Anti-corruption: Ade personally asks force members to avoid cybercrime
Social media influencer and actor Adedamola Adewale, also known as Aded himself, has called on members of the National Youth Service Corps, the New York State Assembly and other youth across the country to avoid engaging in any computer-related activities related fraud.
Adewale, who is now a strategic stakeholder in the war on corruption, made the allegation on Thursday, August 31, 2023, during a promotional event organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at the National Youth Service Corps in New York State. Orientation Camp, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.
During an interactive session with corps members, model Adedamora urged corps members to stay away from crime and inspired them on how to use the internet to achieve success.
She said, “There are endless opportunities on the internet that you can take advantage of and exploit to achieve financial upgrades instead of committing fraudulent activities and committing crimes.
“As young people, we sometimes overlook our mistakes and the fact that the law of karma always prevails.”
Adedamola also decried the rising crime rate among youths, saying the phenomenon was damaging to the overall image of Nigerians.
She said: “Young Nigerians are being stigmatized as liars or criminals wherever they go. Isn’t this a matter of serious concern? I’m sure you are feeling the same as I am right now.
“No one is saying that making money and financial upgrades through the Internet is wrong, but when it is fraudulent and illegal, it can leave victims in pain, despair, and even death. Have you ever imagined yourself as a victim? Have you ever Such an experience?” Imagine your parents were victims? Have you ever thought about being scammed out of your life savings by a complete stranger? This must be unimaginable!
She therefore urged young people to put their talents into worthwhile activities, saying: “The energy and intelligence you use to defraud innocent organizations and individuals can also be used to explore online money-making opportunities, such as partnering with companies, participating Start your own business, learn an internet trade, make YouTube videos and make as much money as you are trying to scam.
“Technology provides us with so many opportunities to achieve our goals without depriving others of a lifetime of happiness.
You can become a web writer for domestic and foreign producers; you can explore YouTube content and get paid directly; you can make better use of your technical skills by getting involved in cybersecurity; you can buy and sell over the internet, and more.
“Thanks to that same internet, I’m able to achieve my acting goals and dreams as a comedian. So, if I can, why can’t you?”
Abuja court convicts six ‘Yahoo boys’
On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Judge O. I. Adelaja of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kubwa, Abuja, convicted six persons on a charge bordering on Internet fraud. The accused persons detained by the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission include Anekwu Chibuike Peterdamian, Eta Iso Okan, Kolawole Michael Taiwo, Ohue Daniel, Ocholi Husseni and Olatunji Anuoluwapo Johnson.
The charges against the two defendants are as follows: “You, Anekwu Chibuike Perterdamian aka Nguyen Dinh, sometime in the year 2022, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, with intent to defraud, by falsely representing yourself to be a pilot of the United States of America .dating website and obtained $7,000 (Seven Thousand Dollars) from a Christian through Bitcoin, thus committing an offense under Section 321 of the Penal Code of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) and can be charged under Section 324 of the Act impose penalties.
“You, Eta Iso Okon, sometime in 2023, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, when you created an Instagram account pretending to be Theodora, a citizen of the United States of America, indeed By cheating by impersonation, which you knew to be false and in that assumed identity, you obtained the sum of US$4,150 (Four Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Dollars) and therefore you committed an offense under the Criminal Code of the Federation (Abuja) 1990 The crime under Article 321 of the Code shall be punishable under Article 324 of the same law.”
They both pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
Judge Adelaja found Aneku guilty and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment with an option of a fine of N2 million. He will also forfeit to the federal government $4,000 (Four Thousand Dollars) worth, a Mercedes Benz CLA 250 car and phones.
Eta was sentenced to two years in prison or fined N2 million. In addition, he will forfeit to the federal government $US4150 (Four Thousand One Hundred and Fifty), cellphones and laptops.
Osho, Ocholi and Olatunji were sentenced to one year in prison with an option of a fine of half a million naira, while Kolawole was given a non-custodial sentence.
arewanahiya.com
