LAGOS, NIGERIA – Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos has convicted and sentenced Hakeem Ayotunde Olanrewaju to two years imprisonment for identity theft and impersonation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the conviction in a statement released on Friday, September 8. Olanrewaju was arraigned on a one-count charge under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015.
The EFCC revealed that Olanrewaju pleaded guilty during his recent court appearance. Prosecuting counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, presented evidence and called a witness to confirm the defendant’s involvement in the crime.
Justice Oweibo delivered the verdict on August 15, 2023, sentencing Olanrewaju to two years in prison, with an option of a ₦200,000 fine.
In addition, the judge ordered the forfeiture of $22,000 and a ₦500,000 manager’s cheque recovered from Olanrewaju to the victim of the fraud. The court also directed that mobile devices and other electronic gadgets seized from the convict be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting internet-related crimes and warned that cybercriminals will continue to face justice.
