Akanbi Akorede Afeez, a student, was sentenced to two years in prison by Justice Suleiman Akanbi of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on December 9, 2024, for his involvement in internet fraud. Afeez, who used the alias “Erdis,” was charged with deceiving a foreigner, Dinero Enviado, into sending him gift cards worth $551 under the pretense of being a woman in a romantic relationship. He pleaded guilty to charges under Sections 321 and 324 of the Penal Code Laws of Northern Nigeria.
In addition to Afeez’s conviction, the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured convictions for three other suspected fraudsters: Oladejo Ibrahim Abiodun, Yusuf Adewale Gbadeyan, and Adeoye David Oluwatimileyin. They were sentenced on similar charges of internet fraud, with each admitting to cheating by impersonating romantic partners to lure victims into sending money.
Oladejo Ibrahim Abiodun: Sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of ₦400,000. His iPhone 13 Pro and $100 were forfeited to the government, along with a restitution of $400 to the victim.
Yusuf Adewale Gbadeyan: Given a six-month sentence or a fine of ₦300,000. His iPhone 12 and Samsung phone, used in the crime, were forfeited, along with 300 Canadian dollars.
Adeoye David Oluwatimileyin: Sentenced to eight months in prison or a fine of ₦250,000, with the forfeiture of $300 and an iPhone 12.
The court also ordered Afeez to sweep and clean the premises of the Kwara State High Court for two weeks, alongside the forfeiture of his iPhone 14 Promax and HP laptop.
These convictions highlight the ongoing crackdown on internet fraud, a significant issue in Nigeria, and underscore the government’s commitment to tackling financial crimes.
