EFCC convicts internet fraudsters in Ogun, jails seven suspects who pleaded guilty and orders refund of N7.3m plus forfeiture of phones

EFCC convicts internet fraudsters as seven suspects arrested in Ogun State have been sentenced after pleading guilty to charges of impersonation, identity theft, and internet fraud.

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The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The convicts Azeez Aliu Olalekan, Tijani Babatunde, David Damilola Ogunmuyiwa, Agada Prosper Osinakachukwu, Awwal Mashood, Amusa Wareez Oluwatobi, and Olujimi Damilola were arraigned following their arrest during EFCC’s raid at a hotel within the precincts of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the suspects will jointly refund N7.3 million to their victims, in addition to forfeiting mobile devices including iPhones and Samsung phones.

Justice Dipeolu handed down varying jail terms between one to six months, with options of fines ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦6 million, depending on the degree of financial benefit obtained by each convict.

Notably, Babatunde admitted to benefiting between ₦5m and ₦10m from his fraudulent acts, while others confessed to sums ranging from \$150 to ₦70,000.

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The court emphasized that proceeds of crime, including cheques raised as restitution, must be forfeited to the Federal Government.