By Nkechi Eze
Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, Kaduna State, has convicted and sentenced one Stephen Adeoti to three years imprisonment for cybercrime-related offences involving impersonation on social media.
According to a statement released by the spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, the conviction followed Adeoti’s arraignment by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Commission on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrime and impersonation.
The charge stated that Adeoti, between January and April 2025 in Bida, Niger State, fraudulently impersonated an individual known as “Anonymous Collective” on Facebook, with the intent to unlawfully gain an advantage for himself. His actions contravened Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and are punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.
Upon arraignment, Adeoti pleaded guilty to the charge. Following his plea, the prosecuting counsel, M.E. Eimonye, prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
Justice Aikawa thereafter convicted Adeoti and sentenced him to three years imprisonment, with an option of a N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of an iPhone 7, which was identified as the instrument used in committing the crime, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Adeoti’s conviction was the result of his arrest in Bida, Niger State, after intelligence reports revealed his involvement in online fraudulent activities. The EFCC emphasized that the case reflects its ongoing efforts to rid the digital space of cybercriminals exploiting social media platforms for unlawful gains.
