EFCC Secures Conviction Of Three Internet Fraudsters Arrested Near Obasanjo Library

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of three internet fraudsters — Shodeinde Taiwo Samuel, Oyetunde Eniola Ayomide, and Akinola Samuel Bolutife — following their arrest at a hotel close to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State……CONTINUE READING

The anti-graft agency confirmed that the judgment was delivered on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, by Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Arrest and Charges

The trio were apprehended on Sunday, August 10, 2025, during a sting operation targeting online fraudsters operating within the Abeokuta axis. According to investigators, the suspects specialized in impersonation and romance scams, using false identities on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram to defraud unsuspecting victims.

• Shodeinde Taiwo Samuel was accused of posing as “Andy Dante,” a foreign woman on Facebook, to trick people into sending him money. He confessed to benefitting $200 from his fraudulent activities.

• Oyetunde Eniola Ayomide, also known as “Jessica Brown” on TikTok, reportedly lured a victim named Jason Duke by pretending to be a white female. He operated the scam through his iPhone 11, linked to the alias.

• Akinola Samuel Bolutife created a Telegram profile under the name “Mabella Smith” with the intention of exploiting unsuspecting users. He admitted earning €25 through the fraudulent scheme.

Each of the suspects was arraigned on a one-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015, which criminalizes online impersonation and internet fraud.

Court Proceedings

During the trial, all three defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. EFCC prosecutors, led by I.G. Akhanolu, Ayanfe Olowonihi, and M.S. Yabo, presented evidence including:

• Extra-judicial confessional statements,

• Seized devices (iPhones and a Samsung phone),

• Manager’s cheques worth N295,000 submitted as restitution, and

• Forensic reports extracted from their mobile devices.

Justice Dipeolu admitted all the exhibits and convicted the trio.

Sentencing and Forfeitures

Delivering judgment, the court imposed relatively mild sentences, reflecting the defendants’ guilty pleas and restitution efforts:

• Shodeinde Taiwo Samuel: 3 months imprisonment from the date of arrest, or an option of a ₦300,000 fine. His devices and a ₦250,000 manager’s cheque were forfeited to the federal government.

• Oyetunde Eniola Ayomide: A ₦50,000 fine, with his iPhone 11 ordered forfeited to the federal government.

• Akinola Samuel Bolutife: 1 month imprisonment from the day of arrest, or a ₦100,000 fine. His iPhone 6 Pro and ₦45,000 restitution cheque were forfeited.

EFCC’s War Against Cybercrime

The EFCC emphasized that the convictions underscore its commitment to curbing the rising menace of internet fraud — commonly known in Nigeria as “Yahoo Yahoo.”

Nigeria has consistently ranked among countries battling cybercrime, with young people often lured into online scams due to unemployment and economic hardship. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has previously warned that digital fraud costs the country billions annually, damaging Nigeria’s global image and discouraging foreign investment.

By securing convictions such as this, the EFCC hopes to deter others while also educating the public on the dangers of online scams.

Global Context

Online fraud is not unique to Nigeria. According to a 2024 report by Interpol’s African Cybercrime Centre, over 60% of cyber-enabled financial fraud in Africa involves romance scams, phishing, and identity theft. Globally, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported that romance scams alone accounted for losses exceeding $1.3 billion in 2023, showing the transnational nature of these crimes.

The involvement of digital platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram highlights how fraudsters exploit social media tools to prey on vulnerable users worldwide. This also raises concerns over the responsibility of tech companies in monitoring and shutting down fraudulent accounts.

Broader Implications

Analysts believe that while convictions such as these are symbolic victories, the relatively small financial penalties might not be enough to serve as deterrents. With most fraudsters gaining access to far larger sums than what was retrieved in this case, critics argue for stiffer penalties and rehabilitation programs to dissuade young people from cybercrime.

Furthermore, the location of the arrest — near the prestigious Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library — added symbolic weight to the case, sparking conversations on how fraudsters often operate in plain sight.

Conclusion

The conviction of Shodeinde Taiwo Samuel, Oyetunde Eniola Ayomide, and Akinola Samuel Bolutife reinforces the EFCC’s stance in the ongoing battle against internet fraud. However, it also underscores the need for greater public awareness, harsher penalties, and global cooperation to tackle cybercrime effectively.

For everyday Nigerians, the case serves as a reminder to be cautious online, verify identities before engaging in financial transactions, and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.