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Kwara Courts Convict Four for Internet Fraud
Kwara State High Courts in Ilorin, presided over by Justices Mahmud Abdulgafar and Sulaiman Akanbi, have convicted and sentenced four individuals for internet-related fraud.
On Monday, July 14, 2025, the court delivered its judgment, finding Olaitan Abdulwahab Damilare, Maruf Quadri Kolawole, Habeeb Abiodun Jimoh, and Mubarak Moruf guilty.
Specifically, they faced charges of cheating, impersonation, and obtaining under false pretenses, reflecting serious criminal behavior.
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) diligently prosecuted these cases.
Specifically, Damilare, Kolawole, and Jimoh faced trial before Justice Abdulgafar, while Moruf’s trial occurred before Justice Akanbi.
As a result, all four defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
They acknowledged their wrongdoing, demonstrating accountability for their actions in court.
Case Details
Olaitan Abdulwahab Damilare faced charges for impersonating a white woman named “Fav.”
Consequently, he induced Michael to send $2,100 in gift cards.
He did this under the false pretense of a romantic relationship.
Moreover, this act violated Section 321 of the Penal Code Laws of Northern Nigeria.
Thus, it is punishable under Section 324.
Maruf Quadri Kolawole was accused of impersonating “Frank Matt” on Facebook.
As a result, he deceived Philip Solomon into sending him 950 Australian dollars.
His fraudulent actions clearly violated Sections 321 and 324 of the Penal Code.
Furthermore, authorities are taking these violations seriously to deter similar offenses in the future.
Habeeb Abiodun Jimoh was found guilty of engaging in similar fraudulent activities.
In addition, Mubarak Moruf faced charges for impersonation.
He obtained $300 under false pretenses, showcasing a pattern of deceitful behavior.
Consequently, law enforcement is working diligently to address these crimes and protect potential victims.
Sentences by the Courts
Justice Abdulgafar sentenced Damilare to six months imprisonment.
He ordered the forfeiture of $2,000, an iPhone XR, and a Samsung phone as proceeds of the crime.
Consequently, these items will be transferred to the federal government for appropriate action.
Furthermore, Kolawole received a six-month prison sentence.
In addition, authorities confiscated his iPhone 13 Pro and $950 as proceeds of his fraudulent activities.
Habeeb Abiodun Jimoh received a similar six-month prison sentence.
He forfeited an iPhone 14 Pro Max, an HP laptop computer, and $365 to the federal government.
Justice Akanbi sentenced Mubarak Moruf to one year imprisonment but offered an option of a N400,000 fine.
Moruf also forfeited an iPhone 15 Pro Max, an iPhone 7, and $300 to the federal government.
Prosecution Evidence
Prosecution counsels Aliyu Adebayo and Mustapha Kaigama presented witnesses and reviewed the facts of each case.
Evidence included extra-judicial statements from the convicts, as well as items recovered during their arrests.
The courts accepted these as proof of their involvement in fraudulent schemes.
EFCC’s Commitment
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring that perpetrators face justice.
The convictions underscore the agency’s determination to protect citizens from fraudulent activities and uphold the rule of law.
These judgments serve as a warning to others engaging in internet fraud that such acts will not go unpunished.
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