Lagos Man Jailed for Online Dating Scam

Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 30, 2025, convicted and sentenced Adenuga Elijah Oluwadamilare to one year imprisonment for internet fraud-related offences.

Elijah was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge of impersonation and cybercrime.

According to the charge, on November 12, 2024, in Lagos, Adenuga Elijah Oluwadamilare fraudulently posed on Google as Pearl Xavier with the intent to gain an advantage for himself—an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2015.

He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Following the plea, EFCC counsel Abdulhamid L. Tukur called operative Adams Adze to present the facts of the case. Adze told the court that the defendant was arrested in November 2024 based on actionable intelligence linking him to a cybercrime ring operating in the Lekki area of Lagos.

Items recovered from Elijah at the time of arrest included an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an HP laptop. The EFCC investigation uncovered digital evidence confirming his involvement in online scams. Adze further testified that Elijah admitted to running a dating scam, from which he earned $200.

The defendant also made a restitution payment of ₦200,000 via bank draft.

The prosecution then sought and obtained the court’s approval to tender the defendant’s statements, mobile phone, laptop, and forensic reports as exhibits.

Addressing the court in plea for leniency, Elijah said, “I have started a business and also registered in a polytechnic to further my education.”

In delivering the judgment, Justice Bogoro sentenced the defendant to one year imprisonment, with an option to pay a ₦200,000 fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the mobile phone, laptop, and bank draft to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Elijah’s conviction brings to a close the legal proceedings that began following his arrest for internet fraud and impersonation.