The Sokoto Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of two fraudsters, Abdulrahman Abdullahi, popularly known as A.A. Sabo, and Bashir Muhammad, for offences related to obtaining by false pretence and cheating.
The two suspects were arraigned on separate one-count charges before the Sokoto State High Court. Abdulrahman Abdullahi was tried before Justice Abubakar Adamu, while Bashir Muhammad was brought before Justice Muhammad Bargaja.
The cases were prosecuted by EFCC lawyers Aliyu Bokani Usman and Yusuf Kolapo Saidu.
According to the commission, the convicts were first arrested and handed over to the EFCC by the Department of State Services (DSS), Sokoto State Command, for further investigation into their alleged involvement in fraudulent activities associated with the notorious “Sai Mallam” cult group.
An EFCC source disclosed that the group is widely known in Sokoto and surrounding areas for Advance Fee Fraud operations targeting unsuspecting victims within Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
“The investigations revealed that the syndicate defrauded victims not only in Nigeria but also in Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, and Burkina Faso,” the source added.
After their arraignment, the court found the defendants guilty as charged and convicted them accordingly.
The EFCC reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen the fight against internet fraud and other financial crimes, warning that those involved in such acts would be prosecuted.
