The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of two internet fraudsters, Rauf Rokeeb Abayomi and Odeh Godspower, at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Presided over by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, the court found the defendants guilty of charges related to internet fraud, as defined under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

The case against Rauf Rokeeb Abayomi, who went by the alias “Nasty Anabella” on Facebook, involved him posing as a white woman to solicit financial instruments.

The fraudulent activities took place around May 10, 2024. Similarly, Odeh Godspower, under the pseudonym “NASTY_PUFFPHAFF” on Instagram, impersonated an American citizen in April 2024 to achieve similar fraudulent ends.

Upon arraignment on June 28, 2024, both individuals pleaded guilty to their respective charges.

The prosecuting counsel, C.C. Okezie, supported by the investigating officer, Oyinda Abdullahi, presented a thorough review of the case and submitted documentary evidence against the accused.

On July 1, 2024, Justice Dipeolu delivered the verdict, sentencing Rauf Rokeeb to six months of imprisonment, with an alternative fine of N50,000.

Odeh Godspower received a lighter sentence of two weeks imprisonment.

Their journey to the Correctional Centre began with their arrest for internet crimes, followed by their court trial and subsequent conviction.