Lagos: EFCC secures conviction of five internet fraudsters

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of five internet fraudsters before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The convicts were among 93 suspects arrested during a sting operation at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) precincts in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on August 10, 2025.

The five men, identified as Christian Okoli, Adeleye Emmanuel, Akinyele Kehinde Fatai, Shonekan Waris Bolaji, and Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi, were arraigned on separate one-count charges related to impersonation, identity theft, and internet fraud.

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All five pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them.

Christian Okoli, arrested in July 2025, admitted to engaging in online romance scams.

In addition to a three-month prison sentence or a N1 million fine, he was ordered to forfeit a Samsung S23 Ultra and the N300,000 he had refunded to the Federal Government.

In a unique ruling, Adeleye Emmanuel, who confessed to romance scams during the August 10 sting, was sentenced to one month of community service.

The judge ordered him to carry a placard from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, declaring that “crime does not pay,” all under the supervision of the Correctional Services.

Akinyele Kehinde Fatai also pleaded guilty to romance scams, admitting to making $2,000 from his activities.

He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or a N3 million fine after refunding N500,000 via a manager’s cheque.

Shonekan Waris Bolaji, who confessed to starting romance scams in 2024 and claimed affiliation with a U.S.-based gang member, received a 30-day prison sentence, effective from the date of his arrest.

Similarly, Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi, who made $2,800 from his scams, was sentenced to 30 days’ imprisonment and ordered to forfeit two mobile phones and a N1 million refund to the Federal Government.