OOPL Hotel Raid Leads To Conviction Of Three Internet Fraudsters

Federal High Court Convicts Three Internet Fraudsters, Fourth Remanded in Lagos

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday convicted three internet fraudsters who pleaded guilty to cybercrime-related offences, while a fourth defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was remanded in custody, according to IReporter Online.

The convicts — Isaac Akinwale, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo — were among 93 suspected internet fraudsters arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a hotel within the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta.

They faced multiple charges including false pretence, identity theft, and obtaining money under false pretence, in violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the EFCC Act, 2004.

During proceedings, EFCC operative Umar Shuaibu testified that Akinwale ran an online celebrity scam using a false female identity, defrauding a victim of $500. Prosecution exhibits included a 2007 Toyota Camry, a Galaxy phone, and a bank draft of N400,000.

Justice Dipeolu sentenced Isaac Akinwale to three months’ imprisonment or a N1 million fine, while Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji received one month’s imprisonment or a N500,000 fine for a romance scam.

Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo was sentenced to 30 days of community service, which includes carrying a banner reading: “Cybercrime Does Not Pay. Stay Away from Cybercrime,” after conviction on two counts of impersonation and retaining N600,000 in criminal proceeds, according to IReporter Online.

Meanwhile, Onunoye Fawas Olamilekan, who pleaded not guilty to impersonating “Nurse Becky” on Facebook and retaining $50 obtained through fraud, had his lawyer challenge the charge’s validity.

Justice Dipeolu ordered his remand at Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending trial on October 31, 2025.

The detailed charges against the convicts included multiple counts of impersonation and retention of criminal proceeds, specifying that the acts were carried out within the Lagos Judicial Division in 2025.

The offences highlighted the use of false identities on social media and email to deceive unsuspecting members of the public, according to IReporter Online.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”