Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted eight internet fraudsters arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a sting operation in Abeokuta.

The convictions followed the defendants’ guilty pleas to charges of cybercrime.

The eight men were among 93 suspects apprehended at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex.

They were prosecuted for offences including obtaining money under false pretences, identity theft, and romance scams, all in violation of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.

During the proceedings, EFCC investigators presented evidence, including incriminating data retrieved from the defendants’ iPhones and other devices, which directly linked them to online fraud.

Several of the convicted fraudsters confessed to earning millions of naira through their scams and offered to make restitution to their victims, tendering managers’ cheques as part of their plea bargains.

These confessions, along with the confiscated devices, were admitted as evidence by the court.

Justice Dipeolu reviewed the facts of the case and the defendants’ confessional statements before delivering judgment. The sentences varied depending on the extent of the crimes committed and the defendants’ willingness to make restitution.

Jinadu Rasaq Gbenisola and Salami Ponmile Basiru each received three-month prison terms, with options of fines of N500,000 and N2 million, respectively. Both men also forfeited their iPhones to the Federal Government.

Tijani Babatunde, who admitted to making between N5 million and N10 million from romance scams, was sentenced to three months in prison or a N1 million fine. He forfeited his iPhone 13 and returned N4 million via bank draft.

David Damilola Ogunmuyiwa, caught with an iPhone 16, received a one-month prison term or a N200,000 fine. He forfeited his device and refunded N70,000.

Agada Prosper and Awal Yusuf were sentenced to three months in prison each, with options of N200,000 and N700,000 fines, respectively, and both forfeited their iPhones.

Yusuf Damilola, who admitted to defrauding victims of 6,000 Canadian dollars and $150, received the stiffest penalty: six months in prison or a N6 million fine. He also forfeited his iPhone 12 and a N1 million manager’s cheque.

Justice Dipeolu stressed that the sentences were designed to serve as both punishment and deterrence for others engaged in similar criminal activities.

Meanwhile, another defendant who pleaded not guilty has been remanded in custody pending trial. (Nigerian Tribune)