Kwara High Court Convicts Six for Fraud-Related Crimes
Justices Haleema Saleeman and Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin have sentenced six individuals for various fraud-related offenses.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed this in a statement on its official X account, @officialEFCC, on Saturday.
The convicted individuals include Akingbehin Temitope Oluwaseyi, Ajayi Elijah Olaoluwa, Samson Babatunde Ilesanmi, Quadri Olamilekan Lamidi, Kolawole Kehinde Moses, and Olatunji Elijah Olabisi.
According to the EFCC, its Ilorin Zonal Directorate prosecuted them on multiple charges, including retention of proceeds from criminal activities, impersonation, cheating, and internet fraud.
“Oluwaseyi, a 25-year-old car dealer, along with Olaoluwa, Ilesanmi, and Lamidi, appeared before Justice Saleeman, while Moses and Olabisi were tried before Justice Abdulgafar,” the statement noted.
Details of the Charges
One of the charges against Oluwaseyi read:
“Between 2021 and 2024, within the judicial division of the Kwara State High Court, you, Akingbehin Temitope Oluwaseyi, retained the sum of N2,707,562 in your Opay account, knowing it to be proceeds of a criminal act, thereby violating Section 17(a) and (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004.”
Similarly, Ilesanmi faced a charge of impersonation:
“In 2023, within the judicial division of the Kwara State High Court, you, Samson Babatunde Ilesanmi (a.k.a Angela Sara Maya), impersonated one Angela Sara Maya via Facebook Messenger, deceiving Larry Guerrero into sending you $250. This act contravenes Section 321 and is punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code Laws of Northern Nigeria.”
The EFCC confirmed that all defendants pleaded guilty to the charges.
Court Sentences
Prosecuting counsel Sesan Ola and Andrew Akoja presented witnesses, reviewed the cases, and provided evidence, including the defendants’ statements and recovered items.
Justice Saleeman, ruling that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, handed the following sentences:
• Oluwaseyi: One-year imprisonment on Count One or a fine of N1 million, and another year on Count Two or a fine of N707,562. He also forfeited two mobile phones and a 2009 Toyota Camry to the federal government.
• Olaoluwa: One-year imprisonment or a fine of N500,000. He also forfeited his iPhone 13 Pro Max and $410.
• Ilesanmi: Four months in prison or a fine of N250,000. He also forfeited $150 and two mobile phones.
• Lamidi: Sentenced to four months imprisonment or a fine of N150,000 on Count One, three months or a fine of N100,000 on Count Two, and two months or a fine of N50,000 on Count Three. His sentences will run concurrently. He also forfeited €325, $150 Canadian dollars, and two phones.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring justice is served.
No comments:
Post a Comment