Investigators of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, made a significant breakthrough on Wednesday, as they apprehended sixty-four suspected internet fraudsters in Osun State.

The crackdown targeted Ede, Osun State, where the suspects were allegedly engaging in various fraudulent activities.

According to Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, the arrests followed actionable intelligence gathered by the agency.

Among the items seized during the operation were 18 exotic vehicles, 18 laptops, 112 mobile phones, three PlayStation games, five motorcycles, and a trove of incriminating documents.

These seizures underscore the scale and sophistication of the suspected cybercriminals’ operations.

The EFCC stated that the suspects will face legal proceedings once investigations are concluded.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has stood firm on ensuring accountability in the case involving former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who faces allegations of fraud amounting to ₦80 billion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On April 23, the court-mandated the EFCC to serve Bello with the money laundering charges via his legal representative.

Justice Nwite emphasised the necessity for Bello’s presence in court, invoking Section 396 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which mandates defendants to appear before filing any process.

Highlighting Bello’s disregard for previous court orders, Justice Nwite declared that no application from him would be entertained until he appeared in court.

Nwite added that even in the face of an allegedly illegal arrest warrant, Bello’s absence was deemed unacceptable.

Bello’s legal team, represented by Abdulwahab Mohammed, disclosed his intention to halt further proceedings until the Court of Appeal resolves a related case.

Mohammed pointed out that the appellate court had scheduled a hearing for May 20, underscoring the importance of awaiting its decision before proceeding.

A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his daughter, and two others have been granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja, each required to pay ₦100 million.

The case revolves around an alleged fraud totaling ₦2.7 billion.

The court mandated two sureties with landed properties in Abuja, emphasising their responsibility as citizens.

Additionally, sureties must submit an affidavit of means.

The court imposed travel restrictions on the defendants without its permission.

Justice Oriji warned of remanding the defendants if bail conditions aren’t met.

The sureties must possess valid titles for landed properties within the FCT.

Trial dates are scheduled for June 10th, 11th, and 20th.”