By Freedom SunriseOperatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty three (23) suspected internet fraudsters, better known as “Yahoo Boys” in Ibadan, Oyo State
The suspects were arrested on Thursday May 12, 2022 at Apata, Jericho and Ire Akari Estate areas of Ibadan following credible intelligence on their alleged computer fraud-related activities.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to journalists on Friday by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren.
The statement said sixteen of the suspects: Oluwole Oduwanye Kelvin, Adams Segun Ojo, Amuwo Oluwagbemi Oluwatobi, Theophilus Ademola Akinyele, Mimiola Olamide Victor, Ajayi Pelumi Pamilerin, Tolulope Adara Mati Timothy, Bamgbose Temitayo Abiodun, Ajibola Timilehin Isreal, Ajibade Habeeb Olakunle, Tobiloba Isaiah Seyi, Joseph Odunayo Clement, Victor John Enya, Odebode Temiloluwa Kehinde, Olaniyi Ajibola Roqeeb, and Olushola Oyetunde Samuel were indicted by forensic analyses carried out on their devices and the incriminating documents recovered from them.
According to the statement, seven others: Oladipo Tunde Lawrence, Eludire Gbemileke Joseph, Gbenga Abiona Wale, Ojuwaye Emeka Oluwaseun, Babatunde Kolade Tunde, Abu Idris Olalekan and Boye Timilehin Emmanuel, are still under investigation
It said seven exotic cars, mobile phones, laptops and several incriminating documents were recovered from the suspects.
It further said the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
In a related development, the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday May 12, 2022 secured the conviction of five internet fraudsters, known as “Yahoo Boys” before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin City.
The convicts are Amogie Julius, Omogbon Friday Harry, Osaze Okoro, Lucky Tegiri and Omokhua Destiny.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren.
According to the statement, the convicts were arraigned on one count charge each for fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
It said they had sometimes between 2020 to 2022, impersonated foreign nationals with intent to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their hard earned money.
The charge against Amiogie Julius reads: “that you, Amoigie Julius between 2020 to 2022 at Wisdom Street , off Egba Road , Benin City ,Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently personate the identity of Gloria Hernandez Ortiz, with intent to obtain money from her and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 484 of the criminal Code Law Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria ( as applicable in Edo state ) 1976”.
The charge against Lucky Tegiri reads: “”that you Lucky Tegiri on or about 22nd February 2022 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud falsely represented yourself to be one Mark Linda by creating two fraudulent email accounts, with user names dcluck75@gmail.com and company, giveaway7610@gmail.com, by sending text messages to some unsuspecting Chinese ladies, so as to obtain money, a representation which you knew is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo State) 1976
All the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against them prompting the prosecution counsel, A.A. Ozigbu and KY Bello, to prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants prayed the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Destiny to three years imprisonment with an option of Three Hundred Thousand Naira as fine while Okoro bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of Three Hundred Thousand Naira.
The duo of Julius and Friday were sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of Two Hundred Thousand Naira and One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira fine respectively. Tegiri bagged one year imprisonment or an option of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira fine.
Justice Ikponmwonba also ordered that a landed property measuring 100 feet by 100 feet situated at Evboneka in Ovie North East L.G.A recovered from Julius and phones of all the defendants which are proceeds of crime be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
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