By Ibraheem Solaudeen.
The Ilorin zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has arrested Mr Oyediran Joseph, one of the Nigerian suspects indicted in massive online fraud by the US government.
Oyediran, 36, who was arrested by the EFCC in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital was declared wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for money laundering.
The suspect, along with several other alleged online scammers were accused of swindling US citizens by using illegitimate money exchangers to move funds overseas.
The Zonal Head of the anti-graft agency, Mr Isyaku Sharu, made the disclosure while speaking in Ilorin at a press briefing tagged, ‘EFCC/FBI collaboration in the fight against internet fraud and cybercrime.’
Sharu said: “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 Oyediran had benefited about N60 million from the loot via western union transfers.”
He also noted that the Ilorin Zonal office of the commission, had within seven months of its operation arrested over 50 suspected internet fraudsters, secured conviction of 25 of them and ensured forfeiture of their ill-gotten gains which runs into millions of naira to the Federal government.
He called on Nigerians to join forces with the Federal Government in combating internet fraud and cybercrime, in order to fortify the cyberspace for foreign investors to plough in their resources for the growth of the nation’s economy.