Fraud Watch
Three Internet Scammers Sentenced in Kaduna [Photos]
Kaduna Court Convicts Three Internet Fraudsters.
Three individuals, Owoyale Shuaib (aka Mary Lisa Goklool), Oluwafemi Moses Oluwatosin (aka Douglas Chiater), and Wisdom Sambo Sammy (aka Prudent Jameson), have been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms for internet fraud by Justices Hawaa Buhari and R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
The Charges:
– Owoyale Shuaib was found guilty of impersonating Mary Lisa Goklool on Facebook, defrauding a Spanish citizen of $20.
– Wisdom Sambo Sammy was convicted of impersonating Prudent James on Facebook with intent to gain advantage.
The Sentences:
– Owoyale Shuaib: 4 years imprisonment or N500,000 fine
– Oluwafemi Moses Oluwatosin: 2 years imprisonment or N500,000 fine
– Wisdom Sambo Sammy: 5 years imprisonment or N500,000 fine
The convicts forfeited their phones to the federal government and were arrested in Minna following credible intelligence on their fraudulent activities. This conviction is part of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime in Nigeria, similar to previous convictions in Benin City and Uyo.
Convicts’ Plea
The defendants pleaded guilty to their charges when read to them, prompting prosecution counsel M.J. Argungu to request conviction and sentencing.
Justice Served
In addition to their prison terms, the convicts forfeited their phones, used as tools of their crimes, to the federal government.
EFCC’s Ongoing Efforts
This conviction is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime in Nigeria. The commission has secured numerous convictions across the country, including:
– 15 internet fraudsters jailed in Benin City
– 6 convicted in Uyo for online scams
– 23 suspects arrested in Abuja for cybercrime
EFCC’s Warning
The EFCC warns Nigerians to be vigilant and report suspicious online activities to the commission.
Cybercrime Statistics
– Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries for cybercrime globally.
– EFCC has secured over 2,000 convictions since 2015.
Stay Safe Online
To avoid falling victim to online scams:
– Verify identities before transactions
– Use secure platforms
– Report suspicious activities
See Photos Below;
Fraud Watch
Alleged $6.2m Fraud: Emefiele Awarded Contracts Without Bidding, Witness Tells Court
Emefiele’s Trial: Witness Reveals Irregularities in Contract Award.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution witness, Stephen Salau Gana, exposed irregularities in contract awards during Godwin Emefiele’s tenure as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor.
Key Testimony
1. No competitive bidding for April 16 Investment Limited’s N99.9 million vehicle supply contract.
2. Contract exceeded CBN governor’s approval threshold (N100 million).
3. Direct procurement justified only in emergencies, sole manufacturer/distributor, or exclusive dealership cases.
4. April 16 Investment Limited met none of these conditions.
Prosecution’s Case
Emefiele faces amended 20-count charges:
1. Conspiracy
2. Criminal breach of trust
3. Forgery
4. Obtaining $6,230,000 by false pretenses
Trial Update
Justice Hamza Mu’azu adjourned the case to November 13, 2024, for continuation.
Defense and Prosecution
- Defense counsel to respond to allegations.
- Prosecution to present additional witnesses.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Fraud Watch
Yahaya Bello’s Co-Defendants Denied Bail in N110.4 Billion Fraud Case
Court Denies Bail to Yahaya Bello’s Co-Defendants in N110.4 Billion Fraud Case.
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed the oral bail applications of Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, co-defendants of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a N110.4 billion fraud case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Reasons for Dismissal
The defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN) and A.M. Aliyu (SAN), argued that their clients were due for release from the EFCC’s holding facility, but prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) opposed their release, citing the lack of formal written applications. Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s objection, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal procedures.
Background of the Case
Hudu and Oricho were arraigned on October 3, 2024, and remanded in the EFCC’s custody. Yahaya Bello, the former governor, has consistently refused to appear in court for his arraignment on 16-count charges of fraud totaling N110.4 billion.
Update on Yahaya Bello’s Case
During Thursday’s proceedings, Oyedepo informed the court that the EFCC had complied with the earlier order to publish a public summons against Yahaya Bello in a national newspaper. The court adjourned the case until November 14 and 20, 2024, for Yahaya Bello’s arraignment.
Related Developments
The Court of Appeal had previously ordered Yahaya Bello to appear for arraignment, stating that no court has the power to preclude a law enforcement agent from performing its statutory functions.
Fraud Watch
Alleged N35m Fraud: Court Pushes Businessman’s Trial to Dec 19
N35m Fraud Trial Adjourned: Businessman Ericbona Elio Ushie to Face Justice in December.
The trial of Ericbona Elio Ushie, a businessman accused of a N35 million fraud, has been adjourned until December 19, 2024, by Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. Ushie faces a 13-count charge, including stealing, obtaining under false pretenses, and forgery, for allegedly converting N35,397,000 of Calibration and Non-destructive Services Limited’s funds for personal use.
Trial Background
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Ushie on February 12, 2024. Prosecution counsel Bilikisu Buhari stated that 13 witnesses would testify against him. Defence counsel C.C. Orji applied for bail, but Justice Abike-Fadipe revoked it after viewing a viral video showing Ushie boasting about not being arrested or detained.
Latest Developments
At the October 23, 2024, proceedings, Victor Okpara (SAN) requested a variation of the bail conditions. Okpara argued passionately, and Justice Abike-Fadipe granted the application, adjourning the trial until December 19, 2024.
Charges Against Ushie
- Dishonestly converting N35,397,000 of Calibration and Non-destructive Services Limited’s funds for personal use.
- Obtaining N35,397,000 under false pretenses, claiming it was for securing a contract from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Ushie pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
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