"Oyo State Has The Highest Number Of Internet Fraud" - EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibadan zonal office on Monday declared that Oyo State has the highest number of internet and cyber crimes in the South West region.

Head of Ibadan zonal office of EFCC, Mr. Friday Ebelo, while addressing journalists in Ibadan, the state capital, said most of the crimes were committed in Lagos State but the offenders found shield in the Oyo.

He said if investigation was focused on a particular state, the state would no doubt have highest concentration and crimes.

He lamented that the commission had no facilities for effective investigation in the zone, saying that it would have been easier to carry out investigations in five states in a day.

He also decried a situation whereby youths between ages of 18 and 39 were involved in the crimes, adding that majority of them had been convicted.

Ebelo while noting that the commission remained resolutely committed to its mandate under the headship of Mr. Ibrahim Magu for optimum performance, said the zone received a total of 481 petitions, secured 83 convictions out of 107 filed at different courts within the zone, representing 83 per cent of the total number of cases filed.

According to him, between January and June this year, an average sum of N116, 945, 981.68 was recovered.

In foreign currencies, Ebelo said $39,125, €1, 800 and £50 were recovered while 54 registered and 11 unregistered vehicles also recovered.

“We have some of the suspects who have written the commission, asking for plea bargain some of which we have to reject”.

He explained that one thing about plea bargain was that the suspect has to be convicted which is at the discretion of the court.

“The judge has to look at the merit and the demerits of the case before granting or allowing plea bargain.”