EFCC secures conviction of 32 individuals over internet fraud in Oyo

Thirty-two individuals have been convicted and sentenced for internet fraud by Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.S. Adeyemi, K.B. Olawoyin, and G.A. Sunmonu of the Oyo State High Court, alongside Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court, Ibadan.

The convictions were secured by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate one-count charges related to impersonation and cyber-related offenses.

Among those convicted 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, and others.

One of the charges against Akinlosotu revealed that he impersonated an individual named Amanda Smith from Texas, USA, using a fraudulent Facebook account to defraud one Orlando Mejia. The offense was deemed a violation of Section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

All 32 accused persons pleaded guilty to the charges. The EFCC prosecutors, led by Modupe Akinkoye and other legal representatives, urged the courts to convict them accordingly.

Justice K.B. Olawoyin sentenced Olajide Lekan Peter to two years in prison or a N500,000 fine, while Oyewale Timileyin Ayodeji and Fatusin Michael Abayomi were sentenced to one year each or a N250,000 fine.

Justice O.S. Adeyemi handed one-year prison terms to Oriyomi and Ashiru Adebola Ibrahim without an option of a fine, while Adedara Ademola Ayobami, Adewale Ibikunle Abdullahi, and Mustapha Quadri Ayinde were sentenced to six months of community service each.

Justice Ladiran Akintola sentenced Ajayi Elijah Oladimeji, Oluwajana Segun Joseph, and Obaoye Samuel Olaoluwa to one year in prison, with fines ranging from N40,000 to N150,000. Jelili, Kehinde Emmanuel, and several others were given sentences ranging from three months to one year, with varying fines or community service conditions.

In addition to their sentences, the convicts were ordered to forfeit assets, including money, phones, and laptops, to the federal government. Confiscated vehicles include a green Toyota Camry (2005 model) from Oriyomi, a wine-colored Toyota Camry from Ibrahim, a red Toyota Corolla from Olaoluwa, a black Toyota Camry from Adeniyi, and a golden Toyota Camry from Abdullahi.

Furthermore, Ayobami was ordered to pay N2.5 million in restitution to his victim.

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to fighting cybercrime and urged Nigerians to remain cautious against internet fraud.