For defrauding American $150, OAU final year student to spend 4 months in prison

A final year student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Orimolade, has been sentenced to four months in prison for defrauding an American of the sum of $150.

Justice Patricia Ajoku of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, handed down the verdict on Friday, which the judge said was based on the evidence before her and the plea bargain agreement he had with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“I have considered the plea bargain agreement entered into by the convict as well as the provisions of Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 in this judgment.

“I also consider the fact that Orimolade is a very young person, preparing for his final exams at OAU and that he had shown great remorse.

Read also: Court remands travel agents in prison over alleged N15m visa scam

“However, to serve as a warning to others intending to engage in cybercrime, Orimolade is sentenced to four months in prison and the sentence starts from the date he was first arrested and detained.

“All the exhibits found in his possession are hereby, forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the judge said.

The defence counsel, Mr Austin Fadugba, had earlier prayed the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing his client.

Counsel to the EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, Mr Babatunde Sonoiki, had told the court that the convict was facing a count amended charge bordering on impersonation, adding that the convict committed the crime on September 28, 2019 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The EFCC prosecutor further explained that Orimolade disguised as a US citizen to one American man, Nelisa Snell, that he was deeply in love with him through the Internet.

“Snell, therefore, sent Orimolade 150 dollars, believing that he had found a lover,” Sonoiki said.

This, Sonoiki said, contravened Section 22(A) of the cybercrime law of the Federation 2006.

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