EFCC Secures Conviction in Ogun Court for Six Fraudsters: Details and Sentences

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of six fraudsters before Justice A.A. Okeke of the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The convicts, identified as Aladeusi Korede Seun, Akande Habeeb Kunle, Aliu Faleti Opeyemi, Oseni Suleimon, Tobiloba Ebhodaghe Wadiale, and Shedrack Obioma, faced charges of money laundering and impersonation. The convictions mark a significant win in the ongoing fight against financial crimes in Nigeria.

The six individuals were arraigned on Friday, July 19, 2024, on separate charges. These charges were based on violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022. Each of the accused pleaded guilty to the charges presented against them. Following their pleas, prosecution counsel R.A. Abdulrasheed urged the court to convict them accordingly. Justice Okeke, delivering the judgment, imposed varying sentences and ordered the forfeiture of the devices used in the commission of their crimes to the Federal Government.

EFCC: Conviction and Sentencing Breakdown

Aladeusi Korede Seun was sentenced to two months of imprisonment on each count, with the sentences running consecutively. In addition to his imprisonment, the court ordered the forfeiture of an iPhone 12 Pro Max, an iPhone 11, and a smart wristwatch, which were recovered from him during the investigation, to the Federal Government. This conviction highlights the court’s stance on the gravity of financial crimes and the tools used in such illegal activities.

Similarly, Akande Habeeb Kunle received a one-month imprisonment sentence on each count, with his sentences also running consecutively. The court ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 13 to the Federal Government. The sentencing reflects the judiciary’s commitment to imposing strict penalties on individuals found guilty of financial misconduct, ensuring that justice is served and deterring future offenses.

Further Details of Sentencing

Aliu Faleti Opeyemi was sentenced to two months of imprisonment on each count, with his sentences running consecutively. The court also ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 14 Pro Max to the Federal Government. Oseni Suleimon received a three-month imprisonment sentence for money laundering and another three months for impersonation, with both sentences running consecutively. Additionally, his Galaxy S20 Ultra and HP Laptop were forfeited to the government.

Tobiloba Ebhodaghe Wadiale was sentenced to two months of imprisonment on each count, with the sentences running consecutively. His Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max were also ordered forfeited to the Federal Government. Lastly, Shedrack Obioma was sentenced to one month of imprisonment on each count, with the sentences running consecutively.

These convictions and sentences underscore the EFCC’s relentless efforts to combat financial crimes and the judiciary’s role in administering justice. The forfeiture of electronic devices used in these crimes serves as a deterrent to others, emphasizing the consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities.

EFCC Also Arraigns Fake Content Creator for Internet Fraud in Jos

The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Audu Ishida, also known as Baddie Kylemilli, on charges related to internet fraud. Ishida appeared before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari at the Federal High Court in Kaduna State, facing accusations of impersonation, retention of proceeds of crime, and money laundering.

According to the charge sheet, Ishida allegedly retained a sum of $50 from his victim, an amount believed to be part of the proceeds from an unlawful act. The prosecution, represented by M.E. Eimonye, called for a trial date and requested that Ishida be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). The defense counsel, Umar Usman, did not object, leading Justice Buhari to order Ishida’s remand in the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kaduna, with the trial set to commence on November 7, 2024.

Details of the Fraudulent Activities

Ishida was apprehended alongside other members of an internet fraud ring in Jos, Plateau State. The arrest followed an intelligence-driven raid on their hideouts by operatives of the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Command. Investigations revealed that Ishida created fake online video content and dating sites to deceive and defraud unsuspecting victims.

Further investigations showed that Ishida received proceeds from his fraudulent activities through gift cards, which he traded online using an FSS card app. These transactions were conducted in foreign currencies and later converted to Naira, with the funds deposited into his bank accounts. The EFCC’s thorough investigative work highlights the growing trend of internet fraud and the agency’s commitment to combating such crimes