Abeokuta, Nigeria— The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted eight internet fraudsters arrested within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Ogun State.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) charges of identity theft, romance scams, and obtaining money under false pretences. The convicts, among 93 suspects apprehended during an August 9, 2025 sting operation, pleaded guilty to the offences, which violated provisions of the Cybercrime Act 2015 and the EFCC Act 2004.
According to the EFCC, investigators recovered incriminating evidence, including iPhones, fraudulent documents, and bank drafts presented as restitution. The court admitted these items into evidence without objection from the defence.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt through the convicts’ guilty pleas and documentary evidence. He emphasized that the sentences were intended to serve both as punishment and deterrence for youths tempted to engage in similar crimes.
Among those sentenced was Jinadu Gbenisola, who received three months in prison with an option of a ₦1 million fine and forfeiture of his iPhone. Similarly, Salami Basiru was given three months with an option of a ₦2 million fine, alongside the forfeiture of his phone.
Tijani Babatunde, who confessed to earning between ₦5 million and ₦10 million from romance scams, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment or a ₦1 million fine. He forfeited his iPhone 13 and refunded ₦4 million via bank draft.
David Ogunmuyiwa, found with an iPhone 16, was sentenced to one month or a ₦500,000 fine, in addition to restitution of ₦70,000 and forfeiture of his device. Agada Prosper received three months in prison or a ₦750,000 fine, with his iPhone 12 Pro Max forfeited.
In another case, Awal Yusuf—who defrauded a victim of $600—was sentenced to three months or a ₦1 million fine. His iPhone 11 and a $300 manager’s cheque were forfeited. Amsa Oluwatobi was handed a three-month sentence with an option of a ₦1 million fine and forfeiture of his iPhone 13, along with a ₦500,000 bank draft.
The most severe sentence went to Yusuf Damilola, who admitted to defrauding victims of $6,150 Canadian. He was sentenced to six months in prison or a ₦6 million fine, with his iPhone 12 and ₦1 million draft forfeited.
Meanwhile, one defendant who pleaded not guilty was remanded pending trial.
By Makinde oyinkansola| August 21, 2025
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