Reported by: Ijeoma .G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, convicted and sentenced Joshua Victor David and Abdulmalik Adesanya Olayiwola to one year imprisonment each for impersonation. The two were arraigned on separate one-count charges of fraudulent impersonation by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle cybercrime in Nigeria.
Joshua Victor David was charged with impersonating one “Clara Jane” via email to an unsuspecting victim, John Brill, in August 2025. He allegedly intended to gain an advantage for himself by fraudulently representing himself as Jane. Abdulmalik Adesanya Olayiwola was charged with impersonating “Kylie Dowdy” on Facebook during the same period, also with the intent to gain personal advantage. Both offences fall under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty. Prosecution counsel, Fadeke Giwa and Ukoha Nwandu, reviewed the facts, tendered the defendants’ statements, and presented the mobile devices recovered during the arrests, urging the court to convict them. Justice Owoeye subsequently sentenced Joshua Victor David to one year imprisonment with the option of a ₦300,000 fine and ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 16 and a bank draft valued at ₦250,000 to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Abdulmalik Adesanya Olayiwola was also sentenced to one year imprisonment with the option of a ₦600,000 fine.
The EFCC continues to emphasize its commitment to fighting internet fraud, phishing, identity theft, and other cyber offences that have become increasingly prevalent in Nigeria. Cybercrime not only results in financial losses for individuals and businesses but also erodes public trust in online platforms. By prosecuting offenders swiftly, authorities aim to send a strong message that fraudulent activities online will attract serious legal consequences.
Experts say that cases like these underscore the importance of digital responsibility and vigilance among internet users. They also highlight the need for public education on identifying online scams, safe internet practices, and reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. The EFCC has been at the forefront of coordinating these efforts, often collaborating with local and international partners to trace, arrest, and prosecute cybercriminals.
The convictions serve as a reminder that Nigeria’s judiciary is increasingly proactive in ensuring that cybercriminals are held accountable, reinforcing legal protections for citizens and businesses in digital spaces. Both Joshua Victor David and Abdulmalik Adesanya Olayiwola’s imprisonment demonstrates the seriousness with which the government treats fraudulent online activities.
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