Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced 20-year-old undergraduate, Ganiyu Alabi, to one year and two months in prison for an online romance scam.
Alabi pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing fraudulent documents, admitting to using a fake identity to defraud unsuspecting individuals. As part of the judgment, he can pay a fine of ₦1 million to avoid imprisonment and must complete two months of community service.
While delivering the verdict, Justice Oshodi emphasized the damage cybercrime causes to Nigeria’s international image and noted that Alabi’s claim of remorse was questionable. The judge pointed out inconsistencies in Alabi’s statement, revealing he had engaged in fraud since 2023, despite his claims of starting this year.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that Alabi was arrested in a sting operation in Lekki in April. Posing as “Leana Decker,” a fictitious white woman, he scammed victims via Facebook, earning $1,000. He has since restituted ₦500,000 to the EFCC.
The court also mandated Alabi’s registration as an offender and submission of a report on his community service activities.