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From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of eight convicts: two siblings and six others for internet fraud.
The siblings – Ayuba Bala and Abdulkarim Bala, alongside Abutu Francis Ojochogwu, Okeke Wisdom, Omaonu Ojochenemi Victor, Yusuf Muhammed, Ibrahim Musa and Adebayo Sofiullahi, were jailed during the week after pleading guilty to different count charges bordering on cybercrime, cheating and possession of fraudulent funds.
Six of the convicts: Ayuba, Abdulkarim, Ojochogwu, Victor, Muhammed and Musa were convicted by Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin while the other two convicts: Wisdom and Sofiullahi were jailed by Justice Adebayo Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsels, Sesan Ola and Andrew Akoja prayed the Justices to convict and sentence the defendants as charged.
In his judgment, Justice Sani convicted and sentenced Ayuba to three years imprisonment on each of the two count charges preferred against him. However, he gave an option of fine of N7, 400,770.00 on count one and N300,000 on count two.
The judge ordered the forfeiture of the convict’s Toyota Camry Car, a draft of N971, 636.87 and a mobile phone to the Federal Government.
His sibling, Abdulkarim Bala was sentenced to three years imprisonment on each of the three count charges preferred against him. The court gave him an option of fine of N300, 000 on count one; N385, 875.00 on count two and N616,504.04 on count three. The convict is to forfeit the phone which he used to commit the crime to the Federal Government.
