crime

EFCC secures conviction of 30 internet fraudsters in Ibadan

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2025

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.

Related Topics:crime cybercrime EFCC featured internet fraud Nigeria news Oyo State

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crime

Nasarawa Police Launch Forest Offensive Against Bandits

Published

4 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Nasarawa police operation targets kidnappers, bandits and armed robbers in forest hideouts, with tactical teams deployed across three sectors.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a special security operation targeting bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal groups operating in forests across the state.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, flagged off the exercise in Lafia on Wednesday, October 21, before leading officers towards Alagye Forest in Doma Local Government Area.

Mohammed said the operation followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at strengthening security and restoring lasting peace across Nasarawa State.

He disclosed that tactical squads, anti-kidnapping units and intelligence operatives had been deployed to identified security flashpoints and forest corridors considered vulnerable to criminal activity.

According to the police commissioner, the operation is expected to continue until the end of December, with officers instructed to carry out their duties professionally and comply strictly with the rules of engagement.

To improve coordination and coverage, the command has divided the state into three operational sectors.

Sector A, covering the Lafia zone, is headed by ACP Lamidu Alkali, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 58 in Lafia. Sector B, covering the Akwanga zone, is led by ACP Kadir Umar, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 38 in Akwanga.

Sector C, which covers the Keffi zone, is under ACP Olobekga Saligo, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 69 in Toto.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Sanusi Jidda, will coordinate activities across the three sectors to support the dismantling of criminal camps and improve the effectiveness of the operation.

Mohammed urged residents to assist the security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

He assured the public that information supplied to the police would be treated confidentially and encouraged residents to remain law-abiding while continuing their legitimate activities.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property as the operation gets underway.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The success of the Nasarawa police operation will depend on effective intelligence gathering, coordination among security teams and cooperation from local communities. The command has yet to disclose details of arrests, weapons recovered or other operational results.