The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully obtained convictions and sentencing for 33 individuals involved in internet fraud. The convictions were secured from different courts, including the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta, and the Federal High Court, Ibadan.
According to Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, the convicted individuals faced separate one-count charges related to cybercrimes. The charges were brought against them in accordance with the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The convicted individuals include Amos Temitope Taiwo, Fatai Habeeb Mayowa, Lateef Aremu, Abiona Itunuoluwa Solomon, Olamijulo Abiodun Kayode, Abulele Endurance Ogbemudia, Owolade Shamsudeen Ayoola, Odesanya Micheal Adedimeji, Oyedele Isreal Sunday, John Timileyin Olasupo, Toriola Yusuf Alabi, Nafiu Wariz Ayomide, Adewale Adeyemi Fasasi Mumeen, Azeez Faruk Olanrewaju, Olamilekan Samuel Olonitola, Okeke Hycent Obinna, Quzeem Opeyemi Tajudeen, Theophilus Iroboudu Onoapor, Olanrewaju Muhammed Opeyemi, and others.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges against them. The sentences varied, with some individuals receiving jail terms ranging from one year to eighteen months, while others were sentenced to community service for periods ranging from two months to six months.
The courts also ordered the convicts to restitute their victims and forfeit all recovered items, including eight exotic vehicles, to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The arrests were made by EFCC operatives in various locations in Oyo and Ogun states.
The EFCC emphasized its commitment to combating internet-related crimes and urged the public to report suspicious activities to help in the fight against cybercrimes.