At least thirty-two individuals have been convicted of internet fraud by various courts in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The convictions followed separate prosecutions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Directorate, on one-count charges bordering on impersonation and cyber-related offences.
Delivering judgements on Wednesday, Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.S. Adeyemi, K.B. Olawoyin, and G.A. Sunmonu of the Oyo State High Court, along with Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court, sentenced the fraudsters to varying terms of imprisonment and community service.
This was disclosed in a statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
According to the statement, all the convicts pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them and were sentenced accordingly.
Justice K.B. Olawoyin sentenced Olajide Peter to two years imprisonment with an option of a ₦500,000 fine, while Ayodeji was handed a one-year term with a ₦250,000 fine. Justice Nkeonye Maha sentenced Abayomi to one year in prison or a ₦250,000 fine.
Justice O.S. Adeyemi sentenced Oriyomi and Ibrahim to one-year jail terms without an option of a fine, while Ayobami, Abdullahi, and Ayinde were each given six months of community service.
Ojo, Mustapha, and Adebesin were sentenced to three months of community service without an option of a fine.
Justice Ladiran Akintola sentenced Oladimeji, Joseph, and Olaoluwa to one year of imprisonment with an option of ₦50,000 and ₦150,000 fines, respectively. Adeniyi was sentenced to six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine, while Jelili was given six months of community service or a ₦150,000 fine.
Michael and Olamide each received three-month jail terms or a ₦50,000 fine, while Justice G.A. Sunmonu convicted Akinlosotu, sentencing him to three months of community service without an option of a fine.
In addition to their sentences, the convicts forfeited various items to the federal government, including cash, mobile phones, laptops, and vehicles.
Seized vehicles include a green Toyota Camry (EPE-232-GU) from Oriyomi, a wine Toyota Camry (MUS-84-GU) from Ibrahim, a red Toyota Corolla (chassis number 2T1BU4EE3AC495391) from Olaoluwa, a black Toyota Camry (MUS-683-HJ) from Adeniyi, and a golden Toyota Camry (chassis number 411BE46KX8U203665) from Abdullahi.
Furthermore, Ayobami was ordered to refund ₦2.5 million to his victim as restitution.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to fighting cybercrime and called on Nigerians to support efforts aimed at curbing internet fraud and other financial crimes.