Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted another eight internet fraudsters who were arrested at a hotel within the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Ogun State.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced the convicts to different Jail terms after they pleaded guilty to separate charges of obtaining money under false pretences, identity theft, and romance scams brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicts were among 93 suspects apprehended during a sting operation conducted at the Presidential Library complex on August 9, 2025.
The anti-graft agency informed the court that the offences violated the Cybercrime Act (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and the EFCC Act 2004.
EFCC investigators provided incriminating evidence during the proceedings, including iPhones and fraudulent documents retrieved from the defendants’ devices, which linked them to online fraud.
Several convicts admitted to earning millions of naira through romance fraud and presented restitution as manager’s cheques.
The exhibits, including mobile devices, statements, and cheques, were admitted into evidence by the court without objection from defence counsel.
In his judgment, Justice Dipeolu held that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt through evidence and the convicts’ guilty pleas.
The judge also held that the sentences would serve as punishment and a deterrent to convicts and other youths who may want to follow in their footsteps.
He sentenced Jinadu Gbenisola to three months in prison with the option of a N1 million fine, while Salami Basiru got the same sentence but with an option of a N2 million fine.
The court ordered the forfeiture of their iPhones to the federal government.
In another judgment, the court jailed Tijani Babatunde for three months with an option of a N1 million fine after pleading guilty to romance scams through which he earned between N5 million and N10 million.
The convict also forfeited his iPhone 13 and was refunded N4 million via bank draft.
Another convict, David Ogunmuyiwa, who was arrested with an iPhone 16, bagged one month in prison or a N500,000 fine.
The judge also ordered him to forfeit the device and pay restitution of N70,000.
Justice Dipeolu also sentenced Agada Prosper to three months in prison, a N750,000 fine, and the forfeiture of his iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Awal Yusuf, who obtained $600 from his victim through romance fraud, was sentenced to three months in prison with the option of a N1 million fine. His iPhone 11 and a $300 manager’s cheque were also forfeited to the government.
The court also jailed Amsa Oluwatobi for three months, with the option of a N1 million fine, the forfeiture of his iPhone 13, and a N500,000 bank draft he presented to the EFCC.
The eighth convict, Yusuf Damilola, who pleaded guilty to obtaining $6,000 Canadian and $150 through romance scams, was sentenced to six months in prison or a N6 million fine,
The judge also ordered that his iPhone 12 and a N1 million manager’s cheque, which he presented to the EFCC, be forfeited to the federal government.
Meanwhile, one defendant who pleaded not guilty has been remanded in custody pending trial.
