Crime

EFCC Arraigns Man for Over N200M Fraud

By Web News 442

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 arraigned one Emmanuel Ajibola Obakin before Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan on a four count charge bordering on alleged stealing of N251, 685, 000 (Two Hundred and Fifty One Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand Naira) belonging to a firm, Lee Fakino Nigeria Limited.

Obakin committed the alleged offence in the month of December, year 2022 in Ibadan.

The defendant, who was one of the two directors of Lee Fakino Nigeria Limited and signatory to the company’s account allegedly withdrew the above sum from Lee Fakino Nigeria Limited without authorization and consent of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Akindele Fajemiyo who is also signatory to the company’s account.

Furthermore, the defendant is alleged to have removed the telephone numbers and email address of the MD/CEO of the company from the bank details of Lee Fakino Nigeria Limited, through which notification alerts of transactions were received to enable him keep track of the account.

Obakin, afterwards withdrew the said sum from the account of the firm, which was money paid for works executed by Lee Fakino Nigeria Limited for the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture between December 22, 2022 and March 9, 2023 without any notification received by Fajemiyo.

Upon arraignment, Obakin pleaded “not guilty” to the charges filed against him by the EFCC.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Oyelakin Oyediran asked the court for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in the correctional facility pending the determination of the case.

Counsel to the defendant, Ibrahim Lawal urged the court to admit his client to bail.

Justice Ladiran Akintola admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N50 million and two sureties, preferably the wife and younger brother to the defendant, in like sum.

Furthermore, “the sureties are to swear an affidavit of means, deposit their National Identification Slip with the court and provide the court with adequate residential addresses”.

Also, the court ordered that the defendant provide the court with his National Identification Slip and residential addresses.

The matter was adjourned till October 23, 2023 for further hearing.

One of the charges against the defendant read: “That you Obakin Emmanuel Ajibola, adult, male sometime in December, 2022 at Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently steal the sum of N120, 500, 000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) belonging to Lee Fakino Nigeria Limited, an offence of stealing contrary to Section 390(9) Criminal Code Law.”

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Crime

 EFCC, Customs Service Vow to Fight Illegal Mining in Oyo, Osun

By Web News 435

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Oyo State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service have vowed to join forces in tackling illegal mining activities in the State.

The agencies made the commitment when the Acting Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Ibadan, Mrs Halima Rufa’u paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo/Osun State Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba.

Mrs Rufa’u, while expressing her delight for the warm reception accorded her, decried the threat activities of illegal solid mineral operators in the zone pose to national economic growth.

“I am glad to be here today on this familiarization visit but more importantly; this visit offers an opportunity to deliberate on how best to tackle the menace of illegal mining in Oyo, Osun and Ekiti States.

“It saddens me to see that our natural resources that should have been used to develop our country, build good health facilities, alleviate poverty, improve our educational system, etc. are being mismanaged by unscrupulous individuals for their personal gains.

“But the EFCC is undeterred by the antics of corrupt individuals who are benefiting from the illegal mining operations and will ensure that extant laws against illegal miners are enforced,” she said.

She called for a more robust collaboration and synergy between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service.

In his remark, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba appreciated the Commander for the visit and commended her for the critical roles the EFCC is playing to combat illegal mining activities and cybercrime in the State.

He expressed confidence in the competence of both organizations to tackle the menace head-on.

“This visit is coming at the right time, when there is an increase in illegal mining activities in the State but I can assure you that the fight will be won  given the fact that both organizations are willing and ready to partner against the illegal activities”, the Comptroller said.

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Crime

Administrative Bail is Free – EFCC 

By Web News 773

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Securing administrative bail of suspects in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, custody is free.

 The Acting Commander of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Commission, ACE I Halima Mustafa Rufa’u stated this on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, when she received in her office, Executive Committee members of the Ibadan Branch of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, led by its chairman, Folashade Aladeniyi.

According to her, the Commission does not charge any fee from lawyers or family members of detained suspects before releasing them on bail.

She therefore warned lawyers to desist from standing as “surety” and legal representative, at the same time, to suspects, noting that  such an act could not only get them into trouble, but does not portray the legal profession in good light.

“In the event the suspect was released and later jumps administrative bail, the Commission will have no choice than to arrest the lawyer first, before going after other sureties”, Rufa’u warned.

The Zonal Commander, however, commended the NBA for the visit, saying it would strengthen the existing collaboration and synergy between the two bodies.

In her remark, the chairman of the committee, Folashade Aladeniyi, commended the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC for its efforts in curbing cybercrime and related fraud activities in Oyo State.

“I want to commend the Ibadan Zonal Command and the EFCC at large for its activities towards curbing economic and financial crimes, especially cybercrime in the country. This is evident in the statistics of convictions secured by the Commission over the years”, Aladeniyi stated.

She, however, appealed to the Zonal Commander to protect the rights of suspects in detention by ensuring their quick release, while also investigating the activities of politically exposed persons accused of corruption in the state.

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Security

EFCC Paleys Media on Fighting Crimes

By Web News 416

By Oluwakayode Banjo       

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has appealed to the media to support its efforts at tackling money laundering, cybercrime and other internet-related crimes in the country.

The Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr Abdulkarim Chukkol made the appeal at a workshop on the Effective Reporting of Economic and Financial Crimes, held at the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Commission.

Speaking through Acting Zonal Command, Ibadan, Mrs Halima Rufa’u, Mr Chukkol urged the media to align with the mandate of the commission to see that corruption and cybercrimes were reduced to the barest minimum in the country.

“Today’s workshop is the sixth in the series by the Commission this year but the first outing in Ibadan, headquarters of one of the two major EFCC Zonal Commands in the South West.

“The decision to engage you all in a training session is buoyed by the appreciation of the fact that you occupy a strategic place in the fight against corruption.”

“I urge the media to continue to align itself with the progressive aspirations of Nigerians, to see that corruption is reduced to the barest minimum if not completely eliminated.”

In a Paper Presentation titled “Investigative Journalism and fight against money laundering”, an Assistant Commander, EFCC 1, Mr Dele Oyewale decried that investigative journalism was gradually going into extinction in Nigeria.

Mr Oyewale advised journalists to possess a stronger professional commitment to ensure systematic and in-depth reportage that focuses on social justice.

“Investigative Reporting in Nigeria is minimal.  Corruption reporting, drug trafficking reporting, social injustice reporting, environmental pollution reporting,  justice miscarriage,  crime reporting are scarcely investigative.”

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Judiciary

Kano Govt. Withdraws Suit Stopping Ganduje’s Probe

By Web News 335

The Kano State Government has withdrawn its suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, seeking to stop it from further inviting, investigating, or interrogating the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje.

The notice of withdrawal of the suit submitted before Federal High Court Kano was contained in a letter signed by the Kano Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, dated 4th July 2023, and addressed to Sanusi Musa, SAN.

It read,”We write to notify you that Kano State Government and the Attorney General of Kano State wish to debrief you of the earlier instructions, given to you to handle the case NO: FHC/ KN/71/2023 between Attorney General of Kano State and Economic and Financial Crimes

“You and your team members are therefore instructed not to take any further steps on the matter, either by appearing in court or filing any processes in respect of the case” the Kano Attorney General concluded.

Recall that the Kano State government under the former governor through the Ministry of Justice had issued a fiat instrument to restrain EFCC from investigating the controversial dollar video.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

EFCC Swoops on Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ekiti

By Web News 910

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 47 (forty-seven) suspected internet fraudsters.

This is contained in a statement signed by the commission’s head of media and publicity, Mr Wilson Uwujaren

The suspects were arrested on June 23, 2023, at Ikere Road and Iworoko areas of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State following intelligence on their alleged cyber fraud activities in the State.

The suspects are Adeyemi Joshua Adeniran, Ajaye Redmond Damilare, Nwaji Mathew, Jegede Boluwaji Victor, Oyetunji Sunday Wole, Damilola Awopetu Ayomide, Ajayi Temitope Ayomide, Babajide Adebisi Victor, Balogun Precious Akinwale, Obie Jacob Onatakaroma, Olonitola Olamilekan, Ajewole Ojo Kayode, Aina Toluwani Emmanuel, Adebayo Akinwumi Oluwadamilare, Omowaye Oluwatosin Olamilekan, Oyewale Francis Oyomilekan, Arowolo Ayomide Gift, Shotonwa Babatunde Omotoyosi, Ochochie Silas Ochola, Ojo Seyitan David, Onile Ayodeji Raphael and Abiodun Oluwatosin Opeyemi.

Others are: Adebayo Gbenga Musbau, Oyebade Ayomide Olamide, Egunjobi Samuel Gbenga, Oladokun Toheeb Adekola, Adesola Benjamin Adebowale, Edamisan Olakunle, Adesola Isaac Babatunde, Oyewole Gideon David, Lawal Tosimile Moses, Adeleke Adekunle Samson, Oladiti Abiodun Akanji, Ajayi Charles Temitayo, Adeyemi Oluwasegun Adeboye, Ernest Solomon Temitope and Atoun Olalekan Timilehin.

The rest are: Olorunyomi Sina Ayo, Babatunde Emmanuel Babalola, Yusuf Saka Olaoluwatobi, Falaye Babatunde Temitope, Ilesanmi Damilola Ayomide, Badmus Yusuf Omobolaji, Komolafe Emmanuel Feranmi, Babajide Adebisi Victor, Adamolekun Olamiji and Oshatimi Samuel Omoniyi.

In a related development, the Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Police arrested and handed over two cybercrime suspects, Emiola Usman and Kamorudeen Quayum, to the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC, for further investigation.

Items recovered from the suspects include fifteen (15) exotic cars, sixteen (16) laptops, seventy-seven (77) mobile phones and other incriminating documents.

According to the statement, the suspects will be charged to court as soon as the investigations are concluded.

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Crime

FMC Staff, 50 Others in EFCC Net over Alleged Internet Fraud

By Web News 1074

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibadan Zonal Command, has arrested a staff of Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Balogun Olawale, alongside 47 others for their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

The suspects were Sodiq Iremide, Abiona Solomon, Moshood Sakiru Olamide, Olalekan Sodiq Olawale, Adebayo Ifeoluwa Timilehin, Joshua Gilbert, Adeleke Oluwafemi, Lawal Yusuff Abiodun, Olaleye Adedolapo Emmanuel, Opaleye Olanrewaju, Kazeem Oladimeji, Akinlosotu Ayodeji Ayomiposi, Omowale Haruna, Akinsolotu Kolade Olayinka, Soremikun Ibrahim, Kolawole Boluwatife Daniel, Olufunkunmi Emmanuel, Olatunji Uthman Alabi, Afeez Jimoh Akorede, Lateef Abdulmujeeb Akanbi, Boladale Olajide James and Enitan Tolulope John.

Others included Orunsolu Sodiq Babatunde, Lamidi Micheal Akolade, Lateef Rahamon Olamilekan, Idowu Micheal Oluwasegun, Peter Adio Olakunle, Ahmod Kazeem Olayemi, Okewole Daniel Olayiwola, Ogundeyin Faruq Olamilekan, Edunjobi Toheeb Ayobami, Simon Dare Tosin, Ahmod Mustapha Olawale, Oladende Mubarak Olansile, Olanrewaju Kabiru Olamilekan, Olowookere Abeeb Lolade, Dolaoso Uthman Olamilekan, Kodagbese Emmanuel Aduragbemi, Simon John Seyi, Idemudia Lucky, Ahmod Waheed Olamide, Olowookere Soburu Ademola, Agboola Oladimeji Taofeek, Awoniyi Segun Gbenga, Babatunde Mathew Ayodele, Alaye John Saheed and Odediran Oluwole Ayomide.

They were arrested, on Wednesday, at the Idi-Aba area of Abeokuta following intelligence on their alleged fraudulent activities, while items recovered from them were seven exotic vehicles, several mobile phones, laptops, hi and Apple wristwatches, among others.

Also, two suspected “Yahoo boys” – Adeniji Adebayo and Ayoola Samson were arrested the same day at the Idi-Igba area of Ibadan in Oyo State by the EFCC operatives with two cars and other valuables.

The state Police command of the Nigerian Police also arrested and handed over a cybercrime suspect, Andrew Olasunkanmi, to the EFCC.

Andrew was arrested at his house on suspicion of involvement in fraudulent activities. A Honda Civic car and mobile phones were recovered from him.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

DSS Quizzes Ex- EFCC Chair, Bawa        

By Web News 1167

The suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, is being interrogated by operatives of the Department of State Services over his activities in the anti-graft agency.

The Spokesman for the DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, confirmed the invitation and arrival of Bawa at the secret police for the probe in a statement sent to Vanguard.

The statement said: “The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“Bawa arrived a few hours ago. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him”.

The grilling of the EFCC chairman comes barely hours after he was indefinitely suspended from office by the President.

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Politics

Chukkol Replaces Bawa as EFCC Chairman

By Web News 1269

Following Tuesday, June 14, 2023, suspension of Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, as Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission by the Federal Government, Mr. Abdulkarim Chukkol has stepped in as Acting Chairman of the Commission.

Until this new role, he was the Director of Operations of the Commission.

A pioneer staff of the Commission and an illustrious member of the EFCC Cadet Course One, Mr. Chukkol is a consummate and vastly experienced investigator with specialty in cybercrime and money laundering.

His Command appointments in the Commission include spells as Head of the Advance Fee Fraud and Cybercrime Sections of the Lagos and Abuja Zonal Commands between 2011 -2016, pioneer Commander of the Uyo Zonal Command in 2017 and Commander of Port Harcourt Zonal Command in 2020.

Chukkol has participated in several special operations with international law enforcement organizations and maintains close relationship with Law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, UK National Crime Agency, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Secret Service, Australian Federal Police, Dutch Police, German Police, South African Police etc.

The acting EFCC Boss has worked closely with other Governments to develop law and infrastructure for carrying out law enforcement actions.
He is Nigeria’s Contact person at the International Mass Marketing Fraud Working Group representing key Government regulatory, law enforcement, prosecution, immigration and customs, financial intelligence, consumer protection agencies as well and trade and competition bureaus dealing with mass marketing-related issues from Spain, Nigeria, Belgium, Europol, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States.

He has attended several courses, seminars and workshops on Public Corruption, Advance Fee Fraud and other economic and financial crimes both locally and internationally, including the Oxford University, United Kingdom, in 2022.

His work and initiatives over the years have earned him several awards and commendations both locally and internationally, including “the Most Outstanding Award in Operations” by the EFCC and the “Outstanding Performance Award” by the United States Department of Justice, among others.

The acting EFCC Chairman, holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Maiduguri (2000) and Post Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia, United States as well as Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity and Spectrum Management from the United States Telecommunication Training Institute, Washington DC, United States.

He is also an alumnus of the FBI National Academy, Quantico; European Center of Security Studies, Germany and a Fellow of the War College, Nigeria.

Culled/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Judiciary

Court Threatens Bench Warrant against Fani-Kayode

By Web News 926

A Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, on Wednesday, threatened to declare a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, wanted over his refusal to appear before the court for his trial.

Fani-Kayode is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 12 counts bordering on the use of false documents, use of fabricated evidence, and procuring the execution of documents by false pretence.

The ex-minister was alleged to have forged medical report(s), which he tendered before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos, where he is being prosecuted by the EFCC for an alleged N4.9bn fraud.

Justice Olubumni Abike-Fadipe, who was displeased with Fani-Kayode’s refusal to appear before the court to face his trial after his arraignment on December 17, 2021, and subsequent adjournments, made the threat on Wednesday when the matter came up.

At the last adjourned date, the defendant’s counsel, Mr Wale Balogun, informed the court of the absence of the defendant, citing ill health, which he said was connected to Fani-Kayode’s encounter with the Department of State Services, which grilled him over some comments ahead of the general elections.

Balogun had pleaded with the court to grant him adjournment with a promise to make him available at Wednesday’s proceeding.

But at the resumed hearing of the matter on Wednesday the defendant’s counsel Mr Chinozo Eze, told the court that Fani-Kayode was not in court due to health issues.

He informed the court that a medical report and a letter seeking the leave of the court to vacate the two dates were already in the court’s file.

EFCC Counsel, Zinat Atiku, confirmed the development and said the prosecution’s hands were tied as to how to forge ahead.

However, the judge frowned on the repeated absence of the defendant, noting that the last time he was in court was November 4, 2022.

The judge cited a series of excuses that had been tendered by the defendant for Fani-Kayode in court to face his trial.

Justice Abike-Fadipe, consequently threatened to issue a bench warrant against him if he fails to show up at the next adjourned date.

The judge also frowned on the prosecutor for lack of diligence in the prosecution of the case, noting that anti-graft could withdraw the matter it was not ready to prosecute it.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Crime

EFCC Arrests Fake Police Officer, 42 Others for Alleged Internet Fraud

By Web News 2082 2

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Friday, May 5, 2023, arrested a self-proclaimed police officer, Tijani Idris Oluwaseun, and forty-two (42) others for alleged internet fraud activities.

The cybercriminals were arrested at Ijebu-Ode and Awa-Ijebu towns of Ogun State following actionable intelligence on their alleged fraudulent activities.

Aside Oluwaseun who claimed to be an officer serving in Ede, Osun State, the other suspects include Dahud Sodiq Temidayo, Emmanuel Chidibe Peter, Alan Joseph Opeyemi, Sodiq Iyanu Babatunde, Abiodun Olukoya Ibrahim, Adebanjo Oluwaseyi Emmanuel, Olokode Ajibola Obaloluwa, Emiade Azeez Ayotunde, Okeowo Oluwadayo Ahmed, Oludare Abdulazeez Ajadi, Emmanuel Sunday John, Wisdom Alloy, Yusuf Nurudeen, Kadiri Oluwasegun Sodiq, Daniel Christopher Imlegu, Tijani Babatunde, Abubakar Faruq Oluwapelumi, Oyeneye Jerimiah Abiodun, Clement Temitope, Balogun Olatunji, Akinboyede Idris Olawole, Akinlade Gbemileke and Afeez Lekan.

The rest are: Bankole Timilehin, Akande Olanrewaju, Arowolo Ololade, Kelvin Udanyi, Ayanmo Sunday, Olanusi Bolaji, Victor Ogheneremu, Ogunboye Ayodeji, Emmanuel Ayomide, Ojo Odegbele, Sotunde Tobi, Ayodele Felix, Festus Akindeji, Jonathan Taiwo Resurrection, Agun Michael Okikiola, Olawale Oluwaseyi Ezekiel, Adeife Adeleke, Taiwo Ayanmo and Aduraja Samuel Olaoluwa.

Items recovered include eleven exotic cars, several laptops, numerous iPhones, apple wrist watches, expensive video games and golden teeth worth millions of naira worn by one of the suspects.

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

Crime

EFCC Arraigns Ondo Speaker, Others over Alleged Fraud

By Web News 396

By Kayode Animasaun

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Speaker, Ondo State House Of Assembly, Bamidele Oloyeloogun before the state High Court in Akure, over alleged fraud.

The arraignment on Tuesday marked the beginning of the official trial of the head of the state’s legislature.

Also arraigned before the court, was the lawmaker representing Akoko South-West Constituency 2, Felemu Bankole and a civil servant Segun Oyadeyi Bankole

The Speaker alongside others was docked on a two-count charge involving fraud.

They however pleaded not guilty to the allegations levelled against them. 

During the trial,  the counsel to the EFCC, Kingsley Kudus asked the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Facility, though they had pleaded not guilty, the defendants were still in the hands of the court while the trial continues.

Reacting, counsel to the defendants, Femi Emodamore who told the court that he was fully prepared for the commencement and continuation of the trial, asked the court to strike out EFCC’s prayer for remand, saying the administrative bail application on the defendants was still active.

He explained that the second defendant (Oleyelogun) was having a health challenge that needed urgent medical attention.

Emodamore also asked the court to caution the nominal complainant and lawmaker ( Iroju Ogundeji) in the case for allegedly sending messages to the Speaker in an attempt to annoy him.

According to him, if Ogundeji did not desist from such action, he would be prosecuted as his actions towards the Speaker is against the law.

In his ruling, Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye asked the defendants to be enjoying their administrative bail till the next hearing as he adjourned the case till May 18 for a proper hearing of the trial.

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Crime

EFCC Arraigns Ibadan Club Owner for Allegedly Defrauding Americans

By Web News 599

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Command on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, arraigned the owner of Ibadan-based Club, De Rock Club, Adepoju Olawale Sunday alias SSG before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State on two separate charges for his alleged involvement in cybercrime and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N31, 821, 000.00 (Thirty-One Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-One Thousand Naira).

This is contained in a statement signed by the Head, Media and Publicity of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren.

The first charge, containing eight counts bordering on identity theft, obtaining COVID–19 and unemployment benefits from the United States of America Government while the other 19-count charge is premised on the transfer of proceeds of crime to one Owoade Emmanuel David.

Investigations revealed that Adepoju, 36, who claimed to be a graduate of Industrial Chemistry of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Osun State had, during the COVID–19 pandemic swindled the American government and unsuspecting American citizens thousands of dollars.

He allegedly stole the identities of American citizens eligible for the tax refund programme across the U.S. and filed the stolen information to claim the benefits.

Investigations also showed that Adepoju through the US Small Business Administration (SBA), a programme established in New York City during Covid-19 to help Americans build resilient businesses, stole personal identifying information of American citizens which he deployed in filing false benefits claims.

One of the eight-counts read, “That you, Adepoju Olawale Sunday (aka SSG), Tope Ogunruku (aka DLA Frd Husband) at large, Owoade Emmanuel David (.ka. UK CEO Ace Lounge) at large, Desmond (aka Stanf line 2 2022) at large and Blessing (aka Ghost) at large, sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired to commit an illegal act to wit; Identity Theft contrary to Sections 27(1)(b) and 22(2) (b) (ii) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) of the same Act.”

Count two reads: “That you, Adepoju Olawale Sunday (aka SSG), Tope Ogunruku (aka. DLA Frd Husband) at large, Owoade Emmanuel David (aka UK CEO Ace Lounge) at large, Desmond (aka Stanf line 2 2022) at large and Blessing (aka. Ghost) at large, sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired to commit an illegal act to wit; Obtaining COVID – 19 benefits from the United States of America Government by falsely representing that you are one Joel Richard Carlson and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 8 and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

Count one of the the19-counts reads: “That you, Adepoju Olawale Sunday aka SSG on or about the 21st day of September 2020 did transfer the sum of N3, 108, 000.00 (Three Million, One Hundred and Eight Thousand Naira) from your bank account domiciled at Guaranty Trust Bank with account number: 0050174721 to one Owoade Emmanuel David (aka UK CEO Ace Lounge) through his bank account domiciled at First City Monument Bank account number: 2875316012, which money you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (As Amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charges were read to him.

Consequently, the prosecution counsel, Mabas Mabur asked the court for a trial date and remand the defendant pending the determination of the case.

However, counsel to the defendant, Olaniyi George informed the court that he had filed two separate bail applications on behalf of his client and prayed the court to grant the defendant bail.

However, Mabur told the court to reject the applications on the grounds that the defendant is a flight risk who has pending charges against him in other law courts.

Justice Agomoh, adjourned the matter till April 18, 2023, for ruling and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Agodi Correctional facility.

The defendant was arrested on August 31, 2022, alongside 21 other suspected internet fraudsters, in an intelligence-driven operation carried out by the operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC.

He was arrested with a 2020 Range Rover HSE Sports Utility Vehicle, an iPhone 13 Pro Max and Hp laptop, among others.

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Crime

EFCC Secures Conviction of 37 Fraudsters

By Web News 723

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of thirty-seven (37) internet fraudsters to various terms of imprisonment, fines, and community service.

This is contained in a statement signed by the commission’s Head, Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren

 The convicts who were prosecuted before Justices Mohammed Owolabi, Ladiran Akintola and Mojeed Oladimeji Ishola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan; Justices Olanrewaju Mabekoje, A.A. Babawale, O.O. Majekodunmi and O. Ogunfowora of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokkuta and Justice Ayo Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State between January 10 and March 06, 2023, include  Olubanji Remilekun Dare, Abdullahi Olalekan, Salau Olalekan Abdulazeez, Joshua Jimoh Showemimo, Awotunde Joseph Sunday, Abegunde Oluseye James, Sadu Noah Babatunde, Emmanuel Oluwasanya, Joshua Opeyemi Okunlaja, Emefele Collins Kelvin, Lateef Afeez Abiodun, Salawu Bolaji Ismail, Azeez Alao Rasaq, Akinleye Abdul-Azeez Oloruntosin, Quincy Olise Okonma, David Olateju Olayiwola,  Balogun Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Adebayo Waris Bolaji, Makinde Taiwo Busola, Ojekunle Ifakorede Apesinola, Akorede Ibrahim Abimbola, Olowofela Ganiyu Omolaja,  and Olatunde Zaccheus Sulaiman.

Others are: Fagbamiye Temitope Akinola, David Mautin Sadagbande, Odunjo Fodirudeen Bamidele, Abayomi Gideon Ayeni, Folorunsho Samuel Oluwatobi, Amoo Abdulmalik Ademola, Shittu Toheeb Ife, Stephen Godwin Olawoye, Oladimeji Ayomide Michael, Arasi Taiwo Bolaji, Sulaiman Lateef Damilare, Olori Daniel Oluwaseun, Ganiu Jamiu Adufe and Akinlagun Oyindamola Tomiwa.

Upon their arraignments on a separate one-count charge each, they pleaded “guilty” except Fagbamiye Temitope Akinola who pleaded ‘not guilty’ and the case went into full trial.

Fagbamiye was arraigned on 18 counts which bordered on money laundering, an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

During the trial, the prosecution called one witness and tendered 10 exhibits that were admitted in evidence.

On February 7, 2023, Justice Emmanuel, in his judgment, pronounced Fagbamiye Temitope Akinola guilty as charged and sentenced him to two years imprisonment on each of the 18 counts, which is to run concurrently.

Justice Emmanuel, however, gave the convict an option of N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine on each of the 18 counts, amounting to N3.6 million (Three Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira).

Other convicts were sentenced to different jail terms ranging from two months to one year of community service or three months to one-year imprisonment with the option of fines.

Also, the courts ordered that the convicts restitute their victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

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Crime

EFCC Arraigns Beedel Investment Boss for Alleged Fraud

By Web News 876

Oluwakayode Banjo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Command on Monday, March 6, 2023, arraigned one Odeleye Moses Oluwabukola and his firm, Beedel Strategic Investment Company Nigeria Limited, before Justice Mohammed Owolabi of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, on a three-count charge which borders on forgery, altering of the document and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N9million (Nine Million Naira).

The defendant, according to the investigation approached his victim, Ololade Desmond-Eke with a forged “Local Purchase Order” asking for a loan of N9million, with an agreed interest of N495, 000.00 (Four Hundred and Ninety-five Thousand Naira), under the pretext of executing some purported contracts awarded to his company across the country.

However, the victim discovered, after advancing the money to the defendant, that the LPO was forged.

Count one of the charges reads, “That you Odeleye Moses Oluwabukola ‘M’ and Beedel Strategic Investment Company Nigeria Limited on or about 31st of January, 2021 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the total sum of N9, 000, 000.00 (Nine Million Naira) from Ololade Desmond-Eke by falsely representing to her that the said sum is to finance a Fan Milk Local Purchase Order (LPO) with Purchase Order Number: PO022622 which pretences you knew to be false, an offence of obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

Count two reads, “That you, Odeleye Moses Oluwabukola ‘M’ and Beedel Strategic Investment Company Nigeria Limited on or about the 15th day of October 2020 at Ibadan, Oyo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, forged a Fan Milk Local Purchase Order (LPO) with Purchase Order Number: PO022622 with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine, an offence of forgery of document contrary to Section 465 and punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

Count three of the charge read: “That you, Odeleye Moses Oluwabukola ‘M’ and Beedel Strategic Investment Company Nigeria Limited on or about 31st day of January 2022 at Ibadan, Oyo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, uttered a Fan Milk Local Purchase Order (LPO) with Purchase Order Number: PO022622 to one Ololade Desmond-Eke with the intent that it may be acted upon as genuine, an offence of uttering of document contrary to Section 468 and punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him.

Consequently, the prosecution counsel, Oyelakin Oyediran informed the court that he was in court with the first prosecution witness and ready to commence the trial.

However, counsel to the defendant, Sikiru Adewoye asked the court to direct the prosecution to make available, the new evidence against the defendant to the defence. He further informed the court of a pending bail application for his client and urged the court to admit the defendant to bail.

But Oyediran opposed the application on the grounds that the defendant was a ‘flight risk’, who has several pending criminal cases at both Oyo State and Federal High Courts in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice Owolabi, after listening to both parties, remanded the defendant and adjourned the matter till March 14, 2023, for hearing.

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Crime

EFCC Arrests Lecturer with N306,700 at Polling Unit

By Web News 454

By Olaolu Fawole

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, monitoring the presidential and national assembly polls, on Saturday, made some arrests of suspected vote buyers.

According to a statement on the official Facebook page of the commission, Dr. Cletus Tyokyaa, a lecturer with the Sarwuan Tarka University (formerly known as the University of Agriculture), Makurdi, Benue State, was arrested at the RCM Polling Unit in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area of the state with the sum of N306, 700 in various denominations stashed in his car.

Luck ran out on the suspect when he drove to the voting centre which was different from his polling unit and tried to run upon sighting operatives of the Commission.

When asked about his mission at the center, Dr. Tyokyaa could not provide a coherent explanation, leading to arrest, and the search of his car revealed the money in various denominations.

He was released after volunteering a statement to the Commission.

The EFCC also arrested a man for alleged vote buying with N194,000 at Gidan Zakka polling unit, Goron Dutse area of Kano Municipal Local Government, Kano State.

A party agent buying votes through bank transfers was also arrested in Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory, while two persons, Stanley Nsemo and Eno Amponsah were arrested in Calabar, Cross River State with the sum of $450 (Four Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars) and N156, 800 on suspicion of alleged votes buying.

Earlier in the day, a woman with 18 voter cards was intercepted in a sting operation at Badarwa area of Kaduna, Kaduna State.

The woman, one Maryam Mamman Alhaji, who is a member of the support group of one of the leading political parties, also had in her possession, a 17-page list containing names of eligible voters, their bank details and phone numbers as accredited under Badarwa/Malali Ward 01 and 08, Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

She was nabbed after undercover operatives pretended they had voter cards and were desperate to sell them.

She is currently being grilled by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC, with a view to unravelling other members of her syndicate whom she claimed are also collecting voters’ cards and paying monies through PoS or direct bank transfers.

Economy

New Naira: CBN Deploys POS Operators to Nasarawa

By Web News 662

By Yusuf Usman

In an effort to decongest long queues and difficulties being experienced by residents at ATM points across banks in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has deployed POS agents for easy withdrawal and swap of the old naira notes with the redesigned ones. 

Speaking with newsmen, CBN Director of security services, Atiku Mohammad Nasir said the engagement of POS operators was aimed at decongesting the banks, especially ATM points and ensuring easy withdrawal by customers. 

Atiku Mohammad said the apex bank had engaged the services of EFCC and DSS to keep an eye on the banks to avoid racketeering and other misconduct.

He said the measure followed several complaints from customers of the non-availability of the new notes in banks and the subsequent long queues at ATM points as well as alleged hoarding of the new notes by banks officials.

According to Atiku Mohammad Nasir, the apex bank is not happy with the attitude of some banks for lack of cooperation, and compliance with CBN directives and promised that measures are being put in place to address the current hardship faced by Nigerians. .

In an interview, some bank customers in lafia described the move as a welcome development. 

 Meanwhile, some customers have continued to complain over the failure of Automated Teller Machines ATM to dispense money.

The central bank of Nigeria, CBN had in the past two weeks commenced nationwide sensitisation of residents on the new naira notes. 

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Crime

Ex-Varsity VC, Bursar on Trial for N1bn Fraud

By Web News 404

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned a former vice-chancellor, Professor Ibrahim Garba, and the bursar, Ibrahim Usman, of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, on eight counts bordering on theft and money laundering to the tune of N1 billion.

The anti-graft commission disclosed this on its Twitter page Thursday.

The duo was arraigned before Justice A.A. Bello of the Kaduna State High Court by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC.

According to the commission, the arraignment followed months of a discreet investigation triggered by a petition accusing Garba and Usman of diverting monies meant for the renovation of the popular Kongo Conference Hotel, Zaria, from various accounts belonging to the institution into their private accounts.

The EFCC wrote, “Professor Ibrahim Garba, and Ibrahim Shehu Usman, former Vice Chancellor and Bursar respectively of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, were today (Thursday) arraigned before Justice A.A. Bello of the Kaduna State High Court on an eight-count bordering on theft and money laundering to the tune of over N1billion by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“The arraignment followed months of a discreet investigation triggered by a petition accusing the duo of diverting monies meant for the renovation of the popular Kongo Conference Hotel, Zaria.

“The investigation established that over one billion naira was allegedly stolen from different accounts of the institution by the defendants and diverted into their private accounts.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

We are not responsible for Ekweremadu’s ordeal- EFCC

By Web News 418

Embattled former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, told Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was responsible for his travails at the London Court, where he had been in detention over alleged organ harvest.

Ekweremadu’s allegations were contained in an application he filed before the Nigerian court seeking an order of the court to set aside an interim order granted in favour of the Federal Government for forfeiture of his 40 properties in the country and outside the country.

The ex-Deputy Senate President, in an application by his counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), claimed that the forfeiture order was granted to the Federal Government in error because the EFCC suppressed information and facts in respect of the properties.

Specifically, the Senator who has been detained since June 21, 2022, alleged that the EFCC fraudulently obtained the forfeiture order for the government by concealing information that the investigation on the 40 properties started as far back as 2008.

He said that the anti-graft agency deliberately refused to disclose to the court that he was in London detention and would not be able to counter the forfeiture request.

Ekweremadu, therefore, prayed to the court to set aside the forfeiture order and stay proceedings in the matter until he resolves his ordeal before the London Court.

However, counsel to the EFCC, Silvanus Tahir (SAN), denied that the commission was behind Ekweremadu’s ordeal.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Economy

Bidders Decry Prices of Cars Auctioned by EFCC

By Web News 1353

Some bidders in Ibadan have decried the high prices placed on the cars being auctioned in Ibadan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

 Two of the bidders, Mr Salami Abiola and Mr Adeniran Adebayo said the high prices on the cars were meant to scare away some potential buyers.

 Mr Abiola and Mr Adebayo urged the Federal Government to intervene in the exercise before it ended.

Meanwhile, some lucky bidders had started making payments for the cars according to the procedure of the EFCC.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the President Nigeria Association of Auctioneers, Mr Aliyu Kiliya expressed satisfaction with the EFCC and the bidders.

Mr Kiliya said the payment for the auctioned cars would go to the account of the Federal Government.

The EFCC announced last week that seized vehicles and properties would be auctioned at some centres this week.

Funmilola Obagbayegun

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Crime

Court Convicts Corps Member, 38 Others for Fraud

By Web News 835

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of a Corps member, Osisi Ikenna Nicholas to one-month community service for his involvement in internet-related fraud.

Osisi was convicted alongside thirty – eight others on a separate one-count charge each before Justices Bayo Taiwo, Omolara Adeyemi, Ladoke Akintola, Mohammed Owolabi of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan and Justice Opeyemi Sobowale of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta between November 21, 2022 and November 25, 2022.

The sentences range from a fine, one to six months of community service, and one-year imprisonment.

Other convicts are Christopher Ehiabhi Ogbidi, Odewale Johnson Olumide, Akinade Adeyeye Gbolahan Muyiwa, Chukwudi Emeka Samuel, Ehinmowo Stephen Segun, Emmanuel Oluchukwu, Aboaba Olawale Joshua, Akinba Oluwafemi Clement, Ayobami Temidayo Yusuf, Moshood Adeyinka Hammed, Gbolahan Oluwasegun Ogunseitan, Ojo Aduragbemi Emmanuel, Adeosun Amos Adeoye, Opeyemi Gbenga Omoyemi, Owolabi Gbadamosi Moses, Opeyemi Timilehin Akorede, Olawale Sodiq Adeniyi, Oluwaseun Samuel Aboaba, Abidemi Nasir Idris and Odewale Akindele Damilola.

The rest are Afolabi Jamiu Oluwadamilare, Adekomaya Adedoyin Eniola, Kazeem Babajide Remilekun, Mustapha Adewumi Ayoade, Ajani Quareeb Ajibola, Aineribhokun Abel Ernest, Isaac Chinedu Isaiah, Christopher Osarhemen Ivuogbe, Dauda Kareem Oladayo, Basit Azeez Akande, Atilade Stephen Ogunniyi, Temidayo Emmanuel Eyinla, Ajuwon Omobola Ibrahim, Adisa Ibrahim Olasunkanmi, Akande Damilare Peter and Salami Victor Gbenga.

They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges filed against them by the EFCC.

Upon their pleas, prosecution counsel, Modupe Akinkoye, Oyelakin Oyediran, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Musa Galadanchi, Shamsuddeen Bashir, Mabas Mabur and Abbulrasheed Suleiman reviewed the facts of the cases, tendered several documents in evidence and urged the courts to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.

Consequently, Ajuwon, Ogunseitan and Ogunniyi were convicted and sentenced to one-year imprisonment each, Akinba to three months imprisonment while Salami, Akande Damilare, Aineribhokun, Odewale Akindele, Nasir, Akorede, Owolabi, Ojo and Makinde bagged six months community service each.

Furthermore, Adisa, Basit Azeez, Ivuogbe, Ajibola, Moshood and Yusuf were convicted and sentenced to five months of community service each. Eyinla, Isaac, Omoyemi, Ogbidi, Oluchukwu, Afolabi, Adekomaya, Ayoade, Ayoade, Oloyede and Olawale Joshua were sentenced to three months of community service each while Oladayo bagged four months of community service.

Also, Adeoye was convicted and sentenced to one-month imprisonment and one-month community service, Akinade to two-months community service, Aboaba and Olawale to one-month community service each while Odewale Johnson, Chukwudi and Ehinmowo were convicted and ordered to pay N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine each.

The convicts were ordered to restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Crime

EFCC Secures Conviction of 17 Cyber Fraudsters

By Web News 648

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of seventeen internet fraudsters before Justices Bayo Taiwo, Ladoke Akintola, and Mohammed Owolabi of the State High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State and Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu of Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta, on a separate one count charge each.

This is contained in a statement by the commission’s Head, Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren

The jail terms range from two to nine months community service, and one year in prison.

The convicts are Oduola Kunmi Ireola, Igbamidun Joshua Olamiposi, Ismael Fatai Olatunji, Osundele Oladapo Daniel, Olawale Isaac Adeleke, Olorunyomi Idowu Babatunde, Aneh Ojonimi, Olaide Iyanuoluwa Sadare, Akintola Babatunde Rasheed, Jamiu Babatunde Salam, Aluko Abayomi Oluwadamilare, Bello Ridwan Ayobami, Maleek Michael Ibrahim, Arasi Oluwaseun Tobi, Ganiu Fawaz Olalekan, Bello Ayoinde Olamilekan and Abiodun Taiwo Kareem.

They all pleaded ‘guilty’ to the one count charge filed against each one of them by the EFCC.

Consequently, prosecution counsel, Modupe Akinkoye, Oyelakin Oyediran, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Musa Galadanchi, Abdulrasheed Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, and Samsudeen Bashir reviewed the facts of the cases and urged the courts to convict and sentence the defendants as charged.

Osundele was convicted and sentenced to one-year imprisonment while Arasi, Ganiu and Ibrahim bagged nine months jail term each.

Also, Akintola was convicted and sentenced to nine months community service, Oduola, Jamiu, Aluko and Bello to six months community service each while Igbamidun and Kareem bagged five months community service each.

Furthermore, Olatunji was convicted and sentenced to four months community service, Ayorinde to two months community service while Olorunyomi, Ojonimi, Sadare were convicted and fined N100, 000. 00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each and Adeleke to N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.

Justice Bayo Taiwo ordered that Osundele Oladapo Daniel pay the sum of $16, 671. 00USD in restitution and forfeiting one white colour Toyota Venza car worth N7million to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Other convicts were also ordered to restitute their victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the government.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Economy

Naira redesigning has no political motive – EFCC Boss

By Web News 635 Post a comment

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has said the decision to redesign the naira is aimed at returning hidden public funds.

Bawa stated this in an interview with Deutsche Welle DW Hausa Service, adding that the government wanted people who hid the funds to deposit them in bank accounts.

The EFCC chair insisted that there was no political motive behind the idea.

He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had evaluated and accepted the advice put forward by the Central Bank of Nigeria on the redesign of the naira.

He said, “These public funds were embezzled and we want them to return them; we have not told anyone not to bring this money out. What the government said was to deposit the money into bank accounts, or else sanctions may follow.

“The redesigning of the naira in law is expected to be done after every eight years; Nigeria has 20 years without redesigning, almost 80% of the naira is not in the bank and the CBN, its in the hands of people; so how can the government succeed? How can a country get 25% of foreign exchange which is a benefit from its currency in 10 days?

“There is no political motive behind this; some people siphoned and hid public funds and that is why we want them to bring them out.

“We are also calling on Nigerians and even non-Nigerians that all channels are accessible; if anyone knows someone who hid suspicious money, they should alert us and we will investigate it; when we investigate the money and get it, the whistleblower also gets 5 per cent.”

According to the EFCC boss, when the issue of the redesign of the naira came up, the dollar rose to N880, but later crashed to N680.

“It is just a mirage and maybe with this, the dollar may crash completely to even N200, who knows?” he added.

Meanwhile, the Senate has promised to provide legislative support for the Central Bank of Nigeria for the success of the policy.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

Suspended AGF Re-arraigned by EFCC

By Web News 371

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has re-arraigned suspended Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, and three others before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama over an alleged N109.5bn fraud.

Other defendants are Olusegun Akindele; Mohammed Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited.

They were first arraigned on July 22 before a vacation judge, Justice Adeyemi Ajayi, on a 13-count charge bordering on misappropriation ofN109.5bn.

However, upon the resumption of the court, the case was transferred to Justice Yusuf Halilu.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.

Following their not-guilty plea, counsel for Idris, Chris Uche (SAN), prayed the court to allow the defendants to continue to enjoy the earlier bail granted them by the court on July 28

He submitted that they have been complying with their bail conditions.

Counsel for other defendants aligned themselves with Uche’s application and submission.

The EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, did not object to the application.

He, however, left the decision to the court to exercise its discretion.

Ruling on the application, Justice Halilu held that bail is a constitutional right of a defendant.

He, however, directed that defendants submit their passports to the court’s registrar.

The judge added that if the documents are with the prosecution, they should pass the same to the registrar.

Justice Halilu adjourned the case until November 23 for hearing.

The EFCC allegations include that between February and December 2021 Idris accepted from Akindele, a gratification of N15. 1bn as a motive for accelerating the payment of 13 per cent derivation to the nine oil-producing states in the federation, through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that N84. 3bn from the Federal Government’s account was converted by the first and second defendants between February and November 2021.

Punch/Titilayo Titilayo

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Crime

Man Jailed for Customs Job Scam, 3 Convicted for Cybercrime in Oyo

By Web News 714

Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday, October 21, 2022, convicted and sentenced the trio of Olukoya Emmanuel Adeyemi, Qoreeb Oluwadamilare Fujah and Olayinka Ridwan Olatunji to various jail terms for offences ranging from employment scam to cybercrime.

This is contained in a statement signed by the commission’s Media and Publicity Director, Wilson Uwujaren in Abuja.

Olukoya was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment on an amended two-count charge that bordered on employment scam.

The convict had swindled his victims of N2 million under the pretext of securing jobs for them with the Nigeria Customs Service.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Olukoya Emmanuel Adeyemi ‘M’ on or about the 26th day of April 2019 in Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Seventy-seven Thousand Naira (N77, 000.00) from one Ajiboye Hamed through your Access Bank Account No. 0728344783, under the false pretence that you have given him employment with the Nigeria Customs and that the payment is for the Custom job replacement and training kit, a pretext which you knew to be false and you deceitfully made it, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable by Section 1 (3) of the same Act.”

Upon his arraignment, he pleaded “guilty” to the charges filed against him by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Subsequently, the prosecution counsel, Chidi Okoli prayed to the court to convict and sentence the defendant as charged.

Justice Agomoh, thereafter convicted and sentenced Olukoya to two years imprisonment and ordered that restitution be made to the victims.

Also, Adeyemi, Qoreeb Oluwadamilare Fujah and Olayinka Ridwan Olatunji were arraigned, convicted and sentenced on a separate one-count charge each for their involvement in internet fraud.

They pleaded ‘guilty’ to the charge preferred against the by the EFCC.

Consequently, prosecution counsel, Abdulrasheed Suleiman prayed to the court to convict and sentenced them as charged.

Justice Agomoh convicted and sentenced Olatunji to one-year imprisonment and Fujah to six months jail term.

The court further ordered that Olayinka pay the sum of $10, 760.00 in restitution and forfeit all items recovered from him to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In the same vein, Justice Bayo Taiwo of the State High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State on October 20, 2022, convicted and sentenced one Akande Qudus Opeyemi to two months of community service on a one-count charge for cybercrime.

Akande pleaded ‘guilty’ to the charge when it was read to him.

Also, the court ordered that he restitute his victim and forfeit all items recovered from him to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 Oluwakayode Banjo

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