Crime

EFCC Secures Three Internet Fraud Convictions in Ibadan

By Web News 564

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Command on Friday, September 24, 2021 secured the conviction of three internet fraudsters: Sodiq Oluasegun Adefila, Anifowoshe Babamide and Raqeed Salaudeen Segun.

While Adefila was convicted of impersonation and sentenced to eight months jail term by Justice Patricia Ajoku of the Federal High Court, Ibadan; Anifowoshe and Raqeed were convicted of impersonation and sentenced to six months imprisonment each by Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan.

They all pleaded guilty to their respective one-count amended charges for the offences which contravene Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (IV) of the same Act.

Apart from the jail term, Adefila was ordered to restitute his victim, one Yolanda Bailey, to the tune of $285 (Two Hundred and Eighty Five United States Dollars) and forfeits an IPhone 6 Plus mobile phone to the Federal government.

Similarly, Raqeed was ordered to restitute his victim in the sums of $160 (One Sixty United States Dollars) and Six Thousand Naira (N6, 000). He also forfeits one IPhone X Max and an Infinix mobile phone to the Federal Government.

In Anifowoshe’s case, Justice Agomoh ordered that he forfeits one Techno Spark mobile-phone used in committing the crime to the Federal Government.

Kayode Banjo

Lifestyle

Bawa Is Hale and Hearty – EFCC

By Web News 639

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa is hale and hearty.

This clarification became necessary following an incident that occurred on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja where he was giving a goodwill message to the National Identity Day celebration, felt unwell and had to return to his seat.

He has since received medical attention and is due back at his desk.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
16 September, 2021

Lifestyle

EFCC Boss Bawa Slumps, Rushed Out of Presidential Villa

By Web News 805

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, on Thursday slumped at a programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr. Bawa was speaking on the importance of digital identification in commemoration of the National Identity Day when he suddenly became emotional, attributing his demeanour to the death of a staff of the commission.

He didn’t give details of the identity of the staff but said he couldn’t continue his speech.

Mr. Bawa walked off the stage, sat in his chair and began to slump.

Thereafter, the EFCC boss was immediately rushed out of the hall accompanied by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Isa Panatami.

Johnson Bada (Stewardshiptv)

Crime

Cybercrime: EFCC Warns Hoteliers

By Web News 771


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has warned hotel owners across the country to be wary of allowing internet fraudsters to congregate or hibernate around their facilities. The Commission gave the warning on Tuesday September 14, 2021 on the heels on an operation by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the agency that led to the arrest of 56 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
The suspects include: Garfar Olamide Taiwo, Fadimaye Habeeb, Badmus Idris, Samuel Victor, Seun Fuad, Alli Isaac, Oyeleke Mubarak, Bolu Soetan, Koleosho Eniola, Saheed Abidemi, Olaewe Tosin, Ayedun Idowu, Oniyitan Ayomide, Akinlabi Precious, Gbadebo Sultan, Adeyemi Habeeb, Balogun Hassan, Sulaimon Ayub Damilare, Akinsola Usman,
Others are; Ajibola Femi Sodiya, Ridwan Alani, Olusesi Lanre, Eniatimo Oludare, Taiwo Opeyemi, Akindele Kabiru Johnson Hammed, Idowu Gabriel, Adekanmi Adejumo, Peter Babatunde, Okeowo Sunday, Abudu Habeeb, Sabair Rasaq, Ademuyiwa Basit, Toriola Opeyemi, Babayode Abiola, Agbaje Habeeb, Sorinola Oluwatobiloba, Abiodun Elegbede, Kayode Daniel ,Lawal Alabi, Oyewole Korede, Aberuagba Gafar, Adekunle Emmanuel, Okunade Azeez, and Ojediran Sodiq.
They were apprehended at their hideouts which happened to be popular hotels in the ancient city. The operation which was based on verified intelligence backed by weeks of surveillance was nearly frustrated by the hotel owners who employed various antics, including shutting down power supply, to enable some of the suspects to escape arrest.
Despite the lack of cooperation by the hotel owners, the operatives demonstrated professionalism in ensuring that no one was hurt nor property damaged during the operations, contrary to the narrative in a section of the media.
Nevertheless, the action of the hoteliers amounts to deliberate sabotage and obstruction of law enforcement officers, an offence punishable by Section 38 (2) (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.
The Commission has observed a worrying pattern of cold complicity by hospitality entrepreneurs who appear to be hands-in-gloves with suspected fraudsters by housing them over long spells and making internet facilities available to them.
While the argument is being made in certain quarters that hoteliers as business people have no means of determining who a fraudster is before allowing them to lodge in their facilities that position runs counter to the law.
Section 3 of the Advance Fee Fraud And Other Related Offences Act, 2006 provides for a prison term of between five and 15 years without option of fine for any person who permits his premises to be used for any offence under the Act.
EFCC will therefore not tolerate situations where hotel owners or managers not only permit fraudsters to use their facilities but also deliberately shield them from arrest by frustrating law enforcement on such premises.
If the hoteliers are not enablers of the alleged crimes, as some have demonstrated by offering information to the Commission, they are under obligation to cooperate with law enforcement officers carrying out their lawful duties. To act otherwise would tantamount to willingly becoming enablers to fraud.
Meanwhile, ten exotic cars, dozens of mobile phones, laptops and several incriminating documents were recovered from the suspected fraudsters arrested in Abeokuta.
 They will be arraigned in court as soon as the investigation is concluded.
Wilson Uwujaren
Kayode Banjo

Crime

EFCC Arrests Fifty-Six Suspects Over Internet Fraud

By Web News 544

Economic and Financial Crime Commissions has confirmed the arrest of fifty six suspected internet fraudsters at the Mitros Residences Annex of Ogun State government and two other hotels in Abeokuta the Ogun state capital.

The operatives had reportedly entered the government owned hotel around 4 a.m on Monday and arrested some lodgers suspected to be internet fraudsters.

The EFCC operatives during the raid also recovered exhibits including exotics cars and gadgets reportedly belonging to the suspected fraudsters .

The Head of Public Affairs in Ibadan Zonal office of the commission Mr. Tokunbo Odeniyi confirmed the arrest to news men on phone.

He revealed that items such as laptops, mobile phones and cars were confiscated from the suspects during the raid.

Mr. Odeniyi said investigations are ongoing on the arrested suspects and directed further enquiries to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

Wale Oluokun

Crime

EFCC Arrests 37 for Alleged Internet Fraud

By Web News 1473

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, August 20, 2021, arrested 37 suspected internet fraudsters.

The suspects were arrested at Ibadan and Oyo town, Oyo State following intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

The suspects include Kehinde Emmanuel Ayoola, Adewale Adeparosi Samson, Adeniran Tijesunmi Ayobami, Abiodun Olamide, Olaoye Afolabi Bolarinwa, Ajibade Sodiq Ayodeji, Babalola Opeyemi David, Fatunbi Gboluwaga Oludotun, Abdusalam Mojeeb Ololade, Taiwo Emmanuel Olaoluwa and Oyewole Oyewunmi Fred.

Others are Akinboade Fatai Jimmy, Oyewole Samod. Others are: Ishola Akinyemi Labayo, Ayinde Oluwasegun Ridwan, Oladokun Abdulkadri Akolade, Adebayo Dare Basit, Adebayo Tola Kudus, , Oladeji Joseph Popoola Samuel Ayomide, Oladoja Oluwaseun Peter, Olakunbi Feranmi Ayodeji, Khalid Mohammed, Salimon Sodiq and Oparemi Ayomide James.

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

Kayode Banjo

Crime

Two Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Term In Ibadan

By Web News 781

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Command, on Wednesday August 4, 2021 secured the conviction of two fraudsters, Adisa Adebayo Adegboyega and Ganiyu Sodiq Olalekan before Justice Iyabo Yerima of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan for internet-related fraud.

Adisa, 23, who claimed to be an National Diploma ,ND holder from Oke Ogun Polytechnic Saki, Oyo state, was sentenced to six months community service; while Ganiyu,18 year-old artisan, bagged three months community service.

The charge against Adisa reads: “That you, Adisa Adebayo Adegboyega on or about the 17th of November, 2020, at Ibadan within the Ibadan Judicial Division of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Eight Hundred United States Dollars ,$800 USD, only through gift cards from one Herby Ruiter by falsely representing to him that you are a 45 years old white American nurse working in Cyprus, who goes by the name Jennifer Joel and who is in love with him and ready to marry him, which representations you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence”.

The offense is contrary to Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap.C38, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000 charges.

The judge also ordered Adisa to restitute to his victim; Herby De Ruiter the sum of Two Thousand and Forty-five United States Dollars ,$2,045 USD, only through the Federal Government of Nigeria, and to also forfeits his Techno Spark 4 mobile phone and one Dell Laptop to the Federal government of Nigeria.

Ganiyu was ordered to restitute the sum of $250USD ,Two Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars, to his victim; David Govann through the EFCC and forfeits an iphone 6x mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Kayode Banjo

Judiciary

Ex-banker, Wife, Mother–In-Law Jailed Over Fraud

By Web News 644

A former bank cashier, Ebenezer Adeolu Alonge alongside his wife, Isakunle Olamide Oyinlola and his mother-in- law, Isakunle Eunice Moradeke were on Friday, July 23, 2021 convicted and sentenced to Sixty (60) years imprisonment by Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye of Ekiti State  High Court, Ado Ekiti on a 12-count charge of conspiracy and stealing contrary to section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Laws Cap 16 Laws of Ekiti State,2012  brought against them by the Ibadan Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.


Justice Ogunmoye, in his judgement, ruled that the prosecution team led by  Abdulrasheed Lanre suleiman proved their case beyond reasonable doubt and that the convicts had failed to extricate themselves  from the self-evidenced proofs before the court.


EFCC, in the course of trial, called two witnesses and tendered several exhibits to prove their case. 
The convicts were found guilty on all twelve count charges and sentenced to five years on each count. The cumulative sixty years prison terms will, however, run concurrently.


The journey to the dock started when the illicit activities of Ebenezer got exposed through a petition to the EFCC from one of the new generation banks alleging that one of her staff by name Ebenezer Adeolu Alonge was involved in fraudulent activities.
 
It was alleged that sometime in February 2018 the bank received a complaint concerning the financial impropriety of the sum of N62, 400.00 in respect of a customer’s account.
 
According to the petitioner, on February 15, 2017 a customer lodged the said sum into her account but the transaction could not be traced in the customer’s account even after the customer presented a copy of the slip signed by Alonge.
 
In the course of investigation, the said transaction was allegedly traced to Ebenezer Alonge’s wife’s account. Further investigation however, revealed that there was a turnover of over N21, 000,000.00 (Twenty One Million Naira) as deposit from other customers in his wife’s account.

Also, it was alleged that other sums were traced to his mother-in-law’s account, who was also a beneficiary of the fraudulent act.


The court also ordered Alonge to forfeit his house, which shall be sold and the proceeds used to restitute the bank.


Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
23 July, 2021
 
 

News

Oyo Assembly Clears Air on EFCC Invitation

By Web News 524

Oyo state house Assembly says it has nothing to hide vis-a-vis the petition forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC by a former Prosecutor with the Special Presidential Panel on Recovery of Public Property, Tosin Ojaomo over the ₦1bn vehicle contract awarded by the House.

The Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin made this known in a statement, in reaction to the invitation extended to some management Staff of the Assembly by the EFCC last week over the contract. 

He said the Anti-graft Agency was only doing its job. 

Mr Ogundoyin explained that it was not out of place for the officials of the EFCC to question the leadership of the House in this regard. 

“It was true that the EFCC invited the Clerk but her Deputy stood in for her, the Director of Administration and Supplies and the Director of Finance and Accounts last Week Thursday and they responded accordingly. To me, this is in continuation of their investigation on the petition. We are fully cooperating with the Anti-graft Agency and we will never hinder, disturb nor undermine the work of the commission. The 9th Oyo Assembly passed the Anti-graft Agency Bill and this led to the Agency being domiciled in the State.

“I am ready to visit the EFCC if invited. As the Speaker, I will surely answer any question relating to the Contract. We followed due process in the purchase of the Vehicles in line with the laid down procedures. We have since taken the petition in good faith. The petition is a strength to democracy. It is not strange to us as democrats who take transparency and accountability as our watchwords. We were transparent and we will continue to be” The Speaker said

According to him, quotations were received from three companies for the supply of the vehicles and the most satisfying amongst them was awarded the contract.

He stressed that the House will remain focused, undaunted and undistracted despite the smear campaign embarked upon by some paid elements within and outside the House of Assembly.

“Let me say that among the Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, Oyo State House of Assembly spent the lowest amount on purchasing cars for its members despite our large number. The vehicles supplied were of good quality and they are being enjoyed by our Lawmakers. This whole thing is giving me more drive and will. We will not relent until our people enjoy good government. At the House, we will make more laws that will have more direct impact on the people of the State”. He assured

Mosope Kehinde

Crime

Court Jails Three Fraudsters in Ibadan

By Web News 759

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office, on Monday, June 28, 2021, secured the conviction of three internet fraudsters in Ibadan, Oyo State. The defendants were prosecuted before two separate courts, the Federal High Court, Ibadan and Oyo State High Court, Ibadan

Samuel Tanimowo Owolabi,( a.k.a Dr. Keilah Forgey), and Akinrinmade Adepoju Sunday  were convicted by Justice Patricia Ajoku of the Federal High Court, Ibadan of charges of fraudulent impersonation, contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) and 22 (2) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015, and punishable under the same Act.

Owolabi was sentenced to a year and seven months imprisonment while Akinrinmade bagged three months imprisonment.

The court also order Owolabi to forfeit a Toyota Lexus RX300 SUV, Toyota Lexus RX330 SUV, one silver coloured Macbook air laptop, on grey coloured Apple smart wrist watch, two LG Television, one white coloured IPhone X, one white Apple mouse, and two flash drives.

Akinrinmade was ordered by court to forfeit the sum of N986,855:85k (Nine Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Five Naira Eighty Five kobo) from his GTBank account with number 0167977299  and one iPhone 11 Pro Max Plus, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In similar vein, Justice Bayo Taiwo of Oyo State High Court, Ibadan convicted and sentenced Azeez Yusuf Akinkunmi to three months community service for one count charge of obtaining property by false pretence.

He was ordered to restitute the sum of $110 USD (One Hundred and Ten United States Dollars) to his victim Mike Anderson, through EFCC.

Kayode Banjo

Crime

Court Convicts Four For Impersonation In Ibadan

By Web News 755

The Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of four internet fraudsters in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convicts are Adeyemi Opeyemi Joshua (a.k.a Godeaux Ellis Spencer), Ugwu Ekenedilichukwu David (a.k.a Christian Doria), Oluwatosin Samuel Olatunji (a.k.a Catherine Lana and Bashiru Toheeb Ayodeji (a.k.a Marie August)
 
They were arraigned on Friday June 25, 2021 before Justice Uche  Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, on separate one count charge for offences bordering on fraudulent impersonation contrary to Section 22 (2) (a) and 22 (2) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015, and punishable under Section 22 (2 ) (iv) of the same Act.
 
They pleaded “guilty” to the charges.

Consequently, the prosecuting counsel, Mabas Mabur, reviewed the facts of the case, and tendered in evidence the statements of the defendants and documents implicating them, which were admitted in evidence.

He, therefore, urged the Court to convict them accordingly.

Justice Agomoh convicted Adeyemi as charged and sentenced him to six months imprisonment; Ugwu, Olatunji and Ayodeji were convicted and sentenced to four months imprisonment each.
The judge also ordered Bashiru to restitute $650 (Six Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars to victim of his fraud, and forfeit one Samsung S8 Duos Mobile phone and an IPhone X to the Federal Government.
Adeyemi is to restitute his victim of the sum of $500 (Five Hundred United States Dollars) and forfeit one iPhone 6.
 
Ugwu was ordered to restitute the sum of $1,000 (One Thousand United States Dollars) to his victim, one Theresa Morales through the EFCC and forfeit one iPhone 7 Plus mobile phone and one grey-coloured iPhone 6 mobile phone  to the Federal Government; while
Olatunji forfeits an infinix Hot 5 mobile phone.
 
Kayode Banjo

Crime

Ex-Banker Docked For N3.2M Fraud

By Web News 600

The Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned an ex-banker, Amusa Aminat Odunmide, before Justice Uche Agomo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan on an eight count charge, bordering on forgery, defrauding and stealing to the tune of N3,200,000 (Three Million, Two Hundred Naira).

According to a statement by the commission’s head, media and publicity, Wilson Wilson Uwujaren, luck ran out on the 30 year-old ex-staff of a new generation bank when the Commission received a petition alleging fraudulent withdrawal of over N3million from a customer’s account by the defendant.

One of the charges read: “That you Amusa Aminat Odunmide ‘F’, between the 16th day of April 2018 and 6th of July 2018, in your position as a Bank officer of Fidelity Bank and in your responsibility as the Account officer to Azeez Ibrahim Alao, in Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently stole a total sum of Two Million, Thirty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty Naira (N2,033,360:00)being money you stole directly from the personal account of the said Azeez Ibrahim Alao and deposited same into Fidelity Bank Account No. 6590137413 and Account No. 0020919795, from whence you utilized the said money and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap C38 Laws of the Federal of Nigeria (Revised Edition) 2007, when read along with section 1(1) (d) of the Failed Bank (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractice in Bank Cap F2 Laws of Federation of Nigeria (Revised Edition) 2007”.

She pleaded “not guilty” to the charge. Consequently, prosecuting counsel, Chidi Okoli, asked the court to fix a date for trial, and remand her in the Nigerian Correctional Service’s custody.

In a related development, the commission secured the conviction of one Ajanaku Qudus Akorede (a.k.a Rachel Kate) before Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta.

His conviction was based on a one-count amended charge of fraudulent impersonation, contrary to Section 22 (2) and punishable under Section 22 (2)(b)(iv) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act, 2015.

Ajanaku was jailed for one month. The convict was ordered to restitute his victim of the money he fraudulently obtained. He is also to forfeit all the items recovered from him, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Kayode Banjo

Crime

EFCC Secures Conviction of Three Internet Fraudsters

By Web News 650

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office, has secured the conviction of three internet fraudsters.

The convicts are Afolabi Gbolahan, Gbolahan Sodiq Atanda and Saheed Ayomide Rabiu.

This is contained in a statement by the Head, Media and publicity, Wilson Uwujaren.

 Rabiu and Atanda were respectively convicted by Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta while Justice Uche Agomo of the Federal High Court, Ibadan jailed Afolabi on an amended one count charge. 

The trio were found guilty of fraudulent impersonation, an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act.

Afolabi was sentenced to seven months imprisonment while Rabiu got one month jail term and Atanda bagged three months jail term.

 Apart from the jail term, Afolabi was ordered to restitute $1,000 (One Thousand United States Dollars) to his victim, Brown Brain.

He is also to forfeit his iPhone 7 to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 Atanda is to refund $350 USD (Three Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars) and forfeit one black IPhone 11 Pro and one damaged Rose Gold IPhone to the Federal government of Nigeria.

Rabiu, is to forfeit one blue Itel P33 mobile phone to the Federal government of Nigeria.

  Oluwakayode Banjo

Crime

Yahoo Boys Attack EFCC Operatives In Osogbo

By Web News 860

There was tension in some areas of Osogbo, Osun State capital early Tuesday morning as some youths suspected to be internet fraudsters, (Yahoo boys) allegedly resisted arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the EFCC operatives came into the state capital to arrest suspected fraudsters but were waylaid on their way out after arresting some suspects and seizing about 20 exotic cars.

An operator of a kiosk around LAMECO area said the operatives, had to run into safety to avoid being mobbed by the angry youths, who set bonfire at LAMECO Junction in the state capital.

Confirming the incident, Osun Police Command spokesperson, Mrs Yemisi Opalola said they had been trying to control the situation from further escalation.

Adenitan Akinola

Economy

EFCC to enforce assets declaration from bankers

By Web News 1260

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has appealed to parents and influential personalities to prevail on the youth to stop cyber-crime.

He made the appeal in Abuja during a chat with State House correspondents after his meeting with President Buhari.
He lamented that such criminal activities were smearing the good image of Nigeria thereby scaring away the much-needed foreign investors to boost the economy.

Describing cyber-crime as a huge problem for the country, the EFCC boss noted that last month alone, about 300 cybercriminals were arrested across the country.

Abdulrashid Bawa urged cyber-criminals to heed the call dissuading them from crime, as the full weight of the law would be made to bear on anyone arrested.

Abdulrashid Bawa said the EFCC would by the first of June demand the declaration of assets of bankers in accordance with the Bank Employees Declaration of Asset Act to determine the level of compliance of the line drawn for them.

He said during their meeting with President Buhari, they reviewed the procedures being used by the Commission to execute its mandate, and that it was agreed that more effective methods be deployed to achieve quick results.

The EFCC Chairman said President Buhari had expressed satisfaction at the progress the Commission had so far made, and assured Nigerians that they would continue to fight to make the country free from financial crime.

Abdullah Bello

Politics

Ondo Assembly Debunks Rumour on Speaker’s Invitation By EFCC

By Web News 515

The Ondo State House of Assembly has described as untrue the rumour making the rounds that the Speaker, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun was invited by the Economy and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC.

Addressing Newsmen at the Conference Hall of the Assembly, the Chairman, house committee on information, youths and sports development, Mr Olugbenga Omole emphasized that the rumour was mere imagination of those that wanted to disturb the existing peace in the house.

Mr. Omole noted that the true situation was that aggrieved members of the house petitioned the EFCC which made the commission to invite the concerned staff.

He berated those medium spreading unverified information and called for more efforts at eradicating fake news.

Olumide Abudu

Crime Judiciary

Federal Court Convicts Two For Impersonation

By Web News 744

Justice Mohammed Abubakar of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abeokuta, on Wednesday, convicted  Komolafe Ololade Olajide and  Olaniyi Joshua Omobolaji for impersonation. 

They were convicted on separate count charge of impersonation preferred against them by the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Komolafe, 30, who claims to be a graduate of computer science from Osun State University was arrested on January 22, 2021. 

In the course of investigation, a number of incriminating documents were recovered from his email.

Upon arraignment on an amended charge after a plea agreement, he pleaded ‘guilty’.

Justice Abubakar thereafter convicted and sentenced Komolafe to six months imprisonment with an option of Three Hundred Thousand Naira fine.

Apart from his conviction, komolafe was also ordered to restitute a total sum of One Million, Three Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eight Naira Eighty-five kobo.

The Court equally ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 12, Samsung S5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 mobile phones; one MacBook, one Toyota Corolla 2008 model, one Toyota Venza 2013 model, and one Toyota Camry 2013 model cars; and a 4 bedroom bungalow.   

Similarly, Justice Mohammed Abubakar convicted and sentenced Olaniyi to four months imprisonment with an option of One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. 

He was equally ordered to forfeit a Samsung A51mobile phone and a Lexus ES 330 car to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Crime

Internet Fraud: 22 year Old Dropout Bags 7 months Imprisonment

By Web News 860

Justice Patricia Ajoku of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has sentenced an internet fraudster, Mathew Daniel Ogwuche a.k.a Karlee Grey, to seven months in prison for internet fraud.

This after the judge found him guilty of impersonation in a criminal charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office.

The 22-year-old secondary school dropout was convicted on Tuesday, as the judge held that the Commission successfully proved the allegation of impersonating one Karlee Grey to defraud people through the use of the internet.

The judge also ordered that the convict restitute the sum of Six Hundred and Forty Five United States of America Dollars, forfeits one Hp Laptop and one Infinix S4 mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the EFCC.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Economy

EFCC: Buhari Requests Senate Confirmation Of Bawa As Chairman

By Web News 515

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

This was contained in a statement signed by the special adviser to the president on media and publicity Femi Adesina

According to the statement In a letter to President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the President said he was acting in accordance with Paragraph 2(3) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act 2004.

The statement noted  that Bawa, 40, is a trained EFCC investigator with vast experience in the investigation and prosecution of Advance Fee Fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes.

He has undergone several specialized trainings in different parts of the world, and was one of the pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers in 2005.

The statement added that Bawa holds a B.Sc degree in Economics, and Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy.

 Bello Wakili

Crime

EFCC Arrests Thirty Nine Internet Fraud Suspects

By Web News 1018

The Ibadan zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested 39 internet fraud suspects, also known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo Boys from Osun and Ogun states. 

Ten of them were arrested at Ilesha, Osun State, while Twenty-nine others were arrested in different locations at Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

Those arrested at Ilesha are: Oyesoji Tosin, Olaniyi Emmanuel, Samson Ojo, Sodiq Sunkanmi, Kolawole Abiodun, Oluwole Gbenga, Olajuyigbe Olamide, Oyebanji Olabisi Temitope, Ayoola Oluwafemi, and Oluwatobiloba Gbadamosi .

The suspects arrested at Ago-Iwoye include Emmanuel Lawal, Kareem Olamide, Adekunle Kehinde Salawu, Bella Tijesu, Aderibigbe Adedoyin, Anifowose Hammed, Lateef Adetayo, Busari Oluwatobi, Tobi Adeyemi, Gabriel Obisesan, Oluwole Olasunkanmi and Odetola Samson.

Others are Farouq Dosu, Ayilara Akindeji, Ademola Adedare, Ishola Adeleke, Alex Olasunmade, Idowu Abolaji, Okegbenro Idris, Akinlolu Akintunde, Oshoboke Shashaeniyan, Adeyemi Opeyemi, Oluwatoyin Olutekunbi, Albert Charles, Olawuyi Olanrewaju, Tunde Adekoya, Gbolahan Olalekan, Alade Oluwasegun and Ajanaku Qudus.

The suspects were arrested after series of surveillance based on intelligence on their alleged criminal activities.

Items recovered from them include seven cars, laptop computers, mobile phones, and several documents containing false pretenses. 

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

Sunday Ogunyemi

Crime

EFCC: Youths Protest Night Raids in Ijeshaland

By Web News 906

Youths went on rampage in Ilesa the headquarters of Ijesa-land today protesting the night raid of some people suspected to be Yahoo boys by men and officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The irate youths who set a burn fire at strategic places like Oke-omiru, Isikun junction and Itakogun said it was illegal for any ant- graft agencies to break into the compound of a suspect and confiscate his property, calling on the concerned authorities to prove the obnoxious operation.

The protesters said it was unconstitutional for any law enforcement agent to operate without a search warrant talk less of breaking into the property of the suspect

They advocated the immediate release of the property taken away and follow due process while carrying out their statutory function.

Residents of the area whose movements were restricted and business hampered by the protesters urged the government to do everything to address the problem for normalcy to return to the ancient city.

Confirming the protest the state police public relations officer, Mrs. yemisi Opalola who said through the police was not informed about the operation advised the protesters to give peace a chance.

Isaac Haastrup

Crime

EFCC Nabs 7 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan

By Web News 629


Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, on Friday, swooped on suspected internet fraudsters at their hideout in Wisdom Estate, Akobo area of Ibadan.
 The early morning operation, which followed series of intelligence on the alleged criminal activities of the syndicate, resulted in the arrest of seven suspects between the ages of 17 and 29 years.
The suspects include Sodiq Oluwasegun, Opeyemi Jamiu, Babatunde Damilare, Adisa Babatunde, Abayomi Taofeek, Oluyemi Kayode and Ambrose Timothy.
Items recovered from them included a Lexus RX350 SUV, laptops, different models of expensive iPhones and several documents containing false pretenses.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Crime

EFCC Nabs Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan

By Web News 818

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, has arrested 13 suspected internet fraudsters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Their arrest was triggered by intelligence reports detailing their alleged involvement in internet fraud and other related offences.

The suspects are: Kayode Adeoye, Ogunleye Yemi, Adio Taheed, Olaniyi Joshua, AbdulAfeez Kehinde.

Others are: Bakare Omolayo, Adesuntola Adebayo, Ridwan Gbolahan, Abdulfatai Waliu, Olayiwola Olamilekan, Raji Wasiu, Olawale Ibrahim and Tajudeen Mojeed.

Four cars, Phones, Laptops and other incriminating documents used in perpetrating the crime were recovered from them.

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

Sunday Ogunyemi

Sport

One Service, One Medal Games Begins In Abuja

By Web News 1529

Five hundred and ninety two athletes from nine Military and paramilitary agencies will take part in fifteen sports at the 4th edition of the One Service, One Medal Games which begins today in Abuja.

According  to a statement by the Media Office of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Fifteen Military and Paramilitary Agencies had indicated interest to participate in the event which was earlier billed for Kaduna last year while nine Agencies eventually registered for fifteen sports.

Events to be competed for include Athletics, Table-Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting, Squash, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting and Tug of War.

Others are Swimming, Golf, Chess, Beach Volleyball, Scrabble and Taekwondo.

Participating agencies are Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Immigration, Nigerian Police, EFCC, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, NSCDC, Nigerian Airforce and Nigerian Navy.

Olaolu Fawole

Politics

LG Monthly Allocation: Ondo NULGE Alleges fraud, Calls for Probe

By Web News 667

Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has raised the alarm over illegal deductions of N119million from the monthly allocation of Local Governments in Ondo State by the 18 council chairmen, alleging connivance with the state Accountant-General, Laolu Akindolire and the State Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa.

The Ondo State Chapter of the Union therefore sought the immediate arrest of the state ALGON Chairman and Chairman, Akoko Southwest Local Government, Mr. Oloruntegbe Akinterinwa and Akindolire over illegal deduction of the N119million in the past three months, amounting to N357million.

Speaking with newsmen in Akure, the Ondo State Capital, State President of NULGE, Comrade Bola Taiwo said the Council Chairmen under the umbrella of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) had connived with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Accountant-General of the federation and their state counterparts to deduct the money for phony Comprehensive Healthcare Centres in all the local government areas.

Comrade Bola said the illegal deductions had further worsened the condition of council workers who had been finding it difficult to receive full monthly salaries.

The NULGE President appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to help recover the three-months illegal deductions and remmit same to the Ondo State Local Governments Accounts, warning that failure to recover the money, the Union would not be able to guarantee industrial harmony between workers and local government chairmen in the state.

Leke Adegbite