The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 21 internet fraudsters before the Federal High Court and Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan.
The convictions were handed down by Justices Uche Agomoh, O.S. Adeyemi, Ladiran Akintola, R.B. Olawoyin, O.S. Adeniyi, O.A. Adetujoye, M.O. Ishola, and Bayo Taiwo.
The convicts, including Waheed Hamid Aromose, Aliu Abayomi Victor, Ugbe Emmanuel Ukali, Ajewole Segun Abraham, Abeeb Ridwan Bidemi, and others, faced one-count charges bordering on impersonation, advance fee fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and retention of proceeds of crime.
All defendants pleaded guilty, prompting EFCC prosecutors to request their conviction. The courts sentenced them to varying jail terms, community service, and fines ranging from ₦40,000 to ₦500,000. In addition, several vehicles—including Mercedes Benz and Toyota Camry models—along with laptops, phones, and funds traced to their bank accounts, were forfeited to the Federal Government.
Among the harshest penalties, Justice Adeniyi sentenced Adeoye Bayo Lanre to five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine, while Taufeek Rafiu Olamide received two years behind bars. Others were given community service or fined depending on the weight of evidence and plea bargains.
The EFCC stated that the fraudsters were apprehended following credible intelligence on their internet-related crimes. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to combating cybercrime and warned others engaged in online fraud that they would face similar prosecution.
