EFCC Secures Convictions for 37 Internet Fraudsters in Ogun, Oyo States

In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, thirty-seven individuals involved in internet fraud have been convicted in separate court proceedings across Ogun and Oyo States. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, made this announcement in a statement released on Thursday evening.

The convicted individuals, arraigned between November and December 2023, faced one-count separate charges each for various internet-related offenses. Notable among them are Aladelusi Temitope Matthew, Akinade Abimbola Oluwaseun, Gbenga Musbau Adebayo, and others listed in the EFCC statement.

The charges ranged from selling hacked Facebook accounts to false representation for fraudulent activities. One of the counts read, “That you Oyelakin Collins Ayomide on or about 2nd June, 2023, at Ibadan…did sell hacked Facebook Accounts with different identity cards to internet fraudsters.”

Upon their arraignment, all the individuals pleaded guilty to the charges. Subsequently, the courts reviewed the facts of the cases, examined indicting documents and exhibits, leading to convictions and sentences for the defendants.

The sentences varied, with some individuals receiving one year of imprisonment, others given community service ranging from one month to three months. Notably, Oyelakin Collins Ayomide was sentenced to one year imprisonment, while Eyamekware Gabriel Cleverly received two months of community service.

These convictions mark a significant step in the fight against internet-related offenses, underscoring the EFCC’s commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to justice those involved in cybercrime. The convicted individuals have begun serving their sentences in Correctional Centres following their arrests by EFCC operatives.