EFCC Secures Conviction of Bureau De-Change Operator and Two Others in Kwara for Fraud

In a landmark judgment, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Ilorin sentenced Yakubu Aminu to 200 hours of community service for operating a Bureau De Change business without a valid license. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Aminu on charges of conducting financial transactions outside the regulatory framework of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in violation of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act of 2020.

The charge against Aminu revealed that he operated the unlicensed bureau de change business at Chikanda Market, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State in July 2024. After pleading guilty, the court handed down a community service sentence, emphasizing the severity of financial misconduct. In addition to the community service, Aminu was ordered to forfeit the sum of 50,000 CFA and N368,500, which had been confiscated during his arrest, to the Federal Government.

Convictions for Internet Fraud-Related Crimes in Kwara State

In a separate case, the Kwara State High Court, presided over by Justice Hammed Gegele, convicted Abdullahi Abdulrasaq Omotosho and Akeem Ibrahim Salaudeen for their involvement in internet fraud-related crimes. The EFCC had arrested the duo following an investigation into fraudulent activities in Ilorin. They were accused of receiving proceeds of criminal conduct, amounting to N4,069,000 in Akeem’s account and other illicit gains in Abdullahi’s possession.

The prosecution presented compelling evidence, leading both defendants to plead guilty. Justice Gegele sentenced Akeem and Abdullahi to six months imprisonment each, with an option of a N150,000 fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of N4,069,000 from Akeem, alongside his iPhone 11, and $600 along with Abdullahi’s iPhone 11 Pro Max, to the Federal Government. These items were identified as proceeds of their fraudulent activities.

EFCC’s Commitment to Fighting Financial Crimes

The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, which prosecuted the cases, has been intensifying its crackdown on financial crimes, especially internet fraud. The convictions of Yakubu Aminu, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq, and Akeem Ibrahim underscore the agency’s resolve to hold offenders accountable and recover illicit funds. According to the EFCC, these convictions are part of broader efforts to curb financial crimes in Nigeria, ensuring that both licensed and unlicensed operators comply with the law.

The sentences handed down reflect the courts’ commitment to deterring financial misconduct and internet fraud. By enforcing community service and jail terms, alongside the forfeiture of proceeds from criminal activities, the EFCC is making strides in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial integrity. Another Fraud Case Purses By, EFCC Court Overrules Defence Objection in £1 Million Fraud Case

In a significant development in the ongoing trial of seven suspects over an alleged £1 million fraud, Justice R.A. Osodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, overruled an objection raised by the defence counsel on Friday, October 11, 2024. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olalekan Ojo, who represents the defendants, objected to the prosecution’s attempt to admit a flash drive as evidence. The flash drive contained a video recording of a confessional statement by the sixth defendant, Giwa Wasiu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

The court ruled in favor of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allowing the flash drive to be admitted as Exhibit E. This evidence is pivotal to the prosecution’s case, as it purportedly contains a video in which the sixth defendant confesses to his involvement in defrauding Dr. and Dr. (Mrs) Lateef Oladimeji Bello of over £1 million under the pretext of conducting spiritual cleansing prayers. Following the ruling, the prosecution successfully applied to have the video played in open court.

Background of the Case: Alleged Fraud and Re-Arraignment

The EFCC had initially arraigned Morufu Adewale (a.k.a Gbegunleri Adelana), Abayomi Alaka (a.k.a. Dauda Usman Alashe), Omitogun Ajayi, and Ajisegiri Abiodun in February 2022. Three other suspects, Taiwo Ahmed, Raufu Raheem, and Sanlabiu Teslim, were at large at the time of the first arraignment. However, after persistent efforts by the EFCC, all seven defendants were re-arraigned in December 2022 on a three-count amended charge of obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy to commit fraud.

The charges stem from allegations that the defendants obtained a sum of £1 million and an additional N175 million from the Bello family between May and September 2018. The defendants allegedly promised the family that the money would be refunded after conducting spiritual cleansing prayers within one week, a claim that the prosecution argues was false. All seven defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

At the September 23, 2024, hearing, the prosecution counsel, N.K. Ukoha, sought to tender the flash drive containing the sixth defendant’s confessional video as evidence through ASP Giwa Wasiu. The defence team, led by Olalekan Ojo, SAN, objected to the admission of the flash drive, leading to an adjournment until October 11 for the court’s ruling. Justice Osodi, after careful consideration, dismissed the objection and admitted the flash drive into evidence.

Following the court’s acceptance of the video evidence, the prosecution applied to have the clip played in the courtroom, which the judge granted. The case has been adjourned for further hearing on December 18 and 19, 2024, when the trial is expected to continue with the prosecution’s presentation of additional evidence and witnesses.