Court Convicts Another Eight In Obasanjo Library Internet Fraud Case, Orders Forfeiture Of Phones And Cash

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos today convicted another eight internet fraudsters arrested during a sting operation at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex in Abeokuta.

The convicts, part of the 93 suspects apprehended by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were arraigned on charges bordering on obtaining money under false pretence, identity theft, and romance scams in violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the EFCC Act, 2004.

During trial, EFCC investigators presented evidence including mobile phones, fraudulent documents, and statements linking the defendants to online scams. Several of the convicts admitted to profiting millions of naira from romance fraud and tendered restitution in form of manager’s cheques.

Justice Dipeolu, after reviewing the evidence and confessional statements, convicted all eight defendants and handed down various sentences with options of fine.

• Jinadu Rasaq Gbenisola: Three months’ imprisonment or N500,000 fine; iPhone forfeited.
• Salami Ponmile Basiru: Three months’ imprisonment or N2 million fine; iPhone forfeited.
• Tijani Babatunde: Three months’ imprisonment or N1 million fine; forfeited iPhone 13 and refunded N4 million.
• David Damilola Ogunmuyiwa: One month’s imprisonment or N200,000 fine; forfeited iPhone 16 and refunded N70,000.
• Agada Prosper: Three months’ imprisonment or N200,000 fine; forfeited iPhone 12 Pro Max.
• Awal Yusuf: Three months’ imprisonment or N700,000 fine; forfeited iPhone 11 and $300 cheque.
• Amsa Lawal Oluwatobi: Three months’ imprisonment or N300,000 fine; forfeited iPhone 13 and N200,000 bank draft.
• Yusuf Damilola: Six months’ imprisonment or N6 million fine; forfeited iPhone 12 and N1 million manager’s cheque.

Justice Dipeolu held that the EFCC had successfully proved its case, stressing that the convictions should serve both as punishment and deterrence to others.

Meanwhile, another defendant who pleaded not guilty was remanded in custody pending trial.