Crackdown on Cybercrime: Oyo and Ogun Courts Sentence 16 Internet Fraudsters

Oyo and Ogun courts have delivered decisive blows against cybercrime, with Justices A.L. Akintola, O.A. Lajide, and O.A. Adetujoye of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, alongside Justice B.B. Adebowale of the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta, handing down convictions to sixteen individuals involved in internet fraud.

Additionally, Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court in Ibadan played a significant role in these legal proceedings.

The convicted individuals, after pleading guilty to separate one-count charges, faced arraignment by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Among those sentenced were Arode Opeyemi Amos, Babatunde Emmanuel Babalola, Oyewole Ayomilekan, Ephraim Isaiah Jonah, Ayedun Ayobami Adelani, Amusa Aminat Odunmide, Raji Eniola Al-Ameen, Ogundeyi Faruk Olamilekan, Abdullahi Adeshina Rasaq, Azeez Oluwaseun Bamidele, Moruf Olamilekan Elegbede, Olabisi Ibrahim Olamilekan, Jolaosho Uthman Olamilekan, Amod Kazeem Olayemi, Idemudia Lucky Edohamhem, and Isogun Olamitan Nelson.

Isogun Olamitan Nelson, for instance, was charged with aiding other internet fraudsters by redeeming fraudulent gift cards and creating false documents and waybills to facilitate their illicit activities. His case, among others, fell under the purview of Section 7 (c) and 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 30, Laws of Oyo State.

Upon their guilty pleas, the courts meticulously reviewed the facts of each case, considering incriminating documents presented as evidence by prosecuting counsels such as Oyelakin Oyediran, C.A. Okoli, S.M. Galadanchi, Mabas Mabur, Umar Abiso, and Shamsuddeen Bashir. Subsequently, the courts were petitioned to deliver appropriate convictions and sentences.

In the proceedings presided over by Justice Agomoh, Odunmide and Adelani were sentenced to one year in prison each, with no option of a fine. Additionally, Adelani was directed to pay restitution of $800, while Odunmide was ordered to compensate their victim with N3.8 million.

Justice Lajide imposed six months of community service on Ayomilekan and Nelson. Ayomilekan was further mandated to pay a fine of N500,000, while Nelson was penalised with an N10,000 fine, in addition to their respective periods of community service.

Meanwhile, Justice Akintola sentenced Amos and Babalola to one year in prison each, although Babalola had the option of a N250,000 fine. He was also instructed to pay restitution of $1,950 and forfeit a black Toyota Venza car. Amos, on the other hand, had an option of a N20,000 fine.

Further sentencing from Justice Akintola saw Al-Ameen, Ibrahim Olamilekan, Uthman Olamilekan, and Olayemi receiving three months of community service each, with Jonah receiving six months. Monetary fines were also imposed, with variations depending on the specifics of each case.

In a similar vein, Justice Adetujoye handed down varied sentences, including cautions and discharges, along with one month of community service.

In addition to the prison terms and fines, the judges ordered the convicts to forfeit all devices recovered from them as proceeds of crime to the Federal Government.

The journey to justice for these convicts began with their arrests by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC, spanning various locations in Oyo and Ogun states. Following thorough investigations, they were subsequently charged and brought before the courts.

This concerted effort by the judiciary serves as a potent deterrent to would-be cybercriminals, underscoring the commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens from the scourge of internet fraud.