Fraud Watch

EFCC Arrests 13 Cybercrime Suspects in Uyo, Akwa Ibom

Published

2 weeks ago

October 8, 2024

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EFCC Arrests 13 Cybercrime Suspects in Uyo, Akwa Ibom

EFCC Cracks Down on Cybercrime: 13 Suspects Arrested in Uyo.

In a bold move to combat internet fraud, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 13 suspected cybercriminals in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The sting operation, which took place on Monday, October 7, 2024, was prompted by credible intelligence on the suspects’ illicit online activities.

Seized Items

The EFCC recovered several high-end vehicles and electronic devices from the suspects, including:

– Two Lexus 350 saloon cars with registration numbers BGK 698 SU Abia and ABC 573 BC
– Toyota Camry V6 car with registration number UYY 888 HR Akwa Ibom
– Toyota Corolla car with registration number KTM 613 AA Akwa Ibom
– Six laptop computers
– 20 smartphones

Next Steps

The suspects will face charges in court once investigations are concluded. This crackdown is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria. Similar arrests have been made in Uyo in recent months, with 21 suspects apprehended in May and 11 in July.

EFCC Intensifies War on Cybercrime

The recent arrest of 13 suspected internet fraudsters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, marks another milestone in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) relentless battle against cybercrime.

Tracking the Trends

This year has seen a surge in EFCC operations targeting internet fraud:

– May 2024: 21 suspects arrested in Uyo
– July 2024: 11 suspects apprehended in Uyo
– October 2024: 13 suspects arrested in Uyo

EFCC’s Strategic Approach

The commission’s success can be attributed to:

1. Intelligence-led operations: Utilizing credible intelligence to identify and apprehend suspects.
2. Collaboration: Working closely with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.
3. Public awareness: Educating Nigerians on the dangers of cybercrime and how to avoid falling victim.

The Bigger Picture

Cybercrime poses significant threats to Nigeria’s economy and national security. The EFCC’s efforts aim to:

1. Protect citizens: Safeguarding individuals from financial losses and emotional distress.
2. Preserve national image: Countering the notion that Nigeria is a hub for cybercrime.
3. Support economic growth: Preventing illicit financial flows and promoting legitimate businesses.

What’s Next?

As the EFCC continues to crack down on cybercrime, Nigerians can expect:

1. Increased arrests: More suspects will be brought to justice.
2. Improved cybersecurity: Enhanced measures to prevent and detect online fraud.
3. Public enlightenment: Ongoing awareness campaigns to educate citizens.

The EFCC’s proactive stance against internet fraud serves as a warning to potential cybercriminals and reinforces the commission’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from online scams.

Stay updated on the EFCC’s progress in combating cybercrime.

Fraud Watch

Alleged $6.2m Fraud: Emefiele Awarded Contracts Without Bidding, Witness Tells Court

Published

1 day ago

October 25, 2024

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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

Published

1 day ago

October 25, 2024

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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

Published

1 day ago

October 25, 2024

Admin

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.