Two bag jail terms for internet fraud in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of two internet fraudsters, Rauf Rokeeb Abayomi and Odeh Godspower, before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The suspects were arraigned on June 28, 2024 on separate charges bordering on internet fraud, contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015.

The charge against Ayobami reads: “That you, Rauf Rokeeb Ayobami (a.k.a Nasty Anabella), on or about the 10th day of May, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, directly made a false statement, wherein you held yourself out as a white woman by name “NASTY ANNABELLA” on your Facebook Account, knowing same to be false and with intent that the representation is relied upon for the purpose of procuring the issuance of financial instrument to yourself and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015.”

The charge against Godspower reads: “That you, Oden Godspower, sometime in April 2024, at Indy Pool Hotel Olodi, Lagos State, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, directly made a false statement wherein you held yourself out as one NASTY_PUFFPHAFF, an American citizen, using your instagram Application knowing same to be false and with intent that the representation is relied upon for the purpose of procuring the issuance of financial instrument to yourself and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act. 2015.”

They pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them.

In view of their guilty pleas,  prosecuting counsel, C.C. Okezie, through the investigating officer, Oyinda Abdullahi, reviewed the facts of the case and tendered documentary evidence against them.

Delivering judgment on July 1, 2024, Justice Dipeolu convicted them as charged and sentenced Rauf Rokeeb to six months imprisonment, with an option of fine of N50, 000. The Judge also sentenced Godspower to two weeks imprisonment.

The convicts began their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were arrested for internet crimes.  They were charged to court and convicted.