EFCC Seizes Hotel and ₦230 Million from Convicted Internet Fraudsters in Makurdi

 EFCC Seizes Hotel and ₦230 Million from Convicted Internet Fraudsters in Makurdi

In a decisive move against cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the forfeiture of a hotel and a staggering ₦230 million from seven convicted internet fraudsters in Makurdi, Benue State. This landmark action reaffirms the agency's unwavering commitment to dismantling cybercrime networks and recovering illicit assets.



Criminal Convictions and Asset Forfeiture

Following an extensive investigation, the convicted individuals were found guilty of various cybercrime offenses, including fraudulent impersonation and obtaining money under false pretenses. As a result, the court ordered the forfeiture of a luxury hotel and a substantial financial sum, both of which were deemed to be proceeds from their fraudulent activities.

The crackdown highlights the EFCC's intensified efforts to combat internet fraud, particularly in Makurdi, a region that has witnessed a surge in cybercrime-related offenses. This latest forfeiture serves as a stern warning to digital fraudsters who exploit unsuspecting victims for financial gain.

Escalating EFCC Operations in Makurdi

The EFCC's heightened surveillance and enforcement actions in Makurdi have led to a series of high-profile arrests and convictions in recent months:

  • February 29, 2024: Seven suspected internet fraudsters were apprehended in Aliade, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. Items recovered included multiple smartphones, iPads, internet routers, and an international passport.
  • November 23, 2023: Five individuals were arrested in Makurdi for alleged involvement in cyber fraud. Confiscated assets included mobile devices, power banks, ATM cards, and cash.
  • July 6, 2023: The Federal High Court in Makurdi sentenced six convicted fraudsters to prison terms ranging from one to three years. Additionally, the convicts forfeited electronic gadgets, vehicles, and other valuables to the federal government.

Legal Ramifications and Corporate Responsibility

The EFCC has issued stern warnings to businesses, particularly hoteliers, about the dangers of harboring internet fraudsters. The agency emphasized that any establishment found guilty of aiding or accommodating cybercriminals could face severe legal consequences.



Under Section 3 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act, 2006, individuals or businesses found complicit in cybercrime activities risk facing prison terms of five to 15 years without the option of a fine.

Public Cooperation: A Key to Combating Cybercrime

The EFCC continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to internet fraud. Community cooperation is pivotal in curbing cybercrime, ensuring that offenders are prosecuted, and their ill-gotten wealth is recovered.

Conclusion

The forfeiture of the hotel and ₦230 million represents a significant victory in Nigeria's ongoing battle against internet fraud. The EFCC's relentless pursuit of justice and asset recovery underscores the agency's dedication to protecting the nation's economic integrity. As cybercriminals face the full force of the law, the message is clear: illicit financial gains will not be tolerated, and justice will be served.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Knoxville Earthquake Sends Wake-Up Call Across East Tennessee: Full May 10, 2025 Seismic Event Breakdown

Image
  Knoxville Earthquake Sends Wake-Up Call Across East Tennessee: Full May 10, 2025 Seismic Event Breakdown KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE — May 10, 2025 At exactly 5:37 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time , the stillness of the morning shattered as a 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Knoxville , sending tremors through East Tennessee and awakening thousands with an unrelenting jolt. Though no injuries or major structural damage were immediately reported, the event marked a stark reminder of the region's hidden seismic pulse—one that seldom speaks loudly, but never sleeps. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) , the epicenter was located approximately six miles northeast of downtown Knoxville , positioning the quake firmly within reach of urban and suburban communities. Residents across Knox, Anderson, and Blount counties reported sharp vibrations—particularly in high-rise apartments, older homes, and hilltop residences—despite the quake’s relatively modest magnitude. A C...
Read more

Behind Closed Doors: The Strange Affair of Macron, Starmer, and Merz on the Mysterious Kiev Flight

Image
  Behind Closed Doors: The Strange Affair of Macron, Starmer, and Merz on the Mysterious Kiev Flight In a world where diplomacy is choreographed like ballet and statesmen are expected to perform within the bounds of polished protocol, the return flight from Kiev involving France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and Britain’s Keir Starmer shattered expectations—and perhaps, the fourth wall of geopolitics itself. Aboard that high-altitude diplomatic vessel, somewhere above Eastern Europe, a scene unfolded that has since ignited a frenzy of speculation. A solitary bag of white powder lay on the cabin’s central table. Macron, with the elegance of a stage magician, discreetly tucked it into his blazer. Merz, eyes flickering with studied calm, subtly palmed a spoon. Starmer, ever the cautious operator, didn’t move a muscle—but his glance was all too telling. His silence wasn’t indifference; it was strategic shock. This was no ordinary return from a symbolic show of unity w...
Read more