The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved the conviction and sentencing of seven individuals involved in various fraudulent activities in Gombe and Maiduguri
In Gombe, Justices H.H. Kereng and Abdulhamid Yakubu of the Gombe State High Courts 2 and 3 respectively, on August 5, 2025, convicted and sentenced six individuals including Maigari Abba, Joseph Samuel Bulus, Kasheaure Joseph, Emmanuel Dilibe, Livite Ibrahim, and Awolowo Martins for offences bordering on breach of trust, cheating, and impersonation.
The convicts were arraigned by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on separate one-count charges.
One of the charges against Joseph Samuel Bulus stated that he dishonestly impersonated a former UK Kings Guard, operating fake social media accounts to lure unsuspecting victims into sending him money via gift cards, thereby fraudulently obtaining $1,500.
All defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
Following pleas for leniency by their counsel, Justice Kereng sentenced Abba and Martins to six months imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N60,000 and N50,000 respectively.
Justice Yakubu sentenced Bulus, Joseph, Dilibe, and Ibrahim to two years imprisonment each or a fine of N50,000.
The courts also ordered the restitution of N2.8 million recovered during investigations to the victims of the fraud.
Additionally, one laptop and five mobile phones used in the commission of the crimes were forfeited to the Federal Government.
In a separate ruling in Maiduguri, Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court convicted and sentenced one Kalthum Mustapha on August 6, 2025, to three years imprisonment for defrauding her victims of N1.35 million under the pretext of supplying ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), commonly known as “tammua packages”.
Mustapha, who was first arraigned on May 13, 2024, pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial.
The EFCC presented multiple witnesses and documentary evidence.
Justice Kumaliya found her guilty and imposed a fine of N50,000 or six months imprisonment in default.
Furthermore, she was ordered to refund N635,000 to the victims or serve an additional two years behind bars.
The EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale reiterated that these convictions follow credible intelligence and diligent investigations, reaffirming its resolve to ensure justice is served and to deter fraudulent practices across the country.
