By Adeyanju Esther

In a concerted effort to combat cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abuja Zonal Command, has made significant strides with the arrest of 13 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud.

The arrests took place in the Kubwa area of Abuja following actionable intelligence received by EFCC operatives.

According to reports, the suspects, consisting of 12 males and one female, were apprehended as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on cybercriminal activities in the region.

The operation, which was meticulously planned and executed, targeted individuals believed to be involved in various forms of online-related crimes. During the raid, authorities seized a cache of electronic devices, including 12 phones and laptops, which are suspected to have been used in perpetrating fraudulent schemes.

 The recovery of these items serves as crucial evidence in the investigation process, shedding light on the extent of the suspects alleged involvement in internet fraud.

Speaking on the operation, a spokesperson for the EFCC emphasised the agency’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s digital space.

The spokesperson reiterated the EFCC’s resolve to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice and accountability for those involved in online-related offences. As investigations into the matter continue, the EFCC has announced its intention to charge the suspects to court upon the conclusion of inquiry.

This development underscores the agency’s proactive stance in combating cybercrime and sending a strong message to potential offenders that such illicit activities will not be tolerated.The EFCC has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities to the appropriate authorities.

 By working together with law enforcement agencies, the public can play a pivotal role in curbing cybercrime and ensuring a safer digital environment for all.

The police command in Niger has presented five persons as suspected armed robbers.

The police alleged that they broke into a man’s resident in Minna and stole his property.

The state Commissioner of Police, MrShawulu Dan-Mammam, announced this on Tuesday in Minna.

He said that the case against the suspects would be criminal conspiracy, thuggery, armed robbery, illegal possession of prohibited fire arms and possession of large quantity of substances suspected to be hemp (marijuana).

Dan-Mammam said that the police had received a distressed call from one Alhaji Ibrahim Dadau of Brighter Area of Minna that a group of armed robbers invaded his house and inflicted injuries on him and molested his family.

“The robbers stole a car, his wife’s jewellery valued at N3.5 million, two television sets, a fan, and N2.2 million cash, among others.

“Credible intelligence from community- based policing led to the arrest of the suspects,” he said.

The commissioner said that the suspects had confessed to series of thuggery and armed robbery operations in Minna.

“Through our investigation and the suspects’ confessions, an SUV car, light blue colour marked NIGER AG 400 PAK, was recovered alongside one POS machine, a television set and two fans, among others.

“However, investigation is still in progress,” he said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Maiduguri Zonal Command, on Tuesday secured the conviction and sentencing of one Isiyaku Ibrahim before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court.

Isiyaku Ibrahim was prosecuted on a one-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation to the tune of N12 million.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this via its X handle on Tuesday.

It said the properties involved in the inheritance fraud include three houses, two fenced lands one of which had seven shops, two bread factories, one open land, two truck tankers and one big installed generator.

The charge reads: “That you Isiyaku Ibrahim and Mallam Ibrahim sometime between 2014 to 2019 at Jajere Baga Road, Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being entrusted with dominion over certain properties belonging to Muhammad Isiyaku (now deceased) to wit: (1) Three Houses, (2) Two fenced lands one of which had seven shops, (3) two bread factories, (4) one open land, (5) two truck tankers and (6) one big installed generator, valued at N12,000,000.00 (Twelve Million Naira) only and thereby criminally misappropriated the said amount to your personal use, to the detriment of the family members of the deceased and therefore committed an offence contrary to section 308 of the Penal Code Cap 102 Laws of Borno State and Punishable under section 309 of the same law.”

Justice Fadawu convicted and sentenced Ibrahim to one-year imprisonment with an option of N100,000 fine.