Six convicted for cybercrime in Kwara
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC recently secured the conviction of six individuals for cybercrime and fraud-related offenses in Kwara state. These convictions, achieved through diligent prosecution efforts before separate courts, bring the total number of convictions to 24 out of 50 suspects apprehended during a sting operation conducted on February 21, 2024. The successful prosecutions underscore the EFCC's commitment to combatting cyber-related crimes and upholding the rule of law in the state.
Aransiola Oluwaseun Stephen faced prosecution on a one-count charge for cheating by personation. The charge stated that in February 2024, in Ilorin, Aransiola pretended to be Cindy Watson, a White female based in the United States of America. In this guise, he induced Randy Driskill to send him $350 via gift cards. This action constitutes an offence under Section 321 of the Penal Code Law, punishable under Section 324 of the same law.
Owoeye Adeyanju Ezekiel was charged with fraudulently impersonating one Sara Beauty via his Instagram account: sara_lyn120, with the intention to obtain $80 from Taylor Johnson. He committed this offence in January 2024, in Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. This act is contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.
Upon arraignment on separate charges, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. After reviewing the facts presented by Innocent Mbachie, Adebayo Aliyu, Charles Oni, and Rasheedat Alao from the commission, the courts admitted statements and recovered items from the defendants as evidence.
Considering the admittance of guilt and the facts of the cases, the justices found the defendants guilty and sentenced them to various jail terms. Additionally, the courts ordered the forfeiture of the phones, laptops used in the commission of the crimes, and the restitution money to the Federal Government.
Leave A Comment