The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of six individuals in Kwara State for various internet fraud-related offenses.
The convicts were sentenced on Monday, October 14, 2024, by Justices Sulaiman Akanbi and Adebayo Yusuf at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
The convicted individuals include Idris Muhammed, Ismail Temitope Mustapha, Oyekola Odunayo, Anthony Slyvester Stephen, Timilehin Adeniyi, and Olayiwola Ayomide Abdulmalik. Justice Akanbi presided over the cases involving Idris, Ismail, Oyekola, and Anthony, while Justice Yusuf sentenced Timilehin and Olayiwola.
According to the charge against Idris, “On or about July 13 to August 13, 2024, Idris Muhammed, within the jurisdiction of this court, cheated by personation. He posed as one Dorthy Onanewlevel Palmer and deceived Lavergne Adriana Racheal into sending $600 via Cash App, thus committing an offense contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code.”
Similarly, Ismail faced charges related to defrauding an individual through impersonation. As per his charge sheet, “Between 2022 and 2023, Ismail Temitope Mustapha, using the alias Myre Roddy, pretended to be Myre Roddy on TikTok (@roddy0s3), tricking Ron Woldron into sending $500 via Apple gift cards. This act contravened Section 321 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 324.”
The defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. The prosecution, represented by counsels Andrew Akoja and Victoria Igodo, presented the defendants’ statements, along with evidence of items recovered at the time of arrest and funds gained from the fraudulent activities.
Sentencing and Forfeitures
Justice Akanbi sentenced Idris Muhammed to two years in prison, with an option of a N100,000 fine. His iPhone 13 and $300 were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government as restitution.
Ismail Mustapha received a one-year prison sentence with a N100,000 fine option. His iPhone 11 Pro Max and $300 were similarly forfeited.
Oyekola Odunayo was handed a more complex sentence: one year with a N100,000 fine on count one, two years with a N200,000 fine on count two, and two weeks of community service on count three with an additional fine of N50,000. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $300 and N34,900 recovered from him.
Anthony Slyvester Stephen was sentenced to one year in prison with a N50,000 fine option. His iPhone 12 and $25, believed to be proceeds from the unlawful activities, were forfeited.
Justice Yusuf sentenced Timilehin Adeniyi and Olayiwola Ayomide Abdulmalik to six months imprisonment each, with an option of a N200,000 fine. Both defendants’ phones and restitution funds were forfeited to the Federal Government.
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the convictions in a statement on Wednesday, underscoring the Commission’s continued efforts to combat internet fraud in Nigeria.
