According to Punch Metro, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said it recorded no fewer than 200 arrests of Internet fraud suspects, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Boys,’ in October alone.

The Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, stated this at an interactive session with newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

According to Magu, the biggest catch of the commission has been Instagram celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha a.k.a Mompha; and his Lebanese accomplice, Hamza Koudeih.

He said the suspects, who were “kingpins of an Organised Cyber Syndicate Network,” allegedly laundered a total of N33bn.

Magu said: “Five wristwatches valued at over N60m were recovered from Mompha at the point of arrest.

“Investigation has also revealed that he operates 51 bank accounts in Nigeria with which he acquired properties in Dubai and had laundered about N14bn through Ismalob Global Investments Limited.

“His accomplice, Koudeih, also has two firms namely: THK Services Limited and CHK properties Limited with which he has allegedly laundered about N19bn.

“Koudeih lives in a N5m per annum suite at the Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower, Victoria Island Lagos.’’

The EFCC boss said the arrests underscored the agency’s commitment to the fight against corruption and economic crime.

He added that there were also clear messages to “high end fraudsters that they can only run, but cannot hide, sooner than later, we will get them”.

“The effort to flush out all fraudsters continues. At the same time, we will sustain the tempo of vigorous prosecution of fraud cases in court.

“Indeed, fraudsters account for a huge percentage of the 890 convictions that has been recorded by the commission this year.

“A number of assets have been seized, while victims have also enjoyed restitution by order of court,” he said.

While noting that the battle “is far from being won”, the anti-corruption czar renewed his appeal for the support of stakeholders, especially the media, for the commission.

Magu said the youths, who were mostly involved in cyber fraud, needed sensitisation to the consequences of their actions not only to their future but to the nation’s image and economy.

He restated the commission’s resolve to rehabilitate those ready to turn a new leaf, and help them to put their skills to good use.

“The youth must learn the virtues of integrity and hard work as the path to sustainable wealth.

“They must realise that crime does not pay; rather it will destroy their prospects and ruin their chances of decent living.

“For those who are remorseful and prepared to turn a new leaf, the commission is fully disposed to help in channeling their energies and cyber skills to positive venture.

“We are considering a policy that will help in the rehabilitation of convicted, but repentant Internet fraudsters.

“This is to ensure that their skills are positively applied in helping to build a better Nigerian society,” Magu said.

The second prize presentation in the on-going Glo Recharge and Win BIG promo also known as My Own Don Beta took place at the popular Wuse Market, Abuja on Wednesday with Abuja based tailor, Solomon Hassan winning a tricycle (popularly called Keke) alongside fifty nine other winners who won different prizes including Industrial Sewing Machines, Generators and Grinding Mills.

A highly-elated Hassan who resides in Gwagwalada, a satellite town of the Federal Capital Territory thanked Globacom for the prize.

He said “I am very excited and don’t know what to say. I am a tailor and now I have a Keke. That is extra business which will bring in more money for my family”.

According to Hassan: “I received many calls that day but I could not pick, I was very busy. Eventually when I picked (the Glo call), I was told that I won Keke Napep which I did not believe until they gave the phone to Mama G (Patience Ozokwor) who asked me if I did not believe I won? But I told her that I believe now and I was told to come to Glo office”

Another Keke winner is Odah Sunday from Abuja. Odah said “When I received the call from Glo that I have just won Keke Napep, I thought it was 419 but at a point, Glo customer service (personnel) called and said I should give my details and I did. Today, it became a reality that I have actually won Keke. I have recharged two hundred naira many times and I am very happy that I won”.

Some other winners include Dinda Salami from Bauchi who won a Grinding Machine, Engineer Barnabas Amgba from Abuja and Precious Emmanuel who both won generators.

Earlier in his Opening remarks, the regional manager, North Central, Globacom, Mr. Kemi Kaka said the promo was one of Globacom’s efforts to delight its numerous subscribers that have been with the network over the years.

“While we congratulate those who will receive their prizes today, we are pleased to inform you that Globacom will continue to spread joy across the nation as our dignitaries here today will help us to pick, openly, the next set of winners in a live draw,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Director of Licensing and Operations, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Barrister Henry Uwadiae, said the commission was on ground to ensure fair play in the promo exercise, adding that “Glo has been doing this for a long time and we’ve not had any reason to say they have short changed anybody”.

The event was attended by the Chairman, GSM Village Abuja, Mr. Chris Eze; Glo Business Associate, MD/CEO of Zeph Associates, Mr. Tochukwu Nwosu, and Chairman, Wuse Market Traders Association, Mr. Okorie Ikechukwu Raphael.

The event was preceded by the third draw of the promo which produced a total of 50 lucky winners: 20 generators, 15 grinding machines, 10 sewing machines and 5 keke.

These winners will receive their prizes in Port Harcourt on Wednesday 6th November, 2019.