The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured the conviction of three alleged internet fraudsters in the federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Judge D.I. Dipeolu. The convicts — Shodeinde Taiwo Samuel, Oyetunde Eniola Ayomide, and Akinola Samuel Bolutife — were apprehended during a sting operation on August 10 at a hotel in the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where 93 suspects were arrested.

Each individual faced a one-count charge related to impersonation, identity fraud, and internet fraud under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Samuel impersonated “Andy Dante,” a female foreign national on Facebook, to defraud victims. Ayomide, known as “Jessicabrowns,” used a TikTok account to pose as “Jessica Brown,” while Bolutife impersonated “Mabella Smith” on Telegram to commit fraud.

All three defendants entered guilty pleas. Evidence presented during the trial included extra-judicial statements, mobile phones (including iPhone 14, iPhone 11, and iPhone 6 Pro), manager’s cheques, and forensic investigation reports, which were admitted by the court.

Justice Dipeolu sentenced Samuel to three months’ imprisonment from the date of arrest, with the option of paying a fine of N300,000 after admitting to profiting $200 from his fraudulent activities. The court also ruled for the forfeiture of his mobile devices and a N250,000 manager’s cheque to the federal government.

Ayomide was fined N50,000 and his iPhone 11 was forfeited, while Bolutife received a one-month jail term from the date of arrest, with the option to pay a N100,000 fine; his iPhone 6 Pro and a N45,000 bank draft issued for restitution were also forfeited after he admitted to benefitting €25 from his crimes.

Defense attorneys pleaded for leniency, noting that their clients were first-time offenders who had shown remorse. Earlier, on August 15 and August 18, four other suspects arrested during the operation were convicted.