Six individuals have been convicted of internet fraud by two courts in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the convictions on Monday, October 14, 2024, before Justices Sulaiman Akanbi and Adebayo Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court.
The convicted individuals are Idris Muhammed, Ismail Temitope Mustapha, Oyekola Odunayo, Anthony Sylvester Stephen, Timilehin Adeniyi, and Olayiwola Ayomide Abdulmalik. Justice Akanbi sentenced Idris, Ismail, Oyekola, and Anthony, while Justice Yusuf convicted Timilehin and Olayiwola.
Idris Muhammed was found guilty of impersonating Dorthy Onanewlevel Palmer, deceiving Lavergne Adriana Racheal into sending $600 via cash app, contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code.
Ismail Temitope Mustapha, alias Myre Roddy, cheated Ron Woldron out of $500 using a TikTok account, violating the same section of the Penal Code.
The defendants pleaded guilty, and prosecution counsels Andrew Akoja and Victoria Igodo presented evidence, including statements, recovered items, and illicit funds.
Consequently, Justice Akanbi sentenced Idris to two years imprisonment or a N100,000 fine, ordering the forfeiture of his iPhone 13 and $300 to the Federal Government.
Ismail received a one-year imprisonment or N100,000 fine, with his iPhone 11 Pro Max and $300 forfeited.
Oyekola was sentenced to one-year imprisonment or N100,000 fine, two years imprisonment, or N200,000 fine, and two weeks community service with a N50,000 fine.
Anthony received one year imprisonment or N50,000 fine, with his iPhone 12 and $25 forfeited.
Justice Yusuf sentenced Timilehin and Olayiwola to six months imprisonment or N200,000 fine each.
The convicts’ phones and restitution monies were also forfeited to the Federal Government, as stated by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity.
DP/NGG
