EFCC secures conviction of 32 individuals for fraud in Oyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Ibadan Zonal Directorate, has successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of thirty-two individuals for various fraud-related offences.

Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.S. Adeyemi, K.B. Olawoyin, and G.A. Sunmonu of the Oyo State High Court delivered the convictions, while Federal High Court Justice Nkeonye Maha also ruled on related cases. Notably, all justices presided over proceedings in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The convicted individuals faced separate charges primarily centered on impersonation and internet-related crimes.

They include 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 include 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.

One of the charges against Kolade Olayinka Akinlosotu revealed that he falsely presented himself as Amanda Smith, a woman from Texas, USA, through a Facebook account.

He deliberately impersonated the victim, aiming to deceive through fraudulent intent.

By mimicking trusted identities, he sought personal gain, thereby misleading the target for financial exploitation. The charge contravenes Section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Upon arraignment, all the defendants entered guilty pleas to their respective charges.

The prosecution team comprising Modupe Akinkoye, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsuddeen Bashir, David Olubode, and A.M. Aliyu urged the courts to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.

Justice K.B. Olawoyin sentenced Peter to two years imprisonment with an option of a N500,000 fine. Ayodeji received a one-year sentence with an option of a N250,000 fine.

Similarly, Justice Nkeonye Maha sentenced Abayomi to one year imprisonment or a fine of N250,000. Justice O.S. Adeyemi imposed one-year jail terms on Oriyomi and Ibrahim without the option of a fine.

The court sentenced Ayobami, Abdullahi, and Ayinde to six months of community service each. Meanwhile, Ojo, Mustapha, and Adebesin received three months without the option of a fine.

Justice Ladiran Akintola handed down varying sentences to several defendants.

Oladimeji, Joseph, and Olaoluwa received one-year jail terms or fines ranging from N40,000 to N150,000.

Adeniyi was sentenced to six months imprisonment or a N150,000 fine. Jelili received six months of community service or a N150,000 fine.

Michael and Olamide were sentenced to three months imprisonment or a N50,000 fine each. Other defendants received sentences ranging from three months of community service to fines between N30,000 and N75,000.

Justice G.A. Sunmonu sentenced Akinlosotu to three months of community service without an option of a fine.

After convictions, the federal government seized items—money, phones, laptops, vehicles—from all individuals.

Consequently, these assets permanently transferred to authorities under forfeiture laws.

Authorities recovered Toyota Camrys and Corollas with distinct registrations among the confiscated assets.

The court ordered Ayobami to pay N2.5 million in restitution, thereby compensating the victim for documented financial losses.

This ruling directly addressed the verified economic harm through mandated repayment.

This restitution ensures accountability by directly addressing the harm caused through financial redress.

The EFCC remains steadfast in its commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims of fraud across Nigeria.

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