The five were among 93 suspects apprehended by EFCC operatives on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in a high-profile clampdown on internet fraud syndicates operating from Abeokuta
EFCC Secures Conviction of Five Internet Fraudsters Nabbed in Obasanjo Library Hotel Raid
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of five internet fraudsters arrested during its sting operation at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The convicts—Christian Okoli, Adeleye Emmanuel, Akinyele Kehinde Fatai, Shonekan Waris Bolaji, and Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi—were arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday. They all pleaded guilty to charges of impersonation, identity theft, and romance scams.
The five were among 93 suspects apprehended by EFCC operatives on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in a high-profile clampdown on internet fraud syndicates operating from Abeokuta.
Breakdown of convictions:
- Christian Okoli (arrested in July ahead of the raid) admitted to running online romance scams. The court sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment or a ₦1 million fine. A Samsung S23 Ultra phone and ₦300,000 refund were forfeited to the Federal Government.
- Adeleye Emmanuel was sentenced to one month of community service, including publicly carrying a placard from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the inscription: “Crime does not pay.”
- Akinyele Kehinde Fatai confessed to benefitting $2,000 from scams. He refunded ₦500,000 via an Access Bank manager’s cheque and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or a ₦3 million fine.
- Shonekan Waris Bolaji admitted to starting romance scams in 2024 and boasted of ties to a jailed U.S.-based gang member. He was sentenced to 30 days in prison, effective from August 10, 2025.
- Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi confessed to making $2,800 from scams. He refunded ₦1 million, while his iPhone 13 Pro Max and another Android device were forfeited. He also bagged 30 days’ imprisonment from August 10, 2025.
The August 10 sting operation at OOPL resulted in the arrest of 93 suspects linked to romance and internet scams. EFCC confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with more prosecutions expected in the coming weeks.
The Commission emphasized that the convictions reflect its resolve to pursue cybercrime cases to their logical conclusion—ensuring perpetrators face jail terms and forfeit illicit proceeds to the state. Read More
