Justice Mohammed Abubakar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, on Thursday, c onvicted and sentenced one Wusu Taiwo Opeyemi to five months imprisonment for criminal impersonation. The offence contravenes section 22(2) (b)(I) and punishable under section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act, 2015.

The 22-year-old undergraduate, who was arrested on October 14, 2020, was prosecuted on a one count amended charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, for fraudulently represented himself as one Jenny Smith, an American lady.

The defendant pleaded ‘guilty’ to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Mabas Mabur, prayed the court to convict him.

Justice Abubakar consequently convicted and sentenced him to five months in prison. He also ordered Wusu to restitute the sum of $500USD (Five Hundred United States Dollars) to his victim, and forfeit his Samsung Galaxy S8 mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In a related development, the Ibadan Zonal Office today, also arrested nine suspected internet fraudsters.

The suspects were picked up at Anjogolo Estate, Oluyole Bashorun and Airport Road, all in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following series of intelligence on their alleged criminal activities.

The suspects are: Uthman Dolapo, Amoo Riliwan Babatunde, Olatayo Ojeyina, Oris Kehinde, Cyril Stephen, Odusanya Olusoji, Audu Olusegun, Adigun Martin and Folarin ikeoluwa.

At the point of their arrest, 5 cars, laptops, phones and some incriminating documents were recovered from them.

They are currently undergoing interrogation and would be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.

Justice Mohammed Abubakar of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abeokuta, on Wednesday, convicted Komolafe Ololade Olajide and Olaniyi Joshua Omobolaji for fraudulent impersonation.

The offence runs contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (i) and is punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

They were convicted on separate one count charge of fraudulent impersonation preferred against them by the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Komolafe, 30, who claims to be a graduate of computer science from Osun State University was arrested on January 22, 2021. In the course of investigation, a number of incriminating documents were recovered from his email.

Upon arraignment on an amended charge after a plea agreement, he pleaded ‘guilty’.

Justice Abubakar thereafter convicted and sentenced Komolafe to six months imprisonment with an option of N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. Apart from his conviction, komolafe was also ordered to restitute a total sum of N1, 319,708.85k (One Million, Three Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eight Naira Eighty-five kobo).

The Court equally ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 12, Samsung S5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 mobile phones; one MacBook, one Toyota Corolla 2008 model, one Toyota Venza 2013 model, and one Toyota Camry 2013 model cars; and a 4 bedroom bungalow.

Similarly, Justice Mohammed Abubakar convicted and sentenced Olaniyi to four months imprisonment with an option of N100, 000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. He was equally ordered to forfeit a Samsung A51mobile phone and a Lexus ES 330 car to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ondo State Command have raided Ita-Ipele and Ipele forests, Owo LGA of Ondo State.

According to the state Commander of the Agency, Mr. Haruna Gagara no fewer than six (6) suspects were arrested during the operation.

The suspects included, Stephen Ikechukwu, 38; Stephen Friday, 32; Austin Osadebe, 58;  Friday Paul, 29;  Adebayo Raphael, 25 and John Pius, 45.

Also, Gagara  added that a total of 41kgs of Cannabis Sativa and 6kgs of Cannabis Seeds were recovered , while a total of five hectares of Cannabis farm was located and destroyed