The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of nine internet fraudsters also known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo boys’ in Cross River State.
The anti-graft agency in a statement said the convicts, who pleaded guilty, were sentenced to six months imprisonment with only two of them given an option of N200,000 fine each on Monday.
According to the commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, the convicts, were part of the 21 ‘yahoo yahoo boys’ arrested on Wednesday, September 29.
They were arrested in a special operation at the World Bank Estate in Umuahia, Abia State.
The defence counsel Innocent Eze S. N. Nweke Jr pleaded for leniency on the grounds that they were first time offenders.
After listening to both counsel, Justice Oghoghorie convicted and sentenced all the defendants to six months imprisonment each.
While Obioma ThankGod (alias Oliver Kudson) and Azubuine Chikwado were given the option of N200, 000 fine each, the others had no option of fine.
The defendants were equally ordered to make restitution to their victims and forfeit various items to the Federal Government.
Okechukwu Caleb (aka Richard Kudson, Oliver Smith Madison) who defrauded one Maria Zamora of $1000 was ordered to restitute N1,000,000 to his victim through the EFCC.
Christopher Clinton Chinaka McDonald was ordered to forfeit to the Federal Government a Lexus car with Reg. No.UNG 956 KU, iPhone 7, Nokia phone and HP2.
Okoye Chukwubunna Ogugua Chukwuebuka forfeited a Toyota car and iPhone 11.
Egbulefu Promise forfeited iPhone 7, Nokia phone and HP2, and a Toyota Camry.
The convicts were part of the 21 ‘yahoo-boys’ arrested on Wednesday September 29, 2021 by operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC in a special operation at the World Bank Estate in Umuahia, Abia State.
In a related development, Justice Oghoghorie also convicted two other suspects: Folashade Adeyemi and Asuquo Edet for currency counterfeiting and illegal dealing in petroleum products.
Folashade was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment with the option of a N500, 000 fine to be paid within one week for being in possession of counterfeit currency (N100 bills) running into N201,000.
Asuquo Edet was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment without the option of a fine.
He was also ordered to forfeit the wooden boat in which he was arrested, as well as the 20 drums containing 300 litres each of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit PMS.
The Judge ruled that the products shall be sold by the court and the proceeds paid into the Federal Government account.
