EFCC arrest 13 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos

TopNaija reports that the Lagos Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on March 2, arrested 13 persons for their alleged involvement in cyber-crime.

The suspects are Idris Ridwan, Shonnaike Adejumobi, Afeez Kareem, Adedire David, Muodozie Patrick, Abidemi Smart, Damilare Gabriel, Foluwako David, Adeleye Smart, Jimoh Olaitan, Olabode Thomas, Akinseye Mayowa, and Macaulay Olawale.

According to the EFCC, they were arrested at their hideout at Gabriel Ajawa Close, Lekki, Lagos, following credible intelligence on their alleged criminal activities. They will soon be arraigned in Court.

In a related development, the Lagos Zonal Office secured the conviction and sentencing of five internet fraudsters before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of a Special Offences Court, Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.

The convicted fraudsters are Andre Agbai Kalu, Olaide Ibrahim Oladimeji, Michael Fatuase Makanjuola, Erekefi Omuedi, and Bakare Daniel Oluwadamilare.

They were arraigned on February 18, 2021, on separate charges bordering on possession of fraudulent documents contrary to Section 320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Upon their arraignment, they pleaded “guilty” to the charge.

In view of their plea, the prosecuting counsel, Ahmed Yerima reviewed the case before the Court and tendered documents printed from their email accounts, as well as items recovered from them.

Delivering judgment on February 26, Justice Taiwo found them guilty of the offense and sentenced each of them to six months imprisonment with an option of a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira).

The court also ordered the forfeiture of a Toyota 4Runner SUV, Lexus RX 330, and mobile devices recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.