Rita Odafe
Six individuals involved in internet fraud have been sentenced to prison in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
The convicted individuals are Akingbehin Temitope Oluwaseun, Ajayi Elijah Olaoluwa, Samson Babatunde Ilesanmi, Quadri Olamilekan Lamido, Kolawole Kehinde Moses, and Olatunji Elijah Olabisi.
Judges Haleema Saleeman and Mahmud Abdulgafar from the Kwara State High Court found them guilty of internet fraud and other related offenses.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted the cases, which included charges of cheating, impersonation, and retention of proceeds from illegal activities.
Oluwaseyi, a 25-year-old car dealer, along with Olaoluwa, Ilesanmi, and Lamidi, faced charges before Justice Saleeman, while Moses and Olabisi were prosecuted before Justice Abdulgafar.
Oluwaseyi was accused of retaining over N2.7 million in his account, knowing it was obtained illegally. The charges against Ilesanmi involved impersonating someone and fraudulently obtaining $250 from a victim.
All defendants acknowledged their guilt when the charges were presented. Subsequently, the prosecution presented evidence, including witness testimonies and items seized during arrests.
Upon confirming the evidence against them, Justice Saleeman sentenced Oluwaseyi to one year in prison or a fine of one million naira, along with the forfeiture of his two phones and a 2009 Toyota Camry.
Olaoluwa was sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of N500,000 and had to forfeit his iPhone 13 Pro Max and $410 to the government.
Ilesanmi received a four-month prison sentence or a fine of N250,000, with the additional forfeiture of $150 and two phones.
Lamidi was given a total of nine months either in prison or various fines and forfeited €325, $150 CAD, and two phones.
Justice Abdulgafar imposed a three-month suspended sentence for Moses on two counts while forfeiting N330,000, $80, and an iPhone 12 Pro Max.
For Olabisi, the judge demanded the payment of $25 as restitution and the forfeiture of $70 and an iPhone XR acquired through illegal means.
