Oyediran Joseph: FBI Wanted Internet Fraudster Nabbed in Ilorin
Joseph Oyediran, one of the internet fraudsters wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI as part of an international crackdown on a syndicate of cyber criminals has been arrested by operatives of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Ilorin Zonal Office in Kwara State.
This was disclosed by the Zonal Head of the EFCC in Ilorin, Isyaku Sharu on August 30, 2019 during a press conference to give update on the EFCC/FBI collaboration in the fight against internet fraud and cyber crime.
He said: “Three weeks ago, the US authority had written to us for assistance in tracking and possible arrest and prosecution of two most wanted FBI suspects in Nigeria.
“Investigation conducted by the EFCC revealed that Joseph had benefited about N60 million from the loot via western union transfers.”
He stressed that the acting EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu has expressed resolve to ensure that the anti-graft agency effectively coordinates the Nigerian end of the investigation with the FBI and other partner international law enforcement agencies involved in the worldwide crackdown down on internet fraud.
He further noted that within seven months of its operations in Ilorin, the EFCC has revved up efforts to rid the country of cyber crime resulting in the arrest of more than 50 persons involved in internet fraud.
“We have also secured the conviction of 25 of them, recovered exotic cars from them, which were proceeds of their illegal activities,” he said, adding that money recovered from them running into millions of naira were forfeited to the Federal Government.
He also revealed that some property linked to some of the cybercrime suspects, were traced to choice areas in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
“They include supermarket, plaza, and so on, and the conservative value of the property cannot be less than N800 million to N1 billion,” he said.
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Sharu said that the nation depends on the vibrancy of the economy, which is a common denominator binding Nigeria together, and business worldwide are being conducted online.
“There is the need for Nigerians to come together with the aim of combating the scourge of internet fraud and cybercrime in order to make the cyber space well-fortified, so that foreign investors can invest to further boost our economy,” he said.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media and Publicity
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EFCC, New Benin Traders Issue Red Card to Internet Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Benin Zonal Office on Friday August 30, 2019 took its enlightenment and sensitization campaign on the ills of corruption and economic and financial crimes to New Benin Market, Benin City, Edo State.
The Acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu who was represented by Williams Oseghale, head, Public Affairs Department, Benin Zonal Office admonished the traders to shun internet fraud and other forms of criminality. He enjoined the market women and men to warn their children and wards of the danger of engaging in internet fraud as the Commission will continue to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable.
He further enjoined them to be vigilant and circumspect so as not to fall victim to cyber criminals. “You need to be alert. Don’t give your account details to people you don’t trust. Don’t allow people use your account for illicit transactions.”.
The traders who were unanimous that internet fraud was evil joined the EFCC in issuing red card to the malaise.
Comrade Lucky Orukpe, President, Traders’ Walfare Union of Nigeria, Benin Branch, commended the Commission in its effort to rid the society of economic and financial crimes. He said the campaign has enlightened them on how to safeguard their businesses.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media and Publicity
