Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested fifteen (15) suspected internet fraudsters in Enugu.
According to EFCC, they were arrested last Friday, October 20, 2023 following credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet-related offences.
The fifteen suspects are; Casmir Ibebuogu Chizaram, Emegbusim Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chinedu Nworji, Nzube Micheal, Oranusi Chigozie Slyvester, Francis Mbaeri, Okoro Ugonna Prince, Stanley Amobi.
Others are; Emegbusim Chukwuka, Nlemoha Kingsley, Ejiofor Franklin, Chidera Peter, Chidiebube Chukwula Peter, Innocent Chukwuka Peter and Micheal Eche.
The anti-corruption agency disclosed that items recovered from the suspects include 30 mobile phones, one international passport and four laptops.
EFCC also said the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
In a related development, the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the duo of Abdullahi Haladu and Kabiru Liman.
The law enforcement agency revealed that Haladu and Liman were arraigned on Monday, October 23, 2023 before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court for allegedly defrauding Malam Sani Isyak the sum of N1,550,000 (One Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) involving land issue.
EFCC said the two defendants were arraigned on three-count amended charges bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.
One of the counts reads: “That you, Abdullahi Haladu (M) and Kabiru Liman, on or about April, 2021 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, intent to defraud, with intent to defraud, conspired among yourselves to do an illegal act, to: fraudulently obtain the sum of N1,550,000.00 (One Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) from one Malam Sani Isyak, when you falsely represented yourself as the owners of a plot of land measuring 105×45 FADI, at Mangoron Agwai Sabon Gari Malali, and had the authority to sell same, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.”
The Commission also disclosed that the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him, prompting the Prosecuting Counsel, M. Lawal to ask for a trial date.
Consequently, he prayed that the defendant be remanded at the Kaduna Correctional Centre.
EFCC also said defence counsel, Charles Ojijiemeh made an oral application for bail, however, Lawal objected to it, arguing that the suspect had earlier jumped an administrative bail offered to him by the Commission.
Similarly, he asked that Ojijiemeh be compelled to file a formal application for bail.
Meanwhile, Justice Khobo, after listening to their arguments, adjourned the matter till October 30, 2023 for hearing of bail application, and ordered the remand of the suspect in Kaduna Correctional Centre.
EFCC mentioned that Haladu’s trouble started when he was arrested by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC, for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N1,550,000 from a petitioner – a payment that was meant for a plot of land.
It further stated that he failed to provide the land to the petitioner and did not refund the money.
