By: AbdulHafeez Oyewole
Six individuals have been convicted and sentenced for internet fraud by the Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin, the state capital.
The convicts, identified as Akingbehin Temitope Oluwaseun, Ajayi Elijah Olaoluwa, Samson Babatunde Ilesanmi, Quadri Olamilekan Lamido, Kolawole Kehinde Moses, and Olatunji Elijah Olabisi, faced charges of cybercrime, impersonation, and retention of proceeds from criminal activities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, prosecuted the cases before Justices Haleema Saleeman and Mahmud Abdulgafar.
The defendants, who pleaded guilty, were linked to fraudulent schemes targeting victims online, with crimes ranging from impersonating foreign individuals to retaining funds from unlawful activities.
Akingbehin Temitope Oluwaseun, a car dealer, received a one-year prison sentence on two counts or a fine of ₦1,707,562, with his two phones and a Toyota Camry forfeited to the federal government.
Ajayi Elijah Olaoluwa was sentenced to one year in prison or a ₦500,000 fine, forfeiting an iPhone 13 Pro Max and $410 to the government.
Samson Babatunde Ilesanmi, alias "Angela Sara Maya," received four months in prison or a ₦250,000 fine, with his phones and $150 also forfeited.
Quadri Olamilekan Lamido was sentenced to concurrent prison terms totaling nine months or fines amounting to ₦300,000, forfeiting €325, $150 Canadian dollars, and two phones.
Kolawole Kehinde Moses was handed a three-month suspended sentence and forfeited ₦330,000, $80, and an iPhone 12 Pro Max. Similarly, Olatunji Elijah Olabisi was ordered to pay restitution of $25, forfeiting $70 and an iPhone XR to the government.
The EFCC praised the convictions as a step towards curbing cybercrime, with Justice Saleeman and Justice Abdulgafar affirming that the cases had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.
The court also underscored the importance of deterring such activities while ensuring justice for the victims of cyber fraud.