August 16, (THEWILL) — The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction of four internet fraudsters arrested during a sting operation at a hotel near the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The convicts, Bisiriyu Roqeeb Abiodun, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, Akinwale Isaac and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo, were among 93 suspects picked up on Sunday.
They were arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on separate charges bordering on impersonation and internet fraud.
They pleaded guilty to the offences, prompting prosecution counsel Franklin Ofoma and S.M. Yabo to call investigative officers Bamanga Mohammed, Umar Shuaib and Usman Ciroma Suleman to review the facts of the case.
The court admitted in evidence their statements, mobile devices used in committing the crimes, forensic reports and bank drafts of restitution.
Justice Dipeolu, after considering the guilty pleas and evidence, convicted them accordingly.
Olatunji was sentenced to one month in prison from the date of arrest, with an option of a N500,000 fine.
Oshundairo, who benefited N600,000 from his crime, received a 30-day community service sentence in Igbesa, Ogun State, under EFCC and Correctional Centre supervision.
Isaac, who made $500 from his scheme, was sentenced to three months in prison or a N1m fine. His iPhone 16 Pro Max, Galaxy Note 9, N400,000 in restitution and a 2017 Toyota Camry were forfeited to the Federal Government.
Abiodun, who earned $200 from his activities, was sentenced to one month in prison or a N500,000 fine. His Samsung Galaxy S20 and N200,000 restitution were also forfeited to the government.
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