EFCC convicts 30 internet fraudsters in Ibadan, sentencing them to jail terms, fines, and community service, with assets forfeited to the government

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Directorate, has secured the conviction and sentencing of 30 internet fraudsters before Justices Ladiran Akintola, Adebisi Adetujoye, and K.B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.

The convicted individuals, including Gbadega Ayomide, Ojo Oluwapelumi Oluwatomiwa, John Odey Ade, and Ezekiel Oluwatobi Damilare, faced various charges such as impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.

One of the charges detailed how Siyanbola Oluwaseun Ibrahim impersonated an American woman named Vivian Harding on Facebook Messenger to defraud an unsuspecting victim, Austin Frazier. His actions violated Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law of Oyo State, 2000.

All the defendants pleaded guilty, leading the prosecution team—comprising Modupe Akinkoye, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Sanusi Galadanchi, and others—to urge the court for swift sentencing.

Justice Akintola sentenced:

– **Oluwatosin** – 1 year imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine.
– **Oluwaseyi** – 6 months imprisonment or a ₦100,000 fine.
– **Raphael** – 3 months imprisonment or a ₦50,000 fine.
– **Several others**, including Favour, Olabode, Tolulope, Gbolahan, and Makanjuola, were sentenced to 6 months of community service or a ₦100,000 fine.

Justice Olawoyin convicted and sentenced:
– **Ayomide, Oluwatomiwa, and Ade** – 1 year imprisonment with varying fines between ₦50,000 and ₦200,000.
– **Samuel** – 6 months imprisonment or a ₦100,000 fine.

Justice Adetujoye sentenced:
– **Damilare, Hammed, Oluwadunsin, Adekunmi, Iyanu, Kayode, and Anakweze** – 2 months community service.
– **Adedara** – 1 month community service.
– **Tajudeen** was cautioned and discharged.

In addition to their sentences, all convicts forfeited recovered items, including money, mobile phones, and a Lexus 350 car belonging to Olisemeka Tochukwu Anakweze. Anakweze was also ordered to pay restitution of **₦8,731,000** to his victim.

The EFCC continues its crackdown on cybercrime, urging citizens to steer clear of fraudulent activities as it intensifies efforts to bring offenders to justice.