EFCC Nabs Internet, Student, Land Fraudsters in Osogbo, Enugu, Port-Harcourt

EFCC Nabs Internet, Student, Land Fraudsters in Osogbo, Enugu, Port-Harcourt

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, on Friday, January 22, 2021   arrested eleven suspected fraudsters. They were apprehended by operatives of the Commission who, acting on intelligence, swooped on their hideouts in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. 

The Commission recovered twelve cars which include three Toyota Highlander SUVs, one Mercedes Benz GLK 350 SUV, One Acura SUV, two Honda Crosstour, two Toyota Venza and three other Toyota brands. Also recovered are phones, laptops and other devices.

The suspects, who variously claimed to be students, artisans, farmers and businessmen, are currently undergoing interrogation to ascertain their level of involvement in the alleged crime.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
22 January, 2021
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Two Undergraduates Arraigned for Internet Fraud in Enugu

Two students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Genesis Arinze Daniel and  Chinedu Ayogu Christopher have been arraigned on separate one count charge of cybercrime before Justice N.I Buba of the Federal High Court, sitting in Enugu, Enugu State..

The defendants who were docked on Thursday January 21, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them by the Enugu Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. 

The duo were arrested based on intelligence on their alleged involvement in cybercrimes activities and obtaining money by false pretenses from the unsuspecting victims, mostly foreigners. 

Investigation by the EFCC revealed how Genesis created and operated Google and Instagram accounts using stolen identity of Thomas Bradley, a United Kingdom national based in Florida,USA, to defraud other  foreigners.  He also created Gmail account; [email protected] which he used to intercept emails messages and chats.

Genesis and Ayogu also engage in fraudulent online Forex Trading Company. Aside from acting   ‘pickers’ for syndicate of fraudsters. 

In view of the plea of the defendants, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Ajobiewe asked for a trial date while counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants; I.U Okenwa   moved motions for the bail of their clients which was not opposed by the prosecution.

Justice Buba, after listening to both counsel admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of One Million (N1,000,000.00) each, and  one surety each in like sum.

The Court adjourned the matter till February 2, 2021 for commencement of trial. 

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
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EFCC Docks Suspected Land Fraudster For N14.8m Fraud
 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt zonal office,  on Thursday,  January 21, 2021, arraigned Margret Ogolo before Justice M. L. Abubakar of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for  fraudulent land sale to the tune of N14,800,000(  Fourteen Million,  Eight Hundred Thousand Naira ).  
 

She was docked on one- count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.
 

The charge read:  “That you Margret Ogolo sometimes in 2013 at Port Harcourt Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira only (N14,800,000.00) from Mr. Adeya Jacob Adeya on the pretext of selling a land situated beside Ecobank Plc, opposite Community Secondary school Alode, Eleme, Rivers State, a pretext which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a)  of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006   and punishable under section 1 (3) of the same Act”. 

 
She pleaded “not guilty” to the charge when it was read to her. 

 
In view of her plea, prosecuting counsel C. O.  Oni, prayed the court for a short adjournment to allow for commencement of trial. However, defense counsel, C. E.  Francis, orally applied for the bail of the defendant.  

 
Justice Abubakar granted the defendant bail in the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) and one surety in like sum.

 The surety must be a Civil Servant of not less than Grade Level 10. The matter  was adjourned till March 1,  2021

Ogolo’s trouble started when a petitioner alleged that she offered four plots of land to him in the sum of N14.8million in 1998.  Ogolo, a widow, reportedly claimed the said landed property belonged to her late husband.

 However,  when the petitioner made a bid to take possession of the property, the real owner appeared and forbade the petitioner to have any access to the property.  

 Every attempt to get Ogolo refund the payment made for the land proved abortive. 

 
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
22 January, 2021