Yahoo Boys
By Abdullahi Abubakar
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of four internet fraudsters arrested during a raid at a hotel within the premises of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta.
The convicts — Isaac Akinwale, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo and Bisiriyu Roqeeb Abiodun — were among 93 suspected cybercriminals apprehended in the operation.
They faced multiple charges bordering on false pretence, identity theft, and obtaining money under false pretence, contrary to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the EFCC Act, 2004.
Testifying in court, EFCC operative Umar Shuaibu revealed that Akinwale posed as a woman to run an online celebrity scam, defrauding a victim of $500. Exhibits tendered included a 2007 Toyota Camry, a Galaxy phone, and a N400,000 bank draft.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, sitting as a vacation judge, sentenced Akinwale to three months’ imprisonment or a N1 million fine. Olatunji got one month’s imprisonment or a N500,000 fine for a romance scam, while Oshundairo was ordered to perform 30 days of community service — including carrying a banner reading “Cybercrime Does Not Pay. Stay Away from Cybercrime.”
However, another suspect, Onunoye Fawas Olamilekan, pleaded not guilty to impersonating “Nurse Becky” on Facebook and retaining $50 obtained through fraud. His lawyer challenged the validity of the charge, claiming the cited section of the Cybercrimes Act did not exist. He was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending trial on October 31, 2025.
The EFCC said charges against the remaining suspects will be heard in due course.
