The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of three individuals, including a footballer, for their involvement in internet fraud and retention of criminal proceeds. The convictions were obtained by the Ilorin zonal directorate of the EFCC, with Justice Haleema Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court delivering the judgments.
The defendants, Musa Olasunkanmi, Owolabi Abduljeleel, and Ayomide Olaoye, pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them. According to the EFCC, Olasunkanmi, who claimed to be a footballer, was found to have over N3.4 million in his bank account, which was linked to fraudulent activities. He also admitted to obtaining $500 and $1,000 from two foreigners under the guise of a romantic relationship.
The charge against Olasunkanmi stated that he knowingly controlled N3,453,000 as proceeds of criminal conduct between January and October 2025. Similarly, Olaoye was found guilty of retaining N2,069,000 in his bank account, which was traced to cybercrime. Abduljeleel was convicted for attempting to cheat by impersonating a white woman on Facebook, through which he defrauded a man identified as Matt.
During the trial, EFCC counsel presented evidence, including the convicts’ statements, recovered items, and proof of restitution. Justice Saleeman sentenced Olasunkanmi to 18 months imprisonment with an option of a fine of N1.2 million. Olaoye was sentenced to varying jail terms with the option of fines, while Abduljeleel was fined N70,000 and had his iPhone and Samsung Galaxy forfeited to the federal government.
The EFCC stated that the convictions were part of its ongoing efforts to rid Kwara State and the nation of cybercrime and other financial offenses. The commission’s efforts to combat financial crimes have been ongoing, with a focus on reducing the prevalence of internet fraud and related activities. The convictions serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in preventing and combating financial crimes. The EFCC’s continued efforts to prosecute individuals involved in such activities aim to create a safer and more secure environment for financial transactions in Nigeria.