The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully convicted 39 individuals for internet fraud in Oyo State. The convictions were handed down by Justices O.S. Adeyemi, Bayo Taiwo, and Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan.
The convicts were prosecuted on separate one-count charges that ranged from impersonation and cheating to possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining by false pretence. All 39 individuals pleaded guilty to the charges and were subsequently sentenced.
The convicts include Fasanya Abdulqudus Gbolahan, Nkiri Oluchukwu Destiny, Fakoya Tobi Samuel, Owolabi Qudus Damilare, and others. One notable case involved Onah Austine Ayomide, who impersonated a white woman from the U.S. to defraud an American citizen. Ayomide was sentenced to one year of community service or a fine of N200,000.
While some convicts received jail terms, others were given varying community service sentences. Additionally, fines ranging from N25,000 to N500,000 were imposed on the fraudsters, depending on the severity of their crimes. For example, Abeeb Ayomide was fined N500,000 along with a six-month community service sentence, while another convict, Sijuola, received a one-month community service sentence or a fine of N100,000.
The EFCC noted that all items recovered from the fraudsters during their arrests have been forfeited to the Federal Government.
The sentencing of the fraudsters marks a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria, as the EFCC continues its efforts to combat internet fraud across the country.
