Matilda Omonaiye/
Justice Mohammed Abubakar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta has convicted and sentenced one Wusu Taiwo Opeyemi to five months imprisonment for criminal impersonation, just as nine suspected fraudsters were arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State today.
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 representing 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 to his victim and forfeit his Samsung Galaxy S8 mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Opeyemi’s offence contravenes section 22(2) (b)(I) and punishable under section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.)Act, 2015.
In a related development, the Ibadan Zonal Office today 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 a series of intelligence on their alleged criminal activities.
The suspects were identified as 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, five cars, laptops, phones and some incriminating documents were recovered from them.
According to EFCC’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, the suspects are undergoing interrogation and would be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed.
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