32 Internet Fraudsters Sentenced to Jail in Ibadan

In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, 32 individuals have been convicted and sentenced for internet fraud by courts in Ibadan, Oyo State. The convictions were secured by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following separate one-count charges related to impersonation and internet-related offenses.

The convicted fraudsters include Kolade Olayinka Akinlosotu, Adetoro Kolawole Jelili, Olatunji Opeyemi Matthew, Ehifowoju Kehinde Emmanuel, Basit Akorede Mustapha, Banjoko Olamide Oriyomi, Badmus Quazeem Damilola, Ikumapayi Olalekan Babajide, Muili Olamilekan Sodiq, Odususi Yemi Michael, Ashiru Adebola Ibrahim, Ayomide Olamide Ogidan, Fatusin Michael Abayomi, Omotosho Oluwapelumi James, Adewale Ibikunle Abdullahi, Ismail Ibrahim Friday, Adedara Ademola Ayobami, and Ajayi Elijah Oladimeji.

Other convicts are Oladele Salam, Olasunkanmi Kadril Yakub, Ayomide Hassan Omolade, Ojo Oluwanifemi Emmanuel, Temitope Gbenga Agbaminoja, Oyewale Timileyin Ayodeji, Olajide Lekan Peter, Obaoye Samuel Olaoluwa, Ajayi Okiki Michael, Mustapha Quadri Ayinde, Oluwatimilehin Noah Ojo, Oluwajana Segun Joseph, Oluwashina Gbenga Adeniyi, and Kolawole Ojukotimi Adebesin.

Details of the Charges

One of the charges against Kolade Olayinka Akinlosotu stated that he impersonated an individual named Amanda Smith from Texas, USA, through a fraudulent Facebook account, with the intent to defraud one Orlando Mejia. The act was deemed an offense under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

All 32 individuals pleaded guilty to their respective charges. The prosecution team, led by Modupe Akinkoye, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsuddeen Bashir, David Olubode, and A.M. Aliyu, urged the courts to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.

Sentences and Penalties

The convicts received varying sentences from Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.S. Adeyemi, K.B. Olawoyin, G.A. Sunmonu of the Oyo State High Court, and Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court, Ibadan.

• Justice K.B. Olawoyin sentenced Olajide Lekan Peter to two years in prison or a N500,000 fine, while Oyewale Timileyin Ayodeji and Fatusin Michael Abayomi received one-year sentences each or the option to pay N250,000 fines.
• Justice O.S. Adeyemi sentenced Banjoko Olamide Oriyomi and Ashiru Adebola Ibrahim to one year imprisonment without the option of a fine. Adedara Ademola Ayobami, Adewale Ibikunle Abdullahi, and Mustapha Quadri Ayinde were handed six months of community service each.
• Justice Ladiran Akintola sentenced Ajayi Elijah Oladimeji, Oluwajana Segun Joseph, and Obaoye Samuel Olaoluwa to one-year imprisonment each, with fines of N50,000, N40,000, and N150,000, respectively. Oluwashina Gbenga Adeniyi received a six-month jail term or a N150,000 fine, while Adetoro Kolawole Jelili was sentenced to six months of community service or a N150,000 fine.
• Justice G.A. Sunmonu sentenced Kolade Olayinka Akinlosotu to three months of community service without an option of a fine.

Several other convicts, including Ehifowoju Kehinde Emmanuel, Ikumapayi Olalekan Babajide, Muili Olamilekan Sodiq, Omotosho Oluwapelumi James, Oladele Salam, Olasunkanmi Kadril Yakub, Ayomide Hassan Omolade, Ojo Oluwanifemi Emmanuel, Temitope Gbenga Agbaminoja, Ajayi Okiki Michael, and Ismail Ibrahim Friday, were sentenced to three months of community service or fines ranging from N30,000 to N75,000.

Asset Forfeiture and Restitution

In addition to their sentences, all convicts were ordered to forfeit assets, including money, phones, and laptops, to the federal government. Confiscated vehicles include a green Toyota Camry (2005 model) recovered from Banjoko Olamide Oriyomi, a wine-colored Toyota Camry from Ashiru Adebola Ibrahim, a red Toyota Corolla from Obaoye Samuel Olaoluwa, a black Toyota Camry from Oluwashina Gbenga Adeniyi, and a golden Toyota Camry from Adewale Ibikunle Abdullahi.

Furthermore, Adedara Ademola Ayobami was directed to pay N2.5 million in restitution to his victim.

EFCC’s Commitment to Combating Cybercrime

The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent activities perpetrated through the internet. The commission emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities to curb the growing menace of internet fraud.

The sentencing of the 32 internet fraudsters marks a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria. The EFCC’s efforts to prosecute and convict offenders demonstrate the government’s resolve to tackle internet-related crimes and protect citizens from financial fraud.

As cybercrime continues to evolve, the EFCC’s proactive approach serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and reinforces the need for public awareness and collaboration in combating this global challenge. The convictions also highlight the importance of robust legal frameworks and effective enforcement mechanisms in addressing cybercrime and ensuring justice for victims.