Eight Internet Fraudsters Jailed in Gombe and Bauchi as EFCC Secures Major Convictions

 

In a sweeping crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)has secured the conviction of eight internet fraudsters across Gombe and Bauchi States. The convictions, which spanned three days between May 19 and 21, 2025, were handed down by various High Courts sitting in the two states.

The convicted fraudsters Goshen Favour Habila, Isaac Matthew Eze, Patrick Oruma, Chineme Kelvin Ifeatu, Richard Olumodeji, Okoye Patrick, Hussaini Muhammad Hussaini, and Elijah Tochia were found guilty of various cyber-related offenses including fraudulent conversion, impersonation, and internet fraud.

The trials were presided over by Justices M.A. Sambo, Aliu Bin Idris, Shafa’u L. Yusuf, and H.H. Kereng at the High Courts of Bauchi and Gombe, respectively.

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Sentences and Fines

The sentences ranged from 30 months to 3 months imprisonment, with many given options of fines. Notably:

• Chineme Kelvin Ifeatu received 30 months imprisonment or a fine of ₦650,000.

• Patrick Oruma was sentenced to three years or a ₦300,000 fine.

• Isaac Matthew Eze received two years or ₦150,000 fine.

• Goshen Favour Habila was sentenced to two years or ₦250,000 for one count, and six months without an option of fine on another.

• Okoye Patrick was handed four months or ₦100,000 fine.

• Hussaini Muhammad Hussaini and Elijah Tochia were each sentenced to three months or a ₦100,000 fine.

• Richard Olumodeji got eight months or ₦50,000 fine.

In addition to jail terms, the convicts were ordered to forfeit one Toyota Camry, a Dell laptop, and several mobile phones—proceeds and tools used in their crimes. The court also mandated full restitution to the victims, many of whom were foreign nationals scammed via social media.

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One More Facing Trial

In a related development, the EFCC arraigned Abubakar Abdullahi before Justice Abdulhamid Mohammed at the Gombe State High Court for allegedly converting ₦6 million belonging to one Wasiu Abdulkarim for personal use.

According to court documents, Abdullahi committed the offense in 2021 and is being prosecuted under Sections 308 and 309 of the penal code. He is currently remanded pending further proceedings.

EFCC’s Warning

The EFCC’s Gombe Zonal Directorate reaffirmed its zero tolerance for cybercrime, warning that anyone involved in internet fraud, regardless of age or education, will face the full wrath of the law.

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“This is a clear signal to those engaging in digital fraud that justice will catch up with them,” an EFCC spokesperson said.

The commission has urged the public to continue reporting suspected fraudsters, promising swift and decisive action.