Sting At Obasanjo Library: Two More Fraudsters Jailed in Lagos

The long arm of the law continues to close in on suspects arrested during the high-profile sting operation at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta. On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, convicted and sentenced two more internet fraudsters — Yusuf Ramon and Ganiyu Ibrahim.

The duo were among the 93 suspects arrested on August 10 at a hotel within the OOPL precincts by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ramon was accused of impersonating a fictitious white woman named “Anna Marry” on Instagram, using the handle @mariebarbelon, with the intent to defraud. Ibrahim, on the other hand, paraded himself as “Elena Pears,” a supposed American woman, through a Facebook account linked to his iPhone 13. Investigators traced conversations with one of his victims, Brad, revealing his intent to swindle.

Both men pleaded guilty to one-count charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2015. Prosecution counsel, S.M. Yabo, tendered the defendants’ confessional statements, mobile devices, forensic reports, and even a N200,000 draft paid by Ibrahim as restitution. All were admitted as evidence. Despite defence pleas for leniency on the grounds that the convicts were first-time offenders, Justice Dipeolu handed down stiff sentences.

Ramon was sentenced to one month in prison, backdated to the day of his arrest, or the option of a N200,000 fine. His iPhones were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government. Ibrahim was equally sentenced to one month in prison with the option of a N200,000 fine. He forfeited his iPhone 13 and the N200,000 restitution draft to the Federal Government. He also confessed to having pocketed $150 from his fraudulent schemes before his arrest.

The OOPL sting has become one of the EFCC’s most publicized cybercrime crackdowns in recent years, underscoring the scale of internet fraud and the agency’s resolve to prosecute offenders swiftly. With dozens of suspects still awaiting trial, Tuesday’s ruling signals that the courts intend to move fast — and make examples of those caught in the web.