EFCC Nabs ‘Man Of God’ In N8.4 Million Internet Scam—No Mercy From Judge
In a dramatic twist that has shocked both the religious and online communities, a self-proclaimed gospel artist, Moses Otitoju, has been sentenced to prison for cybercrime-related offences. Yes — a man who once held the microphone in praise has now been sentenced by a Federal High Court in Ilorin to six months behind bars for retaining over N8.4 million in criminal proceeds.
This case raises pressing questions about the blurred lines between public personas and private actions — especially in a digital age where influence can mask intentions.
🎭 The Saints and the Sin: Who Is Moses Otitoju?
Moses Otitoju, 31, hails from Iyamoye in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State and presented himself as a gospel minister — a role that, in Nigeria, often comes with social reverence. But beneath the religious branding lay suspicious activity that caught the attention of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission).
According to the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Office, Otitoju held over N8.4 million traced directly to unlawful dealings — likely from cyber-related scams. Justice Abimbola Awogboro handed down a six-month sentence without the option of a fine — a strong signal that “spiritual branding” offers no immunity under Nigerian law.
🔍 Not Just One Man: A Network of Digital Crime
Otitoju wasn’t alone. He stood trial alongside eight other individuals — Ayodele Joseph, Adeoye Joseph, and Abubakar Abdulmalik among them — who faced similar charges of cybercrime, conspiracy, and fund misappropriation. Each case had its own trail of suspicious transactions, with damning evidence including smartphones, foreign currencies, and fraudulent fund traces.
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Ayodele Joseph was sentenced to 8 months for retaining N243,750, with his Tecno 19 phone forfeited.
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Adeoye Joseph, also from Kogi, got 8 months for cybercrime, with the court ordering the forfeiture of an iPhone 13 and $220.
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Abubakar Abdulmalik will serve 6 months, and his iPhone 16 and Samsung S10 are now federal property.
Prosecutors from the EFCC — Aliyu Adebayo, Sesan Ola, Rashidat Alao, and Mustapha Kaigama — submitted digital evidence, cash trails, and personal statements that sealed the convictions.
⚖️ More Convictions from Kwara Courts
This is not an isolated story. Two other judges — Justices Haleema Saleeman and Sulaiman Akanbi of the Kwara State High Court — convicted five more individuals for similar offenses.
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Abdulkadir Taofeek was sentenced to 3 years, with an option of a N500,000 fine. He also forfeited N800,000, an iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a Samsung phone.
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Emeka Achi, Isaac Oluwafemi, and Afolabi Olatoye were each handed 6-month sentences. Emeka was ordered to refund N3.35 million and report biweekly to EFCC with his parents until full restitution.
💡 What This Means: Beyond the Headlines
At first glance, this might read like another “419” story in the Nigerian news cycle, but there’s more here:
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Gospel and Greed: The arrest of a gospel singer underscores how easily religious influence can be misused for deceit — a dangerous trend in Nigeria’s culture of unquestioned spiritual authority.
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Smartphones as Crime Tools: Every single conviction involved smartphones — a clear pointer to how cybercrime is now deeply mobile-driven. Nigeria’s booming tech literacy is a double-edged sword.
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EFCC’s Changing Tactics: The anti-graft agency is no longer just hunting big politicians — it’s tracking mid-level operatives, digital scammers, and even “celebrity” fronts. The digital trail never lies.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Preach Truth, Not Scams
The Moses Otitoju saga is a jarring reminder that the robes of spirituality can be worn by wolves — and that crime has no loyalty to profession, faith, or background. Whether you preach from a pulpit or post praise videos online, your actions must match your words — because sooner or later, the truth comes knocking.
As digital crime evolves, it’s essential for citizens to be informed, skeptical, and aware of who they trust — both online and offline.
Have thoughts about this case or stories of deception in high places? Drop a comment. Let’s talk. 💬
