Court Jails Man Eight Years for Impersonation in Lagos

Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday,  April 22, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Tobor Efeturi Godspower to eight years imprisonment for impersonation.

 

Godspower was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents.

 

One of the counts reads; “That you, Tobor Efeturi Godspower, on or about the 24th day of October, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one 'Stephen Townsend', purporting to be a military man stationed in Syria, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

 

The second count reads: “That you, Tobor Efeturi  Godspower, on or about the 24th day of October, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held yourself out as the manager of crypto account bearing the name 'Rosemarie Altez', with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.”

 

He pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

 

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, S.I.Suleiman, tendered the defendant’s statements dated October 28 and 30, 2024 and November 1, 4 and 6, 2024; a Toshiba laptop computer; iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 11 Pro Max; a casio wristwatch; fraudulent documents printed from his device as well as the sum of $300 restitution made by the defendant. 

 

Suleiman, therefore, urged the court to convict him as charged and sentence him accordingly. 

 

He also prayed that the exhibits recovered from the defendant be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

 

Justice Aluko found the defendant guilty of the offences and sentenced him to four years imprisonment on each of the two counts. 

 

The Judge also gave him an option of fine of N600,000( Six Hundred Thousand Naira only) on each of the counts. 

 

The exhibits were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

The convict bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested  for fraudulently impersonating one 'Stephen Townsend', purporting to be a military man stationed in Syria and defrauded innocent victims in the process.

Source: EFCC 

Court Jails 23 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Justices  W.l. Aziegbemhin and A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City between April 11 and 17  convicted and sentenced 23 internet fraudsters to various jail terms

The convicts are: Uzorchukwu Peace Udoka, Erubasa Oghenetega, David Ogwunu, Jude Okólie, Lucky Ehizojie, Chineye Isioma Christian, Obadiunor Josoph Ikechukwu, Ugochukwu Adingwu, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Patrick Chinedu Chukwujekwe, Ugboh Chibuzor, Monday Shedrack, Udochukwu Onuka, Uzodion Luke and Ehighola Emmanuel Akhere.

Others are Godstime Osunde Oskpolor, Promise Onyugboh, Onuka Patrick, Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu, Ajayi Aisosa, Aiwansoba Prince, Goddey Jeremiah and Ojimah John Oseni

They were prosecuted on  one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission .

The charge against Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu reads: "That you Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu (m) on or about the 12th of April, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

All the defendants pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, I.M Elodi, K Y. Bello, to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly while counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu, Jude Okolie, Obadiunor Josoph Ikechukwu, Ugochukwu Adingwu, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Patrick Chinedu Chukwujekwe, Ugboh Chibuzor, Monday Shedrack, Udochukwu Onuka, Ehighola Emmanuel Akhere, Godstime Osunde Oskpolor, Promise Onyugboh, Onuka Patrick, Aiwansoba Prince, Goddey Jeremiah, Ojimah John Oseni to two years imprisonment each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, while the duo Chineye Isioma Christian and Uzodion Luke were sentenced to Three Years Imprisonmen each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively

Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Uzorchukwu Peace Udoka, Erubasa Oghenetega, Ajayi Aisosa to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. The duo of David Ogwunu, Lucky Ehizojie were convicted and sentenced to Three Years Imprisonment each or to pay N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively

In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones,

computers and money found in their respective bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria,  being proceeds of crime.  They also undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

Source: EFCC 

How EFCC Operatives Arrest 40 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Niger State

Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 40 suspected internet fraudsters in Bida and Minna Local Government Areas of Niger State.

They were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to suspected fraudulent internet activities.

Items recovered from them include three cars, eight power generating sets, one Hisense air conditioner, two power stabilizers, 10 motorcycles, eight laptop computers, four bluetooth speakers and 60 android phones.

Also recovered were fetish items that included three calabashes, adorned with feathers, traditionally made soap and sponge, a bottle of hot drink, 20 cowries, a waist bead and four lady’s underwears.

They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 47 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 arrested 47 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City, Edo State.

The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included five exotic cars, smartphones and laptop computers.

They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 arrested15 suspected internet fraudsters in Tanke Oke-Odo area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Officers of the Directorate had earlier on Friday, March 22, 2025 arrested 22 suspected internet fraudsters in Tanke, Alao Farm Estate, Yidi Road, and Irewolede areas of Ilorin.

The arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included eight luxury cars, smartphones and high-end laptop computers.  

Both arrests brought to 37, the number of suspected internet fraudsters, rounded up in Ilorin by the anti-graft in a space of one week.

The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Source: EFCC 

BDC Operators Bag Sentences in Kwara

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State has sentenced one Musa Buba to 300 (Three Hundred) hours of community service at the rate of five hours of work per day for operating bureau de change without a valid licence. The sentence is without an option of a fine.

Similarly, he sentenced one Akinwale Olamilekan from Owena Ijesha in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State to 300 (Three Hundred) hours of community service, also at the rate of five hours of work daily for commiting internet fraud. The sentence is without an option of a fine.

Both convicts were arraigned on March 20, 2025 by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on illegal operation of BDC services and fraudulent impersonation, respectively.

The charge against Buba reads: "That you, Musa Buba, sometime in July 2024 at Chikanda Market, Yashikira District, Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did carry on the business of another financial institution, to wit: Bureau de Change Business, without a valid license issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, contrary to Section 57 (1) & (2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, and punishable under Section 57(5)(b) of the same Act."

The charge against Olamilekan reads: "That you, Akinwale Olamilekan (Alias: Mary Williams), sometime in November 2024, within the judicial division of the Federal High Court, did fraudulently impersonate one Mary Williams via your iMessage account to obtain the sum of $950 (Nine Hundred and Fifty US Dollars) from one Mark Durham, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act and punishable under Section 22 (2)(b)(iv) of the same Act."

They pleaded “guilty” to their respective charge.

Convinced by the facts of the case and the uncontroverted evidence, presented by prosecution counsel, Andrew Akoja, Justice Awogboro convicted and sentenced them accordingly.

In addition to his sentence, Buba forfeited to the federal government the sum of 409,500 CFA and N1,973,200 (One Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Two Hundred Naira Only), recovered from him at the point of arrest, while Akinwale restituted his victim with the sum of $450 (Four Hundred and Fifty US Dollars), being proceeds of his crime. He also forfeited iPhone 12 Pro Max, being the instrument of his crime to the federal government.

Source: EFCC 

29 Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Benin City

Justices A.N. Erhabor and W. I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Courts, sitting in Benin City have convicted and sentenced 29 internet fraudsters to various jail terms.

The convicts are: Edeyibo Rukewe Hope, Igbafe David, Emakhu Bonfrey, Genesis Ndujifor, Okolosie Godstime, Chukwu David, Ebuka Emmanuel, Akhere Akahomhen, Odiniru Emeka Vet, Obiora Mike Kelvin, Stephen Eghosa, Osagioduwa Samuel Aivihenyor, Lucky Ekhator, Ekechukwu Chima Stanley, Lucky Moses, David Odiniru, Christopher Alex, Orovirie Sunny, Abraham Ifeanyi and Aisosa Vincent.

Others are: Agbede Shola Harrison, Endurance Ebalukpe, Igbiniken Osarvmwense, Okonoboh Senator Odiegie, Joseph Imhangbegbe, Orion Aigbona, Godstime Adebor, Ambrose Otsemeuno and Mattew Obayuywana

They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents.

The charge against Hope reads: "That you Edeyibo Rukewe Hope (m) on or about the 27th of February, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

All the defendants pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, K Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, Faisal Ibrahim, Al-Amin Ibrahim Abdul, Bala-Ribah and Salihu Ahmed to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Hope, David, Bonfrey, David, Emmanuel, Akahomhen, Sunny, Ifeanyi, Vincent, Otsemeuno, Ebalukpe, Harrison, Osarvmwense, Odiegie, Imhangbegbe, Aigbona, Adebor and Obayuywana to two years imprisonment each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively,

Justice Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Ndujifor and Godstime to two years imprisonment each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. The judge slammed Kelvin, Eghosa, Aivihenyor, Ekhator, Stanley, Moses, Osarvmwense, Vet and Alex to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively,

The judge ordered the forfeiture of a Red Color Mercedes Benz C300 with Registration number BEN258CM recovered from Odiniru Emeka Vet being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited all items recovered from them to the federal government, including phones, computers, money and cars and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour going forward.

The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arraigns Woman for Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam in Maiduguri

The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  on Monday, March 17, 2025 arraigned one Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court Maiduguri.

The defendant was arraigned on a four -count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation and cheating by impersonation to the tune of N6, 815,300.00 (Six Million Eight Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Three Hundred Naira only).

Count one reads: “That you Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu between the period of June, 2023 to August, 2024 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the aggregate sum of N6, 710,300.00 (Six Million Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Three Hundred Naira) from Emmanuel Ani into your bank account: 1778806195 domiciled with Access Bank plc. under  the pretence that same is meant for the upkeep of his purported fiancee, one Miss Chinansa, which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud related Offences Act, 2006.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her.

Counsel to the prosecution S.O Saka and Faruku Muhammad prayed the court for a trial date and  for the remand  of the defendant in a  Correctional Centre.

Justice Kumaliya thereafter adjourned  the matter till April 8, 2025 for  commencement of trial and remanded the defendant in a Correctional Centre.

Ugwu’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when she obtained the sum of N6.8million by impersonating and pretending to be the  fiancée of the petitioner.  When contacted by the petitioner,  the defendant can neither account for or return the money she collected.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 21 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Bauchi

Operatives of the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday,  March 15, 2025 arrested 21 suspected internet fraudsters in Bauchi, Bauchi State.

The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud at Kaure New  Government Reservation Area,  GRA,   Bauchi and Awala,  Maiduguri road,  Bauchi state.

Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include one BMW and Toyota Camry cars,  three play station 5, 30 expensive phones, one flat screen television set,  six Point of Sale,  POS, machines,   four ipads,   and  five laptops.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded..

Source: EFCC 

Alleged $968,000 Fraud: How Fake US Engineer Duped Me-Witness

Eseoghene

The trial of Wawe Eseoghene Nelson, a.k.a James Andrew Shmit and Philip Bradley before Justice Aliyu Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja commenced on Thursday, March 14, 2025 with the presentation of the First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Kathleen Sharp by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Nelson, arraigned on February 11, 2025 is facing prosecution by the EFCC on 11 count-charges bordering on advance fee fraud, impersonation, conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence to the tune of $968,000 (Nine Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand Dollars), allegedly obtained from two US victims, Sharp and Holly Stamm.

Count one of his charge reads: “That you, Wawe Esoghene Nelson (a.k.a James Andrew Smith) sometime in 2023 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($155,000) from one Kathleen Sharp, living in the United States of America with Telephone Number +13025983826 through Chase Bank with account name Pearl and Allison Llc, account number 952177670, Routing 021000021, account address 35 Knollwood Dr Aptos CA 95003 with bank address at 1990 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010 under the false pretence that you are James Andrew Smith, a Petroleum Engineer from United States of America that is into engineering project, relating to petroleum project which pretence you knew was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

Count 11 reads: “That you Wawe Esoghene Nelson (a.k.a Philip Bradley) sometime in 2022 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000.00) from one Holly Stamm, a Citizen of United States of America with email address stammus2012@gmail.com through Bitcoin and under the false pretence that you are James Andrew Shmit a Petroleum Engineer from United States of America that is into engineering project relating to petroleum exploration and that the said sum will be used to secure a petroleum project which pretence you knew was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a)of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting his trial.

Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Maryam Aminu Ahmed, the witness narrated how the defendant lured her via the social media into sending him money in the guise of financing a project and would repay her when the project yielded dividends upon completion.

“I was contacted by the Commission that they discovered that I was defrauded by one James Andrew Shmit via social media platform. We communicated over social media where he presented himself as an engineer working at BP Oil in the Gulf of Mexico. He started by asking for funds because he did not have access to his personal funds and the credit situation in connection with the project required a large amount of funds with the promise that it will be returned and he will avail the funds to me. The total funds are $183,000 (One Hundred and Eighty-three Thousand Dollars) through three instalments, one by wired certificate cheque, two instalments by wired transfer. The first one was for $45,500, (Forty-five Thousand Dollars), the second one was $131,000 (One Hundred and Thirty-one Dollars) and the third was $7000 (Seven Thousand Dollars) I wired. I have not been paid my money. After the third instalment, he pushed me to pay another $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars), but I did not pay. There was a picture on his profile, he has brown hair and white. I will like the refund of the investment and funds and he should be persecuted for his actions,” she said.

Justice Halilu adjourned to April 16, 2025 for cross examination of the witness.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 30 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Asaba, Delta State

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday March 14, 2025 arrested 30 suspected internet fraudsters in Asaba, Delta State.

The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud.

Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include five exotic cars and phones

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arraigns Husband, Wife for Allegedly Impersonating Katsina State First Lady for N197million Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  has arraigned a husband and wife, Baba Sule Abubakar Sadiq and Hafsat Kabir Lawal, alongside two others, Abdullahi Bala and Ladani Akindele, before Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court for obtaining money by false pretense, money laundering and stealing to the tune of N197,750,000 (One Hundred and Ninety Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira.

They were arraigned on six-count charges on Monday,  March 10, 2025.

Specifically, the defendants allegedly colluded among themselves and defrauded their victims  through different guises,  including impersonating the wife of the Governor of Katsina State, Fatima Dikko Radda.

The defendants were initially arrested by officers of the Department of State Services, DSS and subsequently transferred to the EFCC when it was clear that their offences were financial crimes in nature.

One of the charges reads “That you Hafsat Kabir Lawal, Babasule Abubakar Sadiq, Abdullahi Bala, Ladani Akindele Ayodele sometimes in December 2024 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honorable court with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of N89,000,000.00 Eighty Nine Million Naira Only from Aminu Usman which money you caused to be paid in to the Taj Bank plc account number 0009914725 belonging to Abdullahi Bala under the false pretense that you had the sum of $53,300 Fifty three thousand Three Hundred United State Dollars to exchange for the Naira equivalent which pretense you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) of the advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act. 2006 punishment under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Bright C Ogbonna prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in a  Correctional Facility.

Counsel to the 1st and 2nd  defendants,  M.S Katu, SAN, counsel to the 3rd defendant,  ⁠Jazuli Mustapha and counsel to the 4th defendant,  Paul A. Okachi  informed the court that they had filed and served their various applications for the bail  of their clients and that they were ready to proceed.

Ogbonna vehemently opposed the applications on the grounds that they were not ripe for hearing. In response,  all the defense counsel prayed the court to allow for an oral application for bail.

After listening to the submissions and arguments made by both parties, Justice Bello agreed with the prosecution and consequently remanded the defendants in a  Correctional Facility and adjourned the matter till March 17, 2025 for hearing of bail applications.

Investigations showed that Hafsat contacted  the petitioners as one of the wives of the current governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Radda. Using that guise, she allegedly obtained the sum of N89,000,000 and another N108,000,000 from a petitioner claiming to have $118,300 (One Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Three Hundred Dollars) to sell to them.

Further investigations showed that Hafsat’s husband, Sadiq( the second defendant) provided his wife with two sim cards and registered the same with the True Caller as Fatima Dikko Radda. He then allegedly contacted the fourth defendant, Ladani Akindele who was his former colleague at a new generation bank,  and asked him to provide him with the contact number of the Chairman of Unity Bank, Hafiz Bashir through whom he got the contact number of the petitioner who is a  bureau de change operator.

Hafsat thereafter contacted the petitioner,  Aminu Usman and collected a total sum  of N197,750,000 from him, claiming that she had dollar equivalent of the money  ($118,300) to offer him.

The money was said to have been deposited into the bank account of the 3rd defendant, Abdullahi Bala,  provided by the first defendant,  and the money was allegedly distributed among the four defendants and laundered through various means.

Source: EFCC 

Courts Jail 32 Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan

Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.S. Adeyemi, K.B. Olawoyin, G.A. Sunmonu of the Oyo State High Court and Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan. Oyo State, have convicted and sentenced thirty-two persons to prison for fraud.  

They were prosecuted by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, internet-related offences.

The convicts are: Kolade Olayinka Akinlosotu, Adetoro Kolawole Jelili, Olatunji Opeyemi Matthew, Ehifowoju Kehinde Emmanuel, Basit Akorede Mustapha, Banjoko Olamide Oriyomi, Badmus Quazeem Damilola, Ikumapayi Olalekan Babajide, Muili Olamilekan Sodiq, Odususi Yemi Michael, Ashiru Adebola Ibrahim, Ayomide Olamide Ogidan, Fatusin Michael Abayomi, Omotosho Oluwapelumi James, Adewale Ibikunle Abdullahi, Ismail Ibrahim Friday, Adedara Ademola Ayobami and Ajayi Elijah Oladimeji.

Others are: Oladele Salam, Olasunkanmi Kadril Yakub, Ayomide Hassan Omolade, Ojo Oluwanifemi Emmanuel, Temitope Gbenga Agbaminoja, Oyewale Timileyin Ayodeji, Olajide Lekan Peter, Obaoye Samuel Olaoluwa, Ajayi Okiki Michael, Mustapha Quadri Ayinde, Oluwatimilehin Noah Ojo, Oluwajana Segun Joseph, Oluwashina Gbenga Adeniyi and Kolawole Ojukotimi Adebesin.

The charge against Akinlosotu reads: “That you, Kolade Olayinka Akinlosotu sometime in May, 2023 at Ibadan, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud one Orlando Mejia, did falsely represent yourself as one Amanda Smith, a woman from Texas, United States of America through Facebook with account name Amanda Smith, thereby committed an offence of impersonation, contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

They all pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to them, upon which prosecution counsel, Modupe Akinkoye, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsuddeen Bashir, David Olubode and A.M. Aliyu prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Consequently, Justice Olawoyin convicted and sentenced Peter to two years imprisonment or to pay N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, and Ayodeji to one year imprisonment or to pay N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, while Justice Maha convicted and sentenced Abayomi to one year imprisonment or to pay N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.

Justice Adeyemi on her part, convicted and sentenced Oriyomi and Ibrahim to one year imprisonment each without option of fine. Ayobami, Abdullahi and Ayinde bagged six months community service each, without an option of fine. She convicted and sentenced Ojo, Mustapha and Adebesin to three months community service each without option of fine.

Justice Akintola convicted and slammed Oladimeji, Joseph and Olaoluwa with one year jail term each or to pay a fine of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira, N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira) and N150, 000. 00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively.

He slammed Adeniyi with six months jail term or to pay N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, while Jelili bagged six months community service or to pay N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. Michael and Olamide got three months jail term each or to pay N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, each.

Also convicted and sentenced by Justice Akintola were Kehinde Emmanuel, Babajide, Sodiq, James, Salam, Yakub, Omolade, Oluwanifemi Emmanuel, Agbaminoja, Okiki Michael and Friday who bagged three months of community service each or to pay N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N75, 000.00 (Seventy-five Thousand Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N75, 000.00 (Seventy-five Thousand Naira), N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira), N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira), N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) and N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively.

Furthermore, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Matthew and Damilola to a fine of N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) and N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively.

Justice Sunmonu convicted and sentenced Akinlosotu to three months community service without an option of fine.

Besides their sentences, all the convicts forfeited items recovered from them to the federal government.  These include money, phones and laptop computers. Others are a green-coloured Toyota Camry 2205 model car with registration number: EPE – 232 – GU recovered from Oriyomi, a wine-coloured Toyota Camry vehicle with registration number: MUS – 84 – GU recovered from Ibrahim, a red-coloured 

Toyota Corolla car with chassis number: 2T1BU4EE3AC495391, recovered from Olaoluwa, a black-

coloured Toyota Camry car with registration number: MUS – 683 – HJ, recovered from Adeniyi and a golden-coloured Toyota Camry vehicle with chassis number: 411BE46KX8U203665 recovered from Abdullahi.

In addition, the court ordered that Ayobami pay the sum of N2.5million (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) as restitution to his victim.

Photo profile of the convicts:

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Alerts the Public on 58 Illegal Ponzi Scheme Operators

In line with its commitment to sanitising the financial space of the nation and offer the investing public adequate and reliable information on the activities of illegal ponzi scheme operators across the country, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, hereby alerts Nigerians on the operations of 58 companies posturing as investing entities and defrauding innocent Nigerians of their hard-earned money.

  The companies are neither registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, nor the Security Exchange Commission, SEC. The two regulators, in separate correspondences with the EFCC, denied that they are registered with them. 

    The Commission has charged many of the companies to court, with five of them convicted, another five pleaded guilty but awaiting review of facts while the rest are pending arraignment.

  Please, find below the names of the illegally operating companies:

Wales Kingdom Capital, Bethseida Group of Companies, AQM Capital Limited, Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited, Brickwall Global Investment Limited, Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech, Green Eagles Agricbusiness Solution Limited, Richfield Multiconcepts Limited, Forte Asset Management Limited, (Biss Networks Nigeria Limited, S Mobile Netzone Limited, Pristine Mobile Network), Letsfarm Integrated Services, Bara Finance & Investment Limited, Vicampro Farms Limited, Brooks Network Limited, Gas Station Supply Services Limited, Brass & Books Limited, (Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Venturescrowdyvest Limited,) and Crowdyvest Limited, 

Others are : Jadek Agro Connect Limited, Adeeva Capital Limited, Oxford International Group and Oxford Gold Integrated, Skapomah Global Limited, MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited, TRJ Company Limited, Farm4Me Agriculture Limited, Quintessential Investment Company, Adeprinz Global Enterprises, Rockstar Establishment Limited, SU.Global Investment, Citi Trust Funding PLC, Farm Buddy, Eatrich 369 Farms & Food, Globertrot Farmsponsors Nigeria Limited, Farm Sponsors Limited, Cititrust Credit Limited, Farmfunded Agroservices Limited, Adamakin Investment & Works Limited.

The rest include: Cititrust Holding PLC, Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Limited, Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited, Emerald Farms & Consultant Limited, Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited, Farm 360 & Agriculture Company, Requid Technologies Limited, West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Limited, NISL Ventures Limited & Estate of Laolu Martins, XY Connect Investment Limited, River Branch Unique Investment Limited, Hallmark Capital Limited, CJC Markets Limited, Crowd One Investment, Farmkart Foods Limited, KD Likemind Stakeholders Limited, Holibiz Finance Limited, Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services, Servapps Nigeria Limited, Barrick Gold Mining Company and 360 Agric Partners Limited.

 The EFCC assures the public of its vigilance and proactive monitoring of every entity and player in the nation’s economic space to safeguard the public from opportunistic and predatory operators and use the instrumentality of its anti-corruption mandate to stimulate growth in the economy.

 

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Jos

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested fourteen suspected internet fraudsters.

 

They were arrested in K-Vom and Rayfield areas in Jos, Plateau State on Saturday March 8, 2025 following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related activities. 

 

  Items recovered from them include five laptops, 13 phones and two power banks.

 

The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

 

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arraigns Three for N74m Fraud in Maiduguri

The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 arraigned three defendants before Justice K. Dagat of the Federal High Court, Maiduguri.

They are; Vincent Markus (a.k.a kayluvjaybaby), Ahmed Aliyu Maiizawaka alongside his company Maizawaka De-Crawler Nigeria Limited and Enoch Adebayo Richard.

The defendants were arraigned on separate count charges bordering on money laundering, impersonation, obtaining money by false pretences and internet related offences to an aggregate sum of N74,636,943 ( Seventy Four Million, Six Hundred and Thirty Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Three Naira only)

The charge against Marcus read:

“That you, Vincent Markus (a.k.a kayluvjaybaby) ‘M’ on or about 11th day of July, 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of the aggregate sum of N 27,636,943.62 (Twenty Seven Million Six Hundred and Thirty Six Thousand Nine Hundred and Forty Three Naira, Two Kobo) into your Kuda Microfinance Bank Limited account with account number 2014444920, Vincent Markus being the value for crypto currency, cash apps, pampay and gift cards which sum you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form part of proceeds of your unlawful act to falsely representing yourself to unsuspecting foreign nationals amongst who are Jayj77 with tiktok account 

alwayzjj@yahoo.com, Zahra Khan (aka) Reel Gems @screensages), Megan Hoffman @meagan0060, Marisol Bruce, Edwin Amilar Lobo Medina e.t.c a United States of American Citizens through electronic messages on Tiktok account, @kayluvjaybbaby and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”

 

The charge against Maiizawaka read: “That you, Ahmed Aliyu Maiizawaka, being the CEO and alter ego of Maizawaka De-Crawler Nigeria Limited and Maizawaka De-Crawler Nigeria Limited, a company registered in Nigeria sometime in February 2019, at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly converted the aggregate sum of N9,000,000.00 (Nine Million Naira) which you ought to have known that it forms part of proceed of an unlawful act to wit: obtaining under false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 18(2) (b) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022 and punishable under section 18(3) of the same Act”

 

While the charge against Richard read: “That you, Enoch Adebayo Richard between 2022 and 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of United States of American Dollars denominated cash app and gift coins worth about $40 (Forty United States of American Dollars) from foreign nationals like Victor Adrian Brnard, Stephanie Scotts, Meldda Sana Jane amongst others which you upon conversion to naira amounted to an aggregate sum of N 38,000,000.00 (Thirty Eight Million Naira ) only paid into your Opay, Microfinance Bank number 9015469104, Enoch Adebayo Richard, being the naira equivalent value for the cash app and gift coins which you knew or reasonably ought to have known is proceeds of your fraud or form part of proceeds of your fraud or form part of proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

 

The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. Thereafter, prosecution counsel Faruku Muhammad prayed for a trial date and the remand of the defendants in a Correctional Centre.

 

Justice Dagat thereafter adjourned till May, 14, 12 and 24, 2025 for the commencement of trial and remanded the defendants in a Correctional Centre.

 

Source: EFCC 

Alleged $340,000 Fraud: Court Adjourns Mercy Chinwo's Ex-Manager's Case till May 14

 Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has adjourned the alleged $340,000 fraud case involving Ezekiel ThankGod, former manager of gospel artiste, Mercy Chinwo till May 14, 2025 for hearing. 

 

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had filed a three-count charge against him bordering on money laundering and dishonest conversion to the tune of $340,000.

 

One of the counts reads: "That you, EZEKIEL ONYEDIKACHUKWU THANKGOD and EEZEE GLOBAL CONCEPTS LIMITED sometime in 2023, directly retained the sum of $260,494 (Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety-Four USD) in EEZEE GLOBAL MINISTRY Zenith Bank Plc account number, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity, the dishonest conversion of the said sum, property of Mercy Chinwo and Judith Kanayo."

 

The offence is contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

 

He was to have been arraigned alongside his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, on February 17, 2025 but his absence stalled his trial. The court had also issued a bench warrant for his arrest and ordered him to appear in court today March 6, 2025 either by the subsisting bench warrant or production by his counsel.

 

His counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, had also assured that he will be in court on the adjourned date. 

 

At the resumed sitting on Thursday, prosecuting counsel, Bilkisu Buhari informed the court of the prosecution’s readiness to arraign the defendant who was present in court. 

 

“The matter is for arraignment and subject to the court’s overriding convenience, we are ready to commence," she said.

 

Justice Owoeye, however, held that: “There is an administrative procedure on this matter and I cannot proceed until the determination of the procedure."

 

The case was thereafter adjourned till May 14, 2025 for hearing.

 

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 19 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, February 27, 2025 arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City, Edo State.

Their arrest followed credible intelligence 

linking them to fraudulent internet 

activities. Items recovered from them include seven exotic cars, laptop computers and phones.

They have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Source: EFCC 

Indian Bags 10 Years for Fraud in Lagos

Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, convicted and sentenced an Indian, Chandra Singh to 10 years imprisonment for procurement fraud.

 

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had on Thursday, November 24, 2022, arraigned him before Justice Ijelu on a 19-count charge bordering on alleged retention of stolen property and bribery to the tune of N816,361,386.75( Eight Hundred and Sixteen Million,  Three Hundred and Sixty One Thousand,  Three Hundred and Eighty Six, Naira,  Seventeen Five Naira)

 

One of the counts reads: "That Chandra Prankash Singh, on or before 1st of January, 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst in the employment of African Natural Resources and Mines Limited, solicited indirectly to confer undue advantage for your company, CVN Engineering Limited, in order that you influence your employee to award the supply of items costing N365,757,457.00 to CVN Engineering Limited."

Another count reads: "That Chandra Prankash Singh, on or before 1st of January, 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst in the employment of African Natural Resources and Mines Limited, solicited indirectly to confer undue advantage for your company, Neo Paints Nigeria Limited, in order that you influence your employee to award the supply of items costing N243,141,638.75 to Neo Paints Nigeria Limited."

 

He was also alleged to have dishonestly retained the sum of $4,150 belonging to African Natural Resources and Mines Limited. 

 

He pleaded "not guilty" to all the counts, prompting the commencement of his trial.

 

In the course of trial, prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, called nine witnesses and tendered several documentary evidence to prove the case against him.

 

Delivering judgment on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Justice Ijelu found him guilty as charged on counts 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 and sentenced him to 10 years without an option of fine. He was also ordered to make restitution of N345 million to his victim.

 

Singh bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested and prosecuted for  retention of stolen property and bribery to the tune of N816,361,386.75( Eight Hundred and Sixteen Million,  Three Hundred and Sixty One Thousand,  Three Hundred and Eighty Six, Naira,  Seventeen Five Naira).

 

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arraigns 18 more Chinese for Alleged Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, February 20, 2025 arraigned additional 18 Chinese before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

 

They are: Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Deng Wei Qiang, Fu Min, Qin Xiao Yong, Li Dong, Li De Wen, Luo Mao Yang, Zhao Xiao Hui, Du Ji Feng, Liu Hai Rong, Liu Ni Ni, Liu Gang, Sun Qi, Zhang Jian, Peng Fa li and Huo Wen Jie.

 

They are among the 792-member cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 10, 2024, in Lagos, in a sting operation tagged "Eagle Flush Operation" by EFCC operatives.

 

The suspects were arraigned on separate charges, bordering on cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft.

 

One of the charges reads: “That you Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Genting International Co. Ltd and A. Dao (at large) sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court conspired with yourselves to commit an offence to wit: cause to be accessed, computer systems for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economic and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 18 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015."

 

They all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, asked the court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in the appropriate correctional center.

 

Justice Osiagor adjourned the matter till May 5, 2025 for trial, and ordered that they be remanded at the correctional custodial center.