Kwara Court Sentences Fraudulent Spiritualist to 12 Months for Online Scam
In October 2024, the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction of six individuals for internet fraud in Kwara State. The convicts—Idris Muhammed, Ismail Temitope Mustapha, Oyekola Odunayo, Anthony Sylvester Stephen, Timilehin Adeniyi, and Olayiwola Ayomide Abdulmalik—were prosecuted for impersonation and defrauding unsuspecting victims.
The cases were heard by Justices Sulaiman Akanbi and Adebayo Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin. Justice Akanbi presided over the cases of Idris, Ismail, Oyekola, and Anthony, while Justice Yusuf handled the convictions of Timilehin and Olayiwola.
The charges detailed fraudulent schemes involving various social media platforms, through which the convicts deceived their victims into sending money and gift cards.
The defendants pleaded guilty, and the court accepted evidence presented by EFCC prosecutors, including extra-judicial statements, recovered items, and the money obtained from their illicit activities.
Idris was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of a fine and the forfeiture of his iPhone 13 and $300 to the Federal Government. Ismail received one year imprisonment with an option of a fine, and his iPhone 11 Pro Max and $300 were forfeited. Oyekola was sentenced to a cumulative three years imprisonment with community service and fines, and the forfeiture of $300 and N34,900.
Anthony received one year imprisonment with an option of a fine, and his iPhone 12 and $25 were forfeited. Timilehin and Olayiwola were each sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of a fine, and their phones and restitution funds were forfeited to the Federal Government.