Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced Ganiyu Alabi, a 20-year-old undergraduate, to one year and two months in prison for an online romance scam. Alabi pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing fraudulent documents, admitting to defrauding individuals using a fake identity.
As part of the sentencing, Alabi was offered the option of paying a ₦1 million fine to avoid imprisonment. Additionally, he must complete two months of community service.
Details of the Case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that Alabi was arrested in April during a sting operation in Lekki. Operating under the alias “Leana Decker,” a fictitious white woman, he scammed unsuspecting victims on Facebook and earned $1,000 through his deceitful schemes. Following his arrest, Alabi restituted ₦500,000 to the EFCC.
Judge’s Observations
While delivering the verdict, Justice Oshodi highlighted the detrimental impact of cybercrime on Nigeria’s global reputation. He questioned the sincerity of Alabi’s remorse, citing inconsistencies in his statements. Although Alabi claimed he began engaging in fraud in 2024, evidence showed he had been involved since 2023.
The judge emphasized the need for accountability, stating that cybercrime undermines societal trust and harms the nation’s image.
Court Mandates
In addition to his sentencing, the court mandated Alabi to:
- Register as an offender.
- Submit a detailed report on his community service activities.
This case underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against cybercrime and its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s reputation.
