Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 internet fraudsters linked to a sting operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The convicts, among 93 suspects arrested during the raid, were charged with offences ranging from obtaining money under false pretence, impersonation, identity theft, to romance scams, contrary to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the EFCC Act, 2004.
During proceedings, EFCC investigators presented incriminating evidence, including iPhones, fraudulent documents, and forensic reports from seized devices. Some of the convicts admitted earning millions of naira through romance fraud and tendered restitution in the form of manager’s cheques. The exhibits, including statements, devices, and cheques, were admitted without objection.
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In one of the charges, the court heard: “That you, ASIMIYU OLUWAPONMILE OLATUNJI (male) sometime in August, 2025, at Lagos, within the Lagos jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently opened a Facebook Account with the name Janet Milner, and held out yourself as such, and deceitfully obtained the sum of $350 (Three Hundred and Fifty United State Dollars), thereby committing an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 22 (3)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.”
Olatunji pleaded “guilty,” alongside Hassan Makinde, who admitted to benefiting $10,000 Australian Dollars (about ₦1.5 million). Both men were convicted.
Delivering judgment, Justice Dipeolu sentenced Olatunji to three months imprisonment with an option of ₦500,000 fine. His iPhone 12 and a ₦350,000 manager’s cheque issued as restitution were forfeited to the Federal Government. Makinde received the same sentence with an option of ₦500,000 fine, while his iPhone 16 was also forfeited.
Other convicts sentenced included: Jinadu Rasaq Gbenisola – three months imprisonment or ₦500,000 fine, with forfeiture of iPhone.
Salami Ponmile Basiru – three months imprisonment or ₦2 million fine, with forfeiture of iPhone.
Tijani Babatunde – three months imprisonment or ₦1 million fine, after admitting to romance scams worth between ₦5 million and ₦10 million. He forfeited an iPhone 13 and refunded ₦4 million by bank draft.
David Damilola Ogunmuyiwa – one month imprisonment or ₦200,000 fine, forfeiture of iPhone 16, and restitution of ₦70,000.
Agada Prosper – three months imprisonment or ₦200,000 fine, with forfeiture of iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Awal Yusuf – three months imprisonment or ₦700,000 fine, forfeiture of iPhone 11, and a $300 manager’s cheque. He admitted to benefiting $600 from romance scams.
Amsa Lawal Oluwatobi – three months imprisonment or ₦300,000 fine, forfeiture of iPhone 13, and ₦200,000 restitution.
Yusuf Damilola – six months imprisonment or ₦6 million fine, forfeiture of iPhone 12, and ₦1 million manager’s cheque. He confessed to obtaining $6,000 Canadian dollars and $150 through romance scams.
In each case, the court noted that the prosecution had established its case through evidence and the defendants’ own confessional statements.
While defence counsel in some cases pleaded with the court to “temper justice with mercy” and consider the convicts as first-time offenders, Justice Dipeolu held that the sentences would serve both as punishment and deterrence.
“The application is granted as prayed, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice which is fixed for 8/7/25. The Appellant and 2nd Respondent are to be duly served before that date,” the Deputy Chief Registrar stated in one of the rulings.
Meanwhile, one other defendant who pleaded not guilty was remanded in custody pending trial.
