EFCC Secures Jail Terms for Fraudsters in Gombe and Maiduguri

In a decisive move against economic crimes, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully prosecuted multiple fraudsters in Gombe and Maiduguri, with courts handing down various jail sentences and financial restitutions.

Gombe Convictions

Justices H. H. Kereng and Abdulhamid Yakubu of the Gombe State High Court, sitting in Gombe, delivered sentences to five fraudsters: Illiyasu Mohammed, Dan Musa, Elisha Elkana, Nasiru Mohammed, and Saidu Mohammed Laddo. The convicts faced charges ranging from cheating and impersonation to fraudulent inducement.

• Illiyasu Mohammed and Dan Musa: Tried before Justice Kereng for cheating and impersonation, they received six months’ imprisonment or a fine of N50,000 each.
• Elisha Elkana: Convicted before Justice Yakubu for obtaining N300,000 under false pretences, Elkana was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a N30,000 fine.
• Nasiru Mohammed and Saidu Mohammed Laddo: The duo fraudulently collected N2,620,000 from a victim under the pretext of securing federal employment. They were sentenced to two years in prison each or a N100,000 fine.

Beyond prison terms, the court ordered the restitution of the total sum of N2,920,000 to victims and the forfeiture of two mobile phones used in the crimes to the Federal Government.

Maiduguri Sentences

Meanwhile, Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, sentenced Abubakar Rabiu Wada (aka Sadiq Gali) and Abba Mohammed after they pleaded guilty to separate fraud charges:

• Wada: Misappropriated N7,000,000 intended for a rice supply deal, earning a three-year jail term or a fine of N100,000.
• Abba Mohammed: Caught in unlawful possession of 13 ATM cards belonging to others, he was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment with a N50,000 fine.

Wada fraudulently solicited funds, promising—but never delivering—the commodity, while Mohammed’s case involved attempts to swap and steal ATM cards from banking customers.

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Broader Implications

These convictions were secured between July 29 and July 31, 2025, underscoring the EFCC’s growing determination to stem financial crime across Nigeria. Commentators have emphasized the deterrent effect of such sentences and the importance of financial restitution to victims. The operation highlights a wider clampdown on internet and employment-related fraud, with several gadgets seized as proceeds of crime.

The EFCC has called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as it intensifies efforts to combat economic and cybercrime nationwide.