The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully convicted and sentenced nine individuals for various cybercrime-related offences in Kwara State.

The convictions were secured by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC at the Federal High Court and Kwara State High Court, both in Ilorin. The charges ranged from impersonation and conspiracy to unlawful retention of criminal proceeds.

Those convicted include:

Otitoju Moses Sesan (a 31-year-old gospel musician),

Ayodele Joseph Daisi,

Adeoye Joseph,

Abubakar Aliyu Abdulmalik,

Emeka Oluwatobi Achi,

Isaac Babalola Oluwafemi,

Afolabi Faith Olatoye,

Zubeiru Zubeiru Junior, and

Abdulkadir Taofeek.

EFCC prosecutors presented confessional statements, recovered money, and digital devices as key evidence.

Highlights of the judgments include:

Ayodele Joseph Daisi was sentenced to eight months in prison with no option of a fine. His Techno phone and N243,750 in his UBA account were forfeited to the Federal Government.

Adeoye Joseph also received an eight-month jail term, forfeiting $220, an iPhone 13, and a Techno Pop 9.

Abubakar Aliyu Abdulmalik got six months behind bars and gave up his iPhone 16 and Samsung S10.

Abdulkadir Taofeek was sentenced to three years in prison or a N500,000 fine. He also lost N800,000, an iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a Samsung phone.

Emeka Oluwatobi Achi, Isaac Babalola Oluwafemi, and Afolabi Faith Olatoye were each sentenced to six months or a N100,000 fine. Achi must also refund N3.35 million within three months and report to the EFCC biweekly with his parents.

Zubeiru Zubeiru Junior got 15 months in prison or a N350,000 fine, with his iPhone XR and $325 forfeited.

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to stamping out internet fraud and advised young Nigerians to shun cybercrime and embrace legal paths to success.