From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, August 25, convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters arrested during a sting operation at a hotel near the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The convicts, Olawale Waliu, Akinyele Kehinde Fatai, Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi, Shonekan Waris Bolaji, and Adeleye Emmanuel Jesutofunmi, were among the 93 suspected fraudsters apprehended by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on August 10, 2025.
They were arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on one-count charges of impersonation, identity theft, and internet fraud. Each defendant pleaded guilty.
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Following their pleas, the prosecution, led by S.M. Yabo and three other counsel, presented evidence including incriminating mobile devices, statements of the convicts, and bank cheques raised as restitution.
Justice Dipeolu admitted the exhibits and convicted the defendants accordingly.
The sentences varied. Olawale Waliu, who gained $25 from impersonating a woman online, was jailed for 30 days with an option of ₦80,000 fine.
His iPhone and ₦26,000 cheque were forfeited to the Federal Government.
Akinyele Kehinde Fatai, who benefited $2,000, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with an option of ₦3 million fine.
Shonekan Waris Bolaji, who impersonated a U.S. inmate to obtain $50, was sentenced to one month in prison from the date of arrest.
Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi, who netted $2,230 through false identities, received 30 days’ imprisonment.
His iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone XR were forfeited.
Adeleye Emmanuel Jesutofunmi was sentenced to 30 days of community service at the EFCC office in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The defence counsels had pleaded for leniency, arguing that the defendants were first-time offenders who showed remorse.
Justice Dipeolu, however, stressed that the sentences were necessary to serve as a deterrent to others engaging in cybercrime.
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