In a decisive move against cybercrime, the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully convicted and sentenced 39 individuals involved in various forms of internet fraud.
The convictions were secured before Justices O.S. Adeyemi, Bayo Taiwo, and Ladiran Akintola, all presiding over cases in the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.
The convicted individuals faced a range of one-count charges, including impersonation, cheating, possession of fraudulent documents, and obtaining money under false pretenses.
Notable among those convicted were Fasanya Abdulqudus Gbolahan, Nkiri Oluchukwu Destiny, Fakoya Tobi Samuel, and 36 others.
The cases shared a common theme: the exploitation of the internet to perpetrate fraud, often through impersonation or deceit aimed at defrauding unsuspecting victims, many of whom were located overseas.
For example, Onah Austine Ayomide was convicted of fraudulently impersonating a white woman named Linda Mary on Facebook, with the intent to defraud an American citizen, Clifton Deininger. This offense violated Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
All the accused individuals pleaded guilty to their respective charges. In response, the prosecution presented evidence to the court, requesting sentences that would reflect the severity of the crimes committed.
The courts handed down a range of sentences, including community service, imprisonment, and fines. Justice Adeyemi sentenced Onah Austine Ayomide to one year of community service or a fine of N200,000.
Another convict, Tunde, was sentenced to a one-month jail term or a N250,000 fine. Many others received similar sentences, combining community service with fines, underscoring the gravity of their offenses.
Some convicts faced more severe penalties. For instance, Justice Taiwo sentenced Taoreed Abidoun to three months imprisonment, while another convict, Mujeeb, received a four-month jail term.
Justice Akintola imposed a range of penalties, including one-year imprisonment for several individuals, with fines adjusted according to the seriousness of their crimes.
Additionally, the court ordered that all items seized from the convicts during their arrests be forfeited to the Federal Government, reinforcing the EFCC’s commitment to fighting corruption and cybercrime.
These convictions mark a significant victory in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against cybercrime. The EFCC’s diligent efforts in bringing these criminals to justice serve as a stern warning to others who might be tempted to engage in similar illicit activities.
The agency’s continued crackdown on internet fraud underscores its determination to protect both local and international victims from the growing threat of cybercrime.
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