EFCC Secures Conviction of Three Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate, has successfully secured the conviction of three individuals, AbdulFatai Ismail Alade (alias Hismaheel Asiwaju), Audu Ishida, and Elisha Smith, for their involvement in internet fraud and money laundering. The trio was prosecuted on separate charges of impersonation and money laundering before two Federal High Court judges in Kaduna, Justice R.M. Aikawa and Justice Hauwa’u Buhari.

Alade was convicted by Justice Aikawa, while Ishida and Smith were sentenced by Justice Buhari. All three defendants pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them by EFCC prosecutors, M.E. Eimonye and M. Lawal. Their convictions come as part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on cybercrime and money laundering activities in Nigeria.

Details of Charges Against the Convicts

AbdulFatai Ismail Alade faced a charge of retaining proceeds from an unlawful act. According to the prosecution, between 2023 and 2024, Alade retained $95, fully aware that the funds were obtained illegally. This violation of Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, led to his conviction under Section 18(3) of the same Act. Alade’s fraudulent activities took place in Minna, Niger State, and resulted in his prosecution by the EFCC.

Similarly, Elisha Smith was charged with retaining the sum of N808,234.02, also believed to be proceeds of unlawful activity. His offense occurred in Jos South, Plateau State, where funds were found in his Palmpay Bank account. Like Alade, Smith violated Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering Act, which led to his conviction and sentencing under the same legislation. These charges reflect the EFCC’s commitment to pursuing cases of internet fraud across multiple Nigerian states.

Sentencing and Asset Forfeiture

Following their guilty pleas, all three convicts received varying prison sentences, with the option of fines. AbdulFatai Ismail Alade was sentenced to five years in prison or a fine of N500,000. In addition, he forfeited an iPhone 11 Pro to the federal government as part of his sentence. Justice Hauwa’u Buhari sentenced Elisha Smith to four years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000, while Audu Ishida was handed a two-year sentence or a N400,000 fine. Both Smith and Ishida were also ordered to forfeit their mobile devices—a Samsung Galaxy S10e and an Oppo F1s, respectively.

These convictions signal a victory for the EFCC as the agency continues its fight against internet fraud and cybercrime in Nigeria. The forfeited assets, alongside the prison sentences and fines, serve as both punishment and deterrence for future offenders. The EFCC’s success in this case highlights its relentless efforts in curbing cybercrimes in the country.

EFCC Chairman Urges Youths to Shun Internet Crimes and Embrace Hard Work

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to resist the temptation of engaging in internet crimes, which are often associated with the desire to get rich quickly. Speaking at an event organized by the “Child Protection Initiative against Cybercrime” in Abuja, Olukoyede emphasized that honest labor is the foundation of a successful and fulfilling life. He stressed the importance of safeguarding one’s future by rejecting fraudulent activities.

Represented by Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE I Ogunjobi Olalekan, Olukoyede highlighted the significant risks involved in internet fraud. He noted that youths can achieve greatness through hard work and perseverance, rather than resorting to criminal activities that may lead to imprisonment. “You can become whatever you want to be, but don’t yield to peer pressure or quick gains from cybercrime,” he advised, urging youths to prioritize integrity and long-term success over short-term, ill-gotten wealth.

Societal and Familial Influences on Cybercrime

Olukoyede pointed out that various factors contribute to the increasing involvement of Nigerian youths in cybercrime. He cited the high rate of unemployment, pressure to acquire material possessions, and overly supportive parents as major enablers of online fraud. While acknowledging that many parents and guardians have good intentions, he warned that excessive leniency can inadvertently foster a lack of discipline, leading young people down the wrong path.

According to the EFCC Chairman, the toxic combination of societal expectations and familial influences often drives vulnerable youths to engage in illegal online activities such as identity theft, scams, and other malicious acts. He urged parents to play a more active role in shaping their children’s behavior by setting boundaries and promoting ethical values. In his view, addressing these root causes is essential to curbing the spread of cybercrime among young people in Nigeria.

Solutions to Combat the Allure of Cybercrime

Olukoyede proposed several strategies to combat the rise of cybercrime, particularly among young Nigerians. He advocated for increased research and development, the establishment of dedicated support systems for at-risk youths, and the promotion of positive online behavior. He also emphasized the importance of parental involvement, including the use of parental controls and organizing family workshops to educate children on the dangers of cybercrime.

At the same event, Delmwa Gogwim, organizer of the “Child Protection Initiative against Cybercrimes,” underscored the need to protect children and teenagers in the digital space. She noted that with over 140 million Nigerians connected to the internet, a significant portion of whom are young people, the focus must be on safeguarding tomorrow’s leaders. Gogwim called for concerted efforts to ensure that the internet becomes a tool for positive transformation rather than a gateway to criminal activities. Similarly, Gabriel Dewan, representative of the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, encouraged youths to be productive and steer clear of all forms of criminality, including cybercrimes.