Internet scammer, his pastor in EFCC net over N12.7m fraud

By Boye Ajayi

Suspected cybercriminal (Yahoo boy), Adebayo Olawale and his pastor, Gbenga Adesoju, a pastor in Ile-Ife, Osun State, are currently cooling off in the net of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission(EFCC) over an alledged N12.7 million scam, Persecondnews reports.

The duo was arrested for allegedly defrauding Mr Umar Hayatu of Lafiya Quarters in Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State to the tune of N12.7 million.

They were apprehended at Ile-Ife following a petition jointly written by the relatives of the victim (Umar Hayatu) and transferred to the EFCC Zonal Office on Thursday.

Both had conspired and dispossessed their victim via social media platforms and phone calls under the pretence that he won a car, some expensive phones and offer of juicy employment.

“Adebayo, the prime suspect, contacted the victim several times, using fake Facebook account names; Williams Angellina and Omolola Adebayo and deceived the victim into believing that his parents have a company abroad and will make him (victim) the Nigerian Manager of the Company at Lagos.

“The suspect further sent the victim various fake pictures of houses and cars that would be given to him as fringe benefits as soon as the company commences operation.

“He also promised him $US30,000 and expensive gifts such as iPhone and jewellery,” a statement by EFCC said.

The anti-graft agency added that preliminary investigation revealed that the sum of N12, 798, 387.00, proceeds of the fraud, were traced to the suspect’s account in a new generation bank.

Adesoju, his alleged accomplice, was also said to have received a BMW car, a plot of land and various sums of money from the proceeds of crime for his “spiritual intervention”.

The EFCC said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.