EFCC Arraigns Two Suspects for Alleged N24.3m Land Fraud in Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two suspects, Josephine Anietie Philip and a native doctor, Effiong Okon, at the Federal High Court in Uyo for their alleged involvement in a N24.3 million land fraud scheme. The defendants appeared before Justice Chigozie M. Onah on September 27, 2024, facing a six-count charge of criminal conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretenses.

According to the EFCC, the fraud, which occurred between February and April 2024, involved duping unsuspecting buyers by selling the same piece of land twice. The land in question, located at No. 3 Owok Ekong Lane, Mbiabong Anyanya, Etoi, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was falsely promised to buyers for substantial sums. One buyer, Ndifreke Godwin Friday, was reportedly defrauded of N16.3 million, while another victim lost N8 million in a separate transaction for the same land.

Court Proceedings and Charges

During the court proceedings, both Josephine Anietie Philip and Effiong Okon pleaded not guilty to the charges. The EFCC presented evidence of the fraudulent transactions, highlighting how Philip, in collaboration with Okon, used deception to collect large sums of money from the victims. One of the charges read in court detailed how Philip fraudulently obtained N16.3 million from Ndifreke Godwin Friday under the pretense of selling the land, an offense that violated the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006.

In addition, Okon was charged with facilitating the laundering of N6.5 million from the fraudulent proceeds through a First Bank account. This action contravenes the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022. Despite the gravity of the charges, both defendants maintained their innocence, leading the prosecution to request their remand in custody and the setting of a trial date.

Bail Application and Future Court Date

In response to the defendants’ pleas, the prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, urged the court to remand them at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Uyo, pending the commencement of the trial. Justice Onah granted this request, ordering the defendants’ remand until their bail hearing on November 1, 2024. While the defense counsel, C.I. Odo, made an oral application for bail during the proceedings, the court insisted that a formal application be submitted for proper consideration.

The trial is expected to proceed after the bail hearing, with the EFCC prepared to present its witnesses and evidence to prove the allegations. The case has garnered attention due to the significant amount of money involved and the boldness of the alleged fraud. The victims, despite paying substantial sums, were denied possession of the land, deepening the case’s significance as part of the ongoing fight against fraudulent land racketeering in Nigeria.

EFCC Nabs 44 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ebonyi and Anambra

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 44 suspected internet fraudsters in a series of coordinated operations across Ebonyi and Anambra states. The arrests, which took place on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, 2024, were based on actionable intelligence linking the suspects to various online criminal activities.

According to the EFCC, the suspects allegedly used social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook, to defraud unsuspecting victims. Some of them reportedly posed as foreigners and engaged victims in online romantic relationships with the intent of extorting money. These fraudulent schemes involved creating fake identities and fabricating documents to deceive their targets, many of whom were international nationals.

EFCC Intensifies Crackdown on Cybercrime in Southeast Nigeria

The arrests followed intensive surveillance and investigations by the EFCC, highlighting the agency’s renewed efforts to combat cybercrime, especially in Southeast Nigeria. During the raids, operatives confiscated a range of items linked to the fraudulent activities, including laptops and high-end smartphones believed to have been used in perpetrating the scams. These devices are currently undergoing forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

The EFCC has stated that all the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded. This operation underscores the Commission’s commitment to curbing the rising wave of internet fraud across Nigeria, a crime that has tarnished the nation’s reputation on the global stage. By targeting individuals involved in online scams, the EFCC hopes to restore trust in Nigeria’s digital space and serve as a deterrent to would-be cybercriminals.