Movie Producer, 19 Others in EFCC Net over Internet Fraud in Calabar
Lagosreporter
Posted On May 19, 2021
By Emmanuel Udom
Operatives of the Uyo zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Tuesday May 18, 2021, arrested one Emmanuel Eneji, a 23-year-old movie producer and nineteen others for alleged internet fraud in Calabar, Cross River State.
Wilson Uwujaren, head, media & publicity for EFCC, named the 19 suspects, whose ages range between 19 and 36 as- Okonkwo Chukwudi Charles, Obua Akwo Promise, Angba Murphy, Adie Stephen, Success Otu Edem, Asukwo Emmanuel, Godspower Akwo, Anibiet Nna, Jesam Akpama and Dennis Jerry.
Others are- Princewill Sunny, Godbless Olulu, Charles Onwuneme, David Njoku, Victor Francis, Goodluck Alabo, Happiness Otu, Nwadike Kelechi and Obasi Ugochukwu.
According to Uwujaren, the suspects were picked up at different locations within the state capital, namely Ekorimim, Ifete junction, Parliamentary by Car Park and Behind Zone 6 by Monty Suit.
Their arrest was facilitated by credible intelligence regarding their nefarious activities.
Items recovered from the suspects were-one unmarked black Toyota Corolla car, one red Toyota Avalon with registration number-CHR 56 AF, various sophisticated mobile phones, laptops, one WiFi Router, one Modulator-demodulator and flash drives.
In a similar vein, Olarenwaju Omiyinka, a.ka Baba Ijesha, who was arrested April, this year on accusation of molesting a minor, was granted bail by the police Monday, based on health ground.
But, the development has continued to attract heated outrage as many Nigerians argued that he ought to have remained in police.
Earlier, Lagos police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi alleged that the actor had been sexually assaulting the teenager since she was seven.
But, the Lagos State Government in a statement May 4 stated that the actor would be charged under the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
One of the charges against him includes indecent treatment of a child, which is punishable by seven years imprisonment.
Another is the defilement of a child, which is punishable by life imprisonment; sexual assault by penetration is also punishable by life imprisonment.
Baba Ijesha was also being charged for attempted sexual assault by penetration, punishable by 14 years imprisonment, and sexual assault, which is punishable by three years imprisonment.
His release however came as a result of magistrates going around police stations across Lagos state, listening to cases and giving hearing to those arrested.
His bail conditions include getting a N500, 000 bail bond, a level 10 officer and one of his family members as sureties.
However, a cross-section of Nigerians has kicked against the bail granted to the actor, stating that paedophiles must have been behind it.
When SaharaReporters contacted Princess Damilola, the foster mother of the victim, she stated that she had nothing to say at the time.
A tweep, @abdullahkidnyce said, “In Nigeria, the law is meant for the poor and weak! Deal with it!”
Another social media user, @Aadeola30 said, “Why am I not surprised? This is Nigeria.”
@Ankaraola said, “Police that released Dr Anu to continue her practice has also granted Baba Ijesha bail. Tell me why people won’t always resort to jungle justice.”
For @iotama22, the justice system in Nigeria is poor, comparing it to that of the United States. He wrote, “Bill Gates’ romantic affair with his employee happened 20 years ago and the matter was still duly investigated.
That’s America for you. Nigeria: Despite video evidence against Baba Ijesha, people are still asking for more evidence. That’s Naija for you!”
@XtraSpicyIam said, “Why did they release that rapist Baba ijesha dude? Nigeria is tiring abeg.”
