Internet Fraudster Bags 7 Years Imprisonment
The EFCC, today, October 30, 2019 secured the conviction of one Oluseyi Momoh Lamorin, an Internet fraudster before Justice O.A Taiwo of a Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos. The convict was arrested following intelligence received by the Commission from the British Deputy High Commissioner on the activities of some fraudsters and was arraigned subsequently on September 25, 2018 on an 8-count charge of possession of fraudulent documents and forgery.
Lamorin’s journey to prison began after the Commission received actionable intelligence from the British Deputy High Commission regarding the activities of a syndicate of internet fraudsters operating within Nigeria. Acting on this information, operatives of the EFCC launched investigations that eventually led to the arrest of Lamorin.
He was subsequently arraigned on September 25, 2018, on an eight-count charge bordering on possession of fraudulent documents and forgery. The prosecution tendered several exhibits before the court, including forged documents recovered from his possession, which were intended to defraud unsuspecting victims, many of whom resided abroad.
During the trial, the EFCC’s counsel presented evidence establishing Lamorin’s involvement in cybercrime activities. Witness testimonies and documentary evidence pointed to his deliberate use of fraudulent identities and forged documents to carry out his schemes.
After carefully weighing the arguments, Justice O.A. Taiwo held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The judge subsequently found Lamorin guilty on all counts and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment.
The judgment serves as another victory in the EFCC’s unrelenting fight against internet-related offences, popularly known as "yahoo-yahoo." The Commission, in reaction to the ruling, restated its commitment to tracking, investigating, and prosecuting individuals who exploit digital platforms to defraud innocent victims.
Cybercrime has remained a major concern in Nigeria, attracting international attention due to its damaging impact on global trust in the country’s digital and financial systems. The EFCC has continued to collaborate with both local and international partners to curb the menace, with several convictions recorded in recent years.
Lamorin’s sentencing, according to observers, is expected to serve as a deterrent to other cybercriminals who still believe they can operate with impunity.