Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has convicted eight individuals arrested for cybercrime during a sting operation carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abeokuta.
The convicts, part of 93 suspects apprehended at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library premises, admitted to charges of obtaining money under false pretence, identity theft, and romance scams.
The offences contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the EFCC Act, 2004.
During the hearing, EFCC operatives presented evidence including iPhones, fraudulent documents, and the defendants’ statements, all of which tied them to internet-related fraud. Some of the accused confessed to making millions of naira from romance scams and tendered restitution through manager’s cheques.
After considering the confessional statements and evidence presented, Justice Dipeolu delivered varying sentences. Jinadu Rasaq Gbenisola and Salami Ponmile Basiru were sentenced to three months in prison each, with an option of fines of N500,000 and N2 million respectively. Their iPhones were forfeited to the Federal Government.
Tijani Babatunde, who admitted to making between N5 million and N10 million through romance scams, was sentenced to three months imprisonment or a N1 million fine. He forfeited his iPhone 13 and refunded N4 million via bank draft.
David Damilola Ogunmuyiwa, arrested with an iPhone 16, got one month in prison or a N200,000 fine. He also forfeited the phone and refunded N70,000.
Agada Prosper received three months imprisonment or a N200,000 fine, alongside the forfeiture of his iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Awal Yusuf, who gained $600 through fraudulent romance dealings, was sentenced to three months or a N700,000 fine. His iPhone 11 and a $300 manager’s cheque were confiscated.
Amsa Lawal Oluwatobi was given three months imprisonment or a N300,000 fine, with his iPhone 13 and a N200,000 bank draft forfeited.
Yusuf Damilola, who confessed to scamming victims of $6,000 Canadian dollars and $150, was sentenced to six months imprisonment or a N6 million fine. His iPhone 12 and a N1 million bank draft were forfeited.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that the EFCC had successfully proven its case through evidence and the defendants’ admissions. She added that the sentences would serve as punishment and deterrence against future cybercrime.
One other suspect who pleaded not guilty was ordered to remain in custody pending trial.
