On Monday, the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, sentenced a 21-year-old internet fraudster, Olalekan Quadri, to one year in prison after he pleaded guilty to fraud.

The judge reminded him that if he was brought back for any form of crime, he would be sentenced to life imprisonment, when he may not be able to see his parents and siblings again.

Delivering judgment, Justice N.E. Maha stated that she convicted and sentenced Quadri based on the evidence tendered before her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Mr Quadri’s guilty plea.

The judge noted that the convict was a first-time offender who did not waste the court’s time before he pleaded guilty.

She told the convict that looking sober only was not enough, but to be completely repentant.

Ms Maja said the judgement would serve as a deterrent to others and sentenced Quadri to one year in prison or an option of N20,000 fine. She listed the exhibits found in the convict’s possession, including $100 cash, a phone and some incriminating documents printed out of his fictitious Tik talk account.

The judge said the exhibits would be sold and proceeds forfeited to the federal government.

The EFCC prosecutor, David Olubode, told the court that the convict, arrested sometime in May in Akure, Ondo, was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on impersonation.

The prosecutor said that Mr Quadri was caught possessing a smartphone, which he usually used to carry out his fraudulent activities.

He stated that the offence contravened Section 22(1A) of the Cyber Crime Prohibition and Prevention Act 2022. 

(NAN)