Six individuals have been convicted and sentenced for internet fraud in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
The convicts, identified as Akingbehin Temitope Oluwaseun, Ajayi Elijah Olaoluwa, Samson Babatunde Ilesanmi, Quadri Olamilekan Lamido, Kolawole Kehinde Moses, and Olatunji Elijah Olabisi, were prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges related to internet fraud, impersonation, cheating, and retention of proceeds from criminal activities.
Justices Haleema Saleeman and Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court presided over the cases. Oluwaseun, Olaoluwa, Ilesanmi, and Lamidi were arraigned before Justice Saleeman, while Moses and Olabisi faced Justice Abdulgafar.
Akingbehin Temitope Oluwaseun: Charged with retaining N2,707,562 in his Opay account, which was identified as proceeds from criminal activities. He received a one-year prison sentence on each of two counts or a total fine of N1,707,562. Additionally, his two phones, a Toyota Camry (2009 model), and the illicit funds were forfeited to the federal government.
Ajayi Elijah Olaoluwa: Sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of N500,000. He also forfeited his iPhone 13 Pro Max and $410 to the government.
Samson Babatunde Ilesanmi (a.k.a Angela Sara Maya): Convicted for impersonating someone via Facebook Messenger to defraud a victim of $250. He received a four-month prison term or a fine of N250,000. He also forfeited $150 and two phones to the government.
Quadri Olamilekan Lamido: Found guilty on three counts and sentenced to a combined prison term of nine months or fines totaling N300,000. He forfeited €325, $150 Canadian dollars, and two phones used in his fraudulent activities.
Kolawole Kehinde Moses: Received a three-month suspended sentence on two counts. He forfeited N330,000, $80, and an iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Olatunji Elijah Olabisi: Ordered to pay restitution of $25 and forfeit $70 and an iPhone XR to the government.
The defendants all pleaded guilty to the charges against them. Prosecution counsel Sesan Ola and Andrew Akoja presented evidence, including witnesses, extra-judicial statements, and items recovered during the arrests.
The court, satisfied that the EFCC proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, issued the sentences and forfeiture orders to deter future criminal activities.
