ILORIN, Nigeria — Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ilorin, has convicted and sentenced multiple individuals for crimes ranging from illegal possession of solid minerals to internet fraud. The cases were prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Truck Driver Jailed for Illegal Mining
Olamilekan Basit, a truck driver, was sentenced to one year imprisonment or a ₦1 million fine for unlawfully transporting 30 tons of assorted solid minerals without a license in Balla, Asa LGA, Kwara State. Additionally, the court ordered him to pay ₦5 million in royalties to the federal government.
His charge read:
“That you, Olamilekan Basit… without lawful authority, came into possession of minerals… contrary to and punishable under Section 134(b) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.”
Photographer Sentenced for Internet Fraud
Oyerinde Gbolahan Sodiq, a 25-year-old photographer, pleaded guilty to cybercrime charges after impersonating “Vickie Mary” on Telegram to defraud a victim of $550. He was sentenced to 300 hours of community service, five hours per day, with no option of fine.
In addition:
He forfeited $300 and an iPhone 12 Pro Max to the federal government.
He must pay an additional $200 or face 2 months in prison after completing his community service.
Other Convictions
Ibrahim Ismail Aranfajo, a phone seller, also received 300 hours of community service without a fine. His iPhone 6x was forfeited to the federal government.
Maruf Ridwan Babawale, sentenced by Justice Haleema Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court, received 6 months imprisonment or a ₦200,000 fine. He must also:
Forfeit his iPhone 11 Pro.
Restitute $300 to his victim.
EFCC Prosecutors and Court Proceedings
All four defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. EFCC prosecutors Rashidat Alao and Mustapha Kaigama presented witnesses and evidence supporting the convictions. Items recovered included digital devices and cash linked to fraudulent transactions.
These convictions reflect ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on economic and cyber-related crimes, with stiff penalties aimed at deterrence.
