JUST IN: One Of FBI Most Wanted Suspect Arrested In Ilorin

One of the alleged internet fraudsters wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Joseph Oyediran, has been arrested by operatives of Economics and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Head, EFCC Ilorin Zonal Office, Isyaku Sharu, disclosed this at a press conference to give update on EFCC/FBI collaboration against internet fraud and cyber crime on Friday.

Sharu who represented the Acting Chairman of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, said the anti-graft body has been supportive to the activities of FBI and every other foreign counterpart whose responsibility is similar or analogous to the Commission.

“Three weeks ago, the US authority had written to us for assistance in tracking and possible arrest and prosecution of two most wanted FBI suspects in Nigeria.”

“Investigation conducted by the EFCC revealed that Joseph had benefited about N60 million from the loot via western union transfers,” he said.

Sharu said that within seven months of operation, the Ilorin Zonal office independently arrested over 50 suspected internet fraudsters, secured conviction of 25, and got forfeiture of their exotic cars.

He said that the money acquired from the fraudsters was millions of naira and all gorfeired to federal the government in line with court judgement.

The Zonal Head said that four properties were linked to some of these cybercrime suspects, located in choice areas in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state.

“These properties include Supermarket, Plaza, and so on, and the conservative value of these properties cannot be less than N800 million to N1 billion.”

Sharu said that the nation depends on the vibrancy of the economy, which is a common denominator binding Nigeria together, and business worldwide are being conducted through the medium of cyber.

He said that there is need for Nigerians to come together in fighting the scourge of internet fraud and cybercrime with a view to make the cyber space well-fortified, so that foreign investors can invest to further boost our economy,” he said.