Joseph Oyediran,
One of the key wanted fraudsters on the list released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 36-year-old Joseph Oyediran, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The commission took to its twitter handle to announce the arrest of the suspect whom they said was the mastermind of a N60 million fraud.
Wrote the Commission: “One of the internet fraudsters wanted by the FBI, Joseph Oyediran, arrested by EFCC operatives in Ilorin, Kwara State. Head, EFCC Ilorin Zonal Office, Isyaku Sharu, disclosed this at a press conference to give update on EFCC/FBI collaboration against internet fraud,”.
Earlier on Friday, the Zonal Head of the EFCC in Ilorin, Mr Isyaka Sharu while briefing newsmen in Ilorin, said that the commission had been supportive of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other anti graft agencies tackling financial crimes.
Said Sharu: “Three weeks ago, the US authority had written to us for assistance in tracking as well as possible arrest and prosecution of two most wanted FBI suspects in Nigeria”.
The FBI in collaboration with the EFCC had indicted 78 Nigerians in the United States for involvement in internet fraud and cybercrime, fleecing victims of millions of dollars.
Sharu said investigation conducted revealed that the suspect arrested in Ilorin had benefited to the tune of N60 million from the loot through Western Union transfers, having collaborated with those arrested in the United State, adding that within seven months of operation, the Ilorin Zonal Office had independently arrested no fewer than 50 other suspected internet fraudsters.
The EFCC official further stated that the zonal office secured the conviction of 25 others and got forfeiture of their exotic cars just as he said that the money seized from the fraudsters running into millions of naira had been forfeited to the Federal Government.
Four properties linked to some of the suspects located in choice areas of Ado Ekiti had been seized, the Zonal head said, pointing out that the properties, which included a super market and plaza, have a conservative value of between N800 million and one billion naira.
Sharu urged Nigerians to be united in the fight against corruption , saying only this could encourage foreign investment in the economy.
