, Fu Min, Qin Xiao Yong, Li Dong, Li De Wen, Luo Mao Yang, Zhao Xiao Hui, Du Ji Feng, Liu Hai Rong, Liu Ni Ni, Liu Gang, Sun Qi, Zhang Jian, Peng Fa li and Huo Wen Jie. They are among the 792-member cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 10, 2024, in Lagos, in a sting operation tagged "Eagle Flush Operation" by EFCC operatives. The suspects were arraigned on separate charges, bordering on cybercrimes, cyber- terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft. One of the charges reads: “That you Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Genting International Co. Ltd and A. Dao (at large) sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court conspired with yourselves to commit an offence to wit: cause to be accessed, computer systems for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economic and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 18 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015." They all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, asked the court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in the appropriate correctional center. Justice Osiagor adjourned the matter till May 5, 2025 for trial, and ordered that they be remanded at the correctional custodial center. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-18-more-chinese-for-alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition asks: Who are the principal owners of Genting International? Where did the 419ed monies end up? Who vouched for the visas of the Chinese workers? Did they even Have visas? How did they get into the country? Why the emphasis on these Chinese 419ers when the great bulk of those arrested in "Operation Eagle Flush" were in fact Nigerian nationals? Could it be that the EFCC is attmpting to shift the blame for the Massive 419 operations emanating from Nigeria onto someboday else, which is of course a non-starter? Could it be that the Chinese criminal syndicates were actually trying to get into the 419 business by setting up 419 operations in Nigeria rather than in China itself? Could it be that local 419 sydicates were pissed off by the Chinese poaching on their turf and ratted them out to the EFCC to get rid of them? Could it be that these Chinese were recruited by existing Nigerian 419 syndicates to diversify their 419ing staff and open new target opportunities? Shouldn't the EFCC be saying about ALL 419ers that they "cause to be accessed, computer systems for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economic and social structure of Nigeria" given that their Massive number of Nigerian national 419ers do the same things as these Chinese? There are many more questions.... how about it, EFCC? ***************************************************** 20 FEB 2025 Court Jails 11 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City has convicted and sentenced 11 (eleven) internet fraudsters to jail. The convicts are: Izomor Samuel Efe, Nosakhare Bright, Emovon Destiny, Vincent Arogbo, Osarentin Morgan Aduwa, Osagiede Destiny Oghosa, Nosakhare Ernest Theophilus, Junior Emmanuel Efe, Osimen Princewill, Obamedo Clinton and David Iyobor. They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Efe reads: "That you Justice Samuel Efe (m) on or about the 8th of February, 2025 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 the charges when they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, I.K Agwai and Salihu Ahmed to ask 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 Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Izomor Efe and Bright to two years imprisonment or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. Destiny and Arogbo also bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. Aduwa, Oghosa, Theophilus, Junior Efe, Princewill, Clinton and Iyobor, were slammed with three years imprisonment or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones, laptop computers and sums of money seen in their 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 in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The press release contains photos of the 419ers: court-jails-11-internet-fraudsters-in-benin-city ********************************************** 19 FEB 2025 Court Jails One for N10m Internet Fraud in Maiduguri The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of one Abraham Ayomikun Ajibodu, before Justice K. Dagat of the Federal High Court, sitting in Maiduguri, Borno State for internet fraud. The convict was arraigned on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, on a two -count charge bordering on money laundering and impersonation to the tune of N10, 000,000.00. Count one of the charges reads: “That you Abraham Ayomikun Ajibodu between 2022 and 2023 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of United States of America Dollars denominated cash app and gift cards worth about $7,470.00(Seven Thousand Four Hundred and Seventy United States Dollars) which upon conversion to naira amounted to an aggregate sum of N10, 000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) paid into your United Bank for Africa account No. 2114324883, Abraham A. Ajibodu being the naira equivalent value for the cash app and gift cards you received which you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceed of unlawful act to wit: your false representation to unsuspecting foreign nationals like; Donna Hughs, Loreitta, Van Dough etc. using fake social media account like Facebook account with the name’ GEORGE STRAIT, a citizen of United States of America 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.” Ajibodu, pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him and counsel to the prosecution, Abdulmalik. D Aliyu prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Justice Dagat thereafter convicted and sentenced him to four years imprisonment on counts one and two with an option of N200,000.00 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine on each count. The judge further ordered the forfeiture of the sum of $ 400,00( Four Hundred Dollars), being value of cash App and gift cards benefited by the convict to be repatriated to the victim as well as the forfeiture of iPhone 13 pro max, oraimo power bank and a used Honda Accord 2003 model to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by operatives of the EFCC for making false representation to unsuspecting foreign nationals like; Donna Hughs, Loreitta, Van Dough and others by using fake social media accounts like Facebook account and others with the name’ GEORGE STRAIT and defrauded them in the process. The press release contains a photo of the 419er: court-jails-one-for-n10m-internet-fraud-in-maiduguri ******************************************* 19 FEB 2025 Court Jails 30 Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of 30 internet fraudsters before Justices Ladiran Akintola, Adebisi Adetujoye and K.B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan. The convicts are: Gbadega Ayomide, Ojo Oluwapelumi Oluwatomiwa, John Odey Ade, Ezekiel Oluwatobi Damilare, Usman Olamilekan Hammed, Ogunjobi Oluwafemi Oluwadunsin, Abdulrauf Taiwo Adekunmi, Ariyo Adejuwon Iyanu, Ahmed Ridwan Tajudeen, Ayomide Adedara, Oyewale Opeyemi Kayode, Charles Nneji, Obaoye Testimony Isaac, Olisemeka Tochukwu Anakweze, Ojo Opeyemi Makanjuola and Taiwo Kayode Goodness. Others are: Bolarinwa Usman Gbolahan, Olawuni Gbenga Samuel, Segun Michael Balogun, Charles Ifeoluwa Olayode, Sule Taofeek Rotimi, Sodade Oludotun Tolulope, Adeyemo Waris Olabode, Akinnawonu Bidemi Raphel, Ayanda Samuel Oluwaseyi, Adeniyi Oluwasola Oluwatosin, Olorunosebi Toyyib Alabi, Okorie Ifeanyi Favour, Akande Opeyemi Babatunde and Siyanbola Oluwaseun Ibrahim. They were prosecuted on separate one-count charges that bordered on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Ibrahim reads: “That you, Siyanbola Oluwaseun Ibrahim “M” sometimes in June, 2022 at Ibadan, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud one Austin Frazier via Facebook messenger did falsely represent yourself as Vivian Harding, a female from Chicago, United State of America, which representation you knew to be false, thereby committed the offence of personation, contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 30, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.” All the defendants pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, Modupe Akinkoye, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsuddeen Bashir, David Olubode and A.M. Aliyu to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Oluwatosin to one year imprisonment or to pay a fine N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), Oluwaseyi to six months imprisonment or to pay a fine of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), Raphael to three months jail term or to pay a fine of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira). Justice Akintola also convicted and sentenced Favour, Olabode, Tolulope, Gbolahan, Goodness, Makanjuola, Nneji and Isaac to six months community service each or to pay N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. Others convicted and sentenced by Justice Akintola are Ibrahim, Alabi and Babatunde who bagged three months community service each or to pay N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) fine, each. Justice Olawoyin on her part convicted and slammed Ayomide, Oluwatomiwa, Ade, Balogun, Olayode and Rotimi with one year imprisonment each or to pay a fine of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira), N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) respectively. Also convicted and sentenced by Justice Olawoyin is Samuel who got six months jail term or to pay a fine of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira). Justice Adetujoye convicted and sentenced Damilare, Hammed, Oluwadunsin, Adekunmi, Iyanu, Kayode and Anakweze to two months community service each. Adedara bagged one month community service. Their sentences are without an option of fine. Though Justice Adetojoye convicted Tajudeen, he cautioned and discharged him. Besides their sentences, all the convicts forfeited items recovered from them that include money, phones and a Lexus 350 car with registration number: FKJ – 320 – HW recovered from Anakweze to the federal government. In addition, Anakweze was ordered by the court to make a restitution of N8, 731, 000.00 (Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-one Thousand Naira) to his victim. The press release contains photos of some of the 419ers: court-jails-30-internet-fraudsters-in-ibadan ********************************************** 19 FEB 2025 Court Jails Internet Fraudster in Port Harcourt The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate has secured the conviction and sentence of one Chinedu Ukpai Kalu, an internet fraudster before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was prosecuted on a two-count charge, bordering on fraudulent impersonation, and advance fee fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you Chinedu Ukpai Kalu on or about the 9th day of May, 2024 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court with the intent to defraud, obtained a total sum of £1200 (One Thousand Two Hundred Pounds Only) from one Muhammad Zabhar from the UK under the pretence that you are a legitimate miner, 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 Offenses Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the said Act. He pleaded “guilty” when charges were read to him, following which prosecution counsel K .W. Chukwuma-Eneh urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Defence counsel, U.S Ejemera, however, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the defendant was a first time offender and has learned his lesson. Justice Ajoku convicted and sentenced him to 12 months in prison or to pay N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Thousand Naira Only) fine, payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federation. In addition to his sentence, he forfeited his iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy A5, 9G and Samsung Galaxy A14, 5G recovered from him upon arrest to the federal government. Also forfeited to the federal government are the sums of £1,200 (One Thousand, Two Hundred Pounds and $400 (Four Hundred Dollars), recovered from him during investigation. Kalu’s journey to the correctional facility started when he was arrested by the Commission in a sting operation in the Choba axis of Port Harcourt, following intelligence report on the activities of some internet fraudsters in the area. Investigation revealed that the convict operated fraudulent Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and Instagram accounts which he used to swindle unsuspecting victims of their money. The press release contains a photo: court-jails-internet-fraudster-in-port-harcourt ********************************************* 18 FEB 2025 EFCC Arraigns Four more Chinese for Alleged Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, arraigned four Chinese before Justices M. Kakaki and Ayokunle Faji, both of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The quartet 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.” While three of the defendants, Xia Guang Can, Li Xu Xin, and Zhang Xue Hui were arraigned on separate one-charge charges before Justice Kakaki, Lu Yubo was arraigned on a two-count charge before Justice Faji. The charges border on internet fraud, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence, advance fee fraud and identity theft. The charge against Hui reads: "That you, ZHANG XUE HUI sometimes in December, 2024 at Lagos within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court cause to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable) under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015". One of Yubo’s charges reads: “That you, Lu Yubo and Genting International Co. Limited, adult, 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, willfully 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)." They all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel, Fanen Anum and Ahmed Yerima asked the courts respectively for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded at a Correctional Centre, while counsel for the defendants prayed for a short adjournment to file their bail applications. Justice Kakaki adjourned till March 18, 2025 for trial, and ordered that the three defendants be remanded in a Correctional Centre, while Justice Faji adjourned till March 31 and April 3, 2025 for trial, and ordered that Yubo be remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-four-more-chinese-for-alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition question: Again, Who or what entity(ies) control GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED? And, where did the stolen monies go to? *********************************************** 18 FEB 2025 EFCC Arrests 15 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 15 suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, FCT. They were arrested in Amax Apartment, Guzape, following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include a Toyota Highlander with customized registration number (BORNO AAA) and phones. They have made useful statements and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arrests-15-suspected-internet-fraudsters-in-abuja ************************************************ 17 FEB 2025 Witness Narrates how Chinese Employer Lured her into Alleged Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Jacob Lilian, in the trial of Ling Yang (a.k.a Shoa Ming), a Chinese, and part of the alleged 792-member syndicate of cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects has narrated before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos how her job search at Genting International Co. Limited ended in being lured into dating scam by the defendant. Yang alongside Genting International Co. Limited is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a four-count charge, bordering on cybercrime and advance fee fraud, having been arrested in Lagos by officers of the Commission in a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” on December 10, 2024. One of the charges reads: "That you, LING YANG A.K.A. SHAO MING, sometime in December 2024 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with the intent to gain a financial advantage for your employer fraudulently impersonated one Amity by holding yourself out as such, 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 all the charges, prompting his trial. Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Hanatu U. KofarNaisa, the witness, a Nigerian identified the defendant as one of the Chinese that work on the Seventh Floor of the company's building. "As at November 2024, I was in search of a job and so I joined a WhatsApp group called job update, which was where I got to know about the job that stated customer service and only an address written as No 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Lagos. On getting there I was not asked to present any CV or documentations, and when I got in, I was required to sit in front of a computer. I thought I was about to have an online test, but rather I did a speed limit test that was set to be 30 and I got 28," she said. She added that she was encouraged to improve her speed, and subsequently given a job with the company. "No credentials were required or asked for and I was not given any offer letter," she said. According to her, the company provided accommodation for her on the Island and she moved in. She further testified that she was later given a script to read, adding that she was told that was her job. "On the script there was a name, Alani Thomas, and I was asked to read the script further and to get familiar with any customer assigned to me and chat with them," she said. Testifying further, she stated that Europeans were the main targets and that she was usually introduced as Alani Thomas. "The WhatsApp group is being monitored by the employers, and once names are exchanged, and I start to get to know the customer, by the third day of chatting with the customer, once they are at ease with me, I will be asked to stop chatting with the customer and then the employers will take over the chatting," she said. She disclosed that her monthly salary was N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and that the Nigerian employees had seat numbers and computers allocated to them. She disclosed that she wanted to resign from the job, but the company had a way of caging them and monitoring their activities. "We were always escorted by security officials from the office to the accommodation and we were never allowed to leave the office premises. Before we start working for the day, we have to submit our phones. The EFCC arrest was a saving grace for me," she said. Prosecution counsel applied for an adjournment to enable it to tender the computer with the scripts in evidence. Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case till April 11, 2025 for continuation of trial. witness-narrates-how-chinese-employer-lured-her-into-alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition question: Again, Who or what entity(ies) control GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED? **************************************************************** 14 FEB 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 *****************************************************