The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of two individuals for offences bordering on impersonation and obtaining money by false pretence in Sokoto State.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency disclosed that Abdulrahman Abdullahi, also known as A.A. Sabo, and Bashir Muhammad were convicted by the Sokoto State High Court.
Abdullahi was arraigned before Justice Abubakar Adamu, while Muhammad appeared before Justice Muhammad Bargaja.
Each defendant faced a one-count charge and was prosecuted by EFCC counsel Aliyu Bokani Usman, PhD, and Yusuf Kolapo Saidu.
According to the EFCC, both convicts were initially transferred to the commission by the Department of State Services (DSS), Sokoto State Command, for further investigation.
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They were allegedly linked to the notorious “Sai Mallam” cult group, which authorities say is known for involvement in Advance Fee Fraud schemes within Sokoto and beyond.
The commission alleged that the group defrauded several unsuspecting victims across Nigeria and in neighbouring countries, including the Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, and Burkina Faso.
While details of the sentences were not immediately disclosed in the statement, the EFCC described the convictions as part of its sustained crackdown on cross-border financial crimes and fraudulent networks operating within the region.
The agency reiterated its commitment to tackling cybercrime, impersonation, and advance fee fraud, warning members of the public to remain vigilant against schemes promising unrealistic financial gains.