Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced Yusuf Ramon and Ganiyu Ibrahim for internet fraud. The duo were among 93 suspected fraudsters arrested during a sting operation on August 10, 2025, at a hotel within the precincts of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The suspects were arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate charges relating to impersonation, identity theft, and internet fraud under the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act, 2015.
Ramon was charged with impersonating “Anna Marry,” a white woman, on Instagram under the handle “@marie barbelon” with intent to gain advantage for himself. Ibrahim, also known as “Elena Pears,” used a Facebook account to fraudulently represent himself as a White American female, earning $150 from his activities.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecution presented extra-judicial statements, mobile phones recovered during the operation, a bank draft of N200,000 from Ibrahim, and forensic investigation reports as evidence, all admitted by the court.
Justice Dipeolu, considering their guilty pleas and the evidence, convicted both men. Ramon was sentenced to one month imprisonment from the day of arrest, with an option of N200,000 fine, and his mobile devices were forfeited to the Federal Government. Ibrahim received one month imprisonment, also with the option of N200,000 fine, and both his iPhone 13 and the N200,000 bank draft were forfeited to the Federal Government.
The defence counsel had pleaded for leniency, citing that both were first-time offenders who showed remorse.
This conviction underscores ongoing efforts by the EFCC and Nigerian courts to clamp down on internet and identity-related fraud, sending a strong message to cybercriminals nationwide.
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