COURT JAILS 21 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN IBADAN

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

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 the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan.

The convicts, including Waheed Hamid Aromose, Aliu Abayomi Victor, Ugbe Emmanuel Ukali, Ajewole Segun Abraham, Abeeb Ridwan Bidemi, Kolawole Oreoluwa Johnson, Olorunyomi Sina Ayo, Ajewole Ojo Kayode, and Adewale Adetola Adedotun, were arraigned on separate one-count charges ranging from impersonation and obtaining by false pretence to retention of proceeds of crime.

Others convicted are Olatunji Waliu Adegbaro, Shodeinde Joshua Adeyemi, Adeoye Bayo Lanre, Taufeek Rafiu Olamide, Adegbite Oluwaseyi Damilare, Hamzat Qowiyu Ajibola, Ayorinde Festus Morakinyo, Damilola Moore Ayomide, Ayinde Oluwaseun Ridwan, Ogunsami Farouk Adeyinka, Sheriff Funso Oparinde, and Adewale Bolaji Al-Ameen.

All the defendants pleaded guilty, prompting EFCC counsels Modupe Akinkoye, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsudeen Bashir, Umar Abiso, and A.M. Aliyu to urge the courts for conviction and sentencing.

In their judgments, the courts handed down varying sentences, including community service, imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of properties. For instance, Justice O.S. Adeyemi sentenced Aromose to three months of community service, while Justice Akintola ordered Adegbaro to six months community service or a ₦250,000 fine, alongside the forfeiture of a Mercedes Benz GLK 2015.

Similarly, Justice Agomoh sentenced Adegbite Oluwaseyi Damilare to one year imprisonment with a ₦500,000 fine option, while Damilola Moore Ayomide forfeited a black Toyota Camry 2013. Adewale Bolaji Al-Ameen, convicted of impersonating a U.S. citizen on Instagram, received four months of community service and a ₦100,000 fine.

The EFCC stressed that the convictions underscore its resolve to rid Nigeria of internet fraud and warned youths against indulging in cybercrime.