The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced four men to prison for internet fraud, following their conviction by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2.
Justice D.I. Dipeolu delivered the ruling on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The convicted men—Bisiriyu Roqeeb Abiodun, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, Akinwale Isaac, and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo—each admitted guilt to charges including impersonation and fraudulent online activities.
They were part of a larger group of 93 individuals apprehended during an EFCC sting operation at a hotel close to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to the EFCC, Abiodun, also known as “Sharon,” posed as a white American woman using a Zangi account linked to his Samsung Galaxy S20, ultimately deceiving a victim in Tennessee, USA.
Olatunji reportedly carried out his schemes using a Google account under the name “Camila,” while Isaac relied on WhatsApp profiles called “Monica” and “Daisy” to trick unsuspecting individuals.
Oshundairo allegedly impersonated a professional in service certificates and tax documentation through emails to defraud his victims.
Prosecution lawyers Franklin Ofoma and S.M. Yabo presented the court with a range of evidence, including investigative reports, mobile devices tied to the crimes, forensic findings, and bank drafts meant to compensate victims. The court accepted all evidence, which formed the basis for the convictions.
The defence requested leniency, highlighting that the accused were first-time offenders who regretted their actions.
Nevertheless, Justice Dipeolu emphasised that cybercrime poses a serious threat and must be addressed firmly. He convicted the four men under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and imposed sentences accordingly.
This ruling underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to tackling online fraud and protecting citizens domestically and internationally. The EFCC continues to rely on advanced investigative methods and targeted operations to apprehend cybercriminals, urging the public to report suspicious activities to help prevent online scams.