The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 39 suspected internet fraudsters in Oyo State.
The suspects were sentenced by Justices O.S. Adeyemi, Bayo Taiwo, and Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan on separate charges.
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 2, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale detailed that each of the 39 individuals was prosecuted on a single count charge.
The charges included impersonation, cheating, possession of fraudulent documents, and obtaining by false pretenses.
The convicted individuals are, Fasanya Gbolahan, Nkiri Destiny, Fakoya Samuel, Owolabi Damilare, Isiaka Adebayo, Olawoyin Olasunkanmi, Olawale Abideen, Olayiwola Waheed, Kehinde Abdulrauf, Okunlola Abiodun, Okunlola Mujeeb, Ademeso Olamide, Lawal Ridwan, Femi Oluremi, Ehinmowo Damilola, Joseph Justice, Enitan John, Kolawole Josiah, Alo Emmanuel, Adetola Idris, Joshua Shiyanbola, Idowu David, Salau Ayomide, Adeyemi Adeleke, Philip Olatunde, Fasanya Tunde, Seun Babatunde, Ogoayo Sijuola, Akanji Bidoun, Quadri Oyindamola, Samuel Olúwa Tóbi, Ogunyemi Opemiposi, Olabanjo Olatunbosun, Paul Uche, Ayomiposi Akinyimika, Abdullahi Adisa, Ajetunmobi Olashile, Oluwaseun Adeniran, Onah Ayomide
All 39 defendants pleaded “guilty” to the charges. Following their pleas, prosecution counsel presented incriminating evidence and documents, leading to the court’s decision to convict and sentence them.
As part of their sentencing, the convicts have been ordered to forfeit all items seized during their arrest to the Federal Government. The arrests were part of a sting operation aimed at combating fraudulent internet activities.
The EFCC’s successful operation underscores its ongoing efforts to tackle cybercrime and maintain integrity within Nigeria’s financial and digital sectors.