Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Kaduna State High Court has sentenced a man for posing as a foreign national on social media to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat internet-enabled crime in Nigeria.
Faruk Suleiman Ololade, who also used the online alias Caesar Smith, was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after admitting to impersonating an Australian national on Facebook. According to court records, the offence occurred on February 12, 2026, in Kaduna, where Ololade created a false identity and attempted to deceive users into providing funds or other benefits. He was charged under Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017, which criminalises impersonation and related fraudulent conduct.
Ololade pleaded guilty to the charge, allowing the prosecution to move for a swift conviction. Justice Jaafaru Zubairu sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment, with an option to pay a fine of 300,000 naira instead of serving the custodial term. In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of the mobile device used in the crime, a Redmi 15C smartphone with IMEI number 865422074373745, to the federal government as the instrument of the offence.
The arrest followed actionable intelligence gathered by the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate, which had been monitoring internet fraud activities in areas including Turaki Signboard and Agwa in Kaduna State. Operatives carried out targeted surveillance and apprehended Ololade, reflecting a growing reliance on intelligence-led enforcement to combat cybercrime.
Authorities have described internet fraud, including impersonation schemes on social media, as a serious threat that undermines public trust and exposes victims to financial loss. Such schemes often involve creating fake identities or pretending to be foreign nationals to solicit money or personal information from unsuspecting individuals.
The EFCC continues to educate the public on common online fraud tactics and how to protect themselves while working to disrupt organised cybercrime networks. Legal experts note that convictions like Ololade’s serve as both a deterrent and a demonstration that the judiciary takes cybercrime seriously.
The court’s decision also highlights the use of asset forfeiture as a preventative measure to remove tools used in committing offences, alongside imprisonment or fines. By combining these measures, authorities aim to discourage potential offenders from exploiting digital platforms for criminal gain.
Ololade’s conviction forms part of a broader campaign in Nigeria to address cyber-enabled financial crimes, including social media impersonation, online scams, and fraudulent investment schemes. Officials stress the importance of early guilty pleas, swift prosecution, and judicial action in deterring such crimes and reinforcing public confidence in the legal system.
The case underscores the continued vigilance required by both law enforcement and the public to address the evolving threats posed by internet fraud while highlighting the judiciary’s role in ensuring accountability and deterrence in Nigeria’s digital space.
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