EFCC Secures Conviction of Three Internet Fraudsters in Lagos
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, has secured the conviction and sentencing of three internet fraudsters to one year imprisonment each. The sentencing was delivered by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Details of the Conviction
Names and Charges
The convicts, Orizowe Omogbor Anointing, Lawal Olaitan, and Tella Damilola Adebayo, were arraigned separately on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Each of them faced a one-count charge for fraudulently impersonating U.S. citizens.
One of the charges against Anointing read:
“That you, ORIZOWE OMOGBOR ANOINTING (a.k.a Nicholas Dewell), on or about the 20th day of May, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one ‘Nicholas Dewell’ by holding yourself out as such on your Facebook account with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.”
All three defendants pleaded guilty.
Prosecution and Evidence Presented
The prosecution team, led by Bilkisu Buhari and Z.B. Atiku, presented evidence through EFCC investigators Nwike Fortune, Akojemi Emmanuel, and Adamu Usman Turaki. The investigators revealed that the fraudsters were arrested by EFCC operatives and that fraudulent documents, cash, and a Lexus RX 350 SUV were retrieved from them.
Fortune further testified that the defendants gave confessional statements dated May 19 and 20, 2025. He confirmed that these statements, along with incriminating documents retrieved from their devices, were submitted as evidence.
Sentencing and Forfeitures
Court Ruling
Justice Aneke convicted and sentenced each of the defendants to one year imprisonment.
Orizowe Anointing and Lawal Olaitan were each given an option of fine of ₦500,000.
Tella Damilola Adebayo was given an option of fine of ₦1,250,000.
In addition to their sentences:
Each convict was ordered to serve 100 hours of community service.
All recovered assets including cash, mobile devices, and the Lexus RX 350 were forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Background: Arrest and Prosecution
The convicts were arrested after investigations into their online activities revealed fraudulent impersonation of American citizens, a tactic commonly associated with romance and financial scams on platforms like Facebook.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to eradicating cybercrime in Nigeria, urging citizens to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to internet fraudsters.
