The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office has successfully prosecuted two internet fraudsters, Rasak Olayinka Balogun and Ayodeji Oluwaseun Olatona for criminal impersonation through illicit cyber activities. The two, who pleaded guilty after the prosecution argued a robust case against them with undeniable evidence, were sentenced to seven months and six months in Correctional Centre respectively, by Justices Muhammed Abubakar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta and Patricia Ajoku of the Federal High Court Ibadan. They were ordered to also pay various fines even as some of their valuable properties were seized.

According to the press release by the EFCC, “The offence runs contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act.

“While Balogun was sentenced to seven months jail term by Justice Mohammed Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, Olatona had his date with Justice Patricia Ajoku of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, who sentenced him to six months imprisonment.

“Apart from his jail term, Balogun was ordered to restitute $4,000 (Four Thousand United States Dollars) to his victim, one Mantonia Duncan, and also forfeit his laptop, Samsung Galaxy S8 phone and iPhone 11 Pro Max to the Federal Government,
while Olatona will restitute $500 (Five Hundred United State Dollars) to his victim and forfeit his iPhone 7 to the Federal government.””

In a related development, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, has convicted one Timilehin Awojoodu of criminal impersonation. However, Justice Lifu reserved his sentence until July 21, 2020. In addition, the judge ordered Awojoodu to restitute the sum of $2,500 (Two Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars) to his victim and forfeit his iPhone 7 and Infinix Hot 7 phone to the Federal Government.

Source: EFCC