The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of three individuals, including a self‑styled footballer, for internet fraud and the retention of criminal proceeds. The judgments were delivered by Justice Haleema Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court following proceedings by the EFCC’s Ilorin zonal directorate. All three defendants—Musa Olasunkanmi, Owolabi Abduljeleel and Ayomide Olaoye—pleaded guilty to the charges.
According to the EFQ, Olasunkanmi, who claimed to be a footballer, had more than N3.4 million in his bank account that was linked to fraudulent activity. He also admitted receiving $500 and $1,000 from two foreigners under the pretense of a romantic relationship. The charge against him alleged that, between January and October 2025, he knowingly controlled N3,453,000 as proceeds of criminal conduct. Olaoye was found guilty of retaining N2,069,000 in his account, which was traced to cybercrime. Abduljeleel was convicted of attempting to cheat by impersonating a white woman on Facebook, through which he defrauded a man identified as Matt.
During the trial, EFCC counsel presented the convicts’ statements, recovered items and evidence of restitution. Justice Saleeman sentenced Olasunkanmi to 18 months’ imprisonment, with an option to pay a fine of N1.2 million. Olaoye received varying jail terms, also with the option of fines. Abduljeleel was fined N70,000 and had his iPhone and Samsung Galaxy confiscated by the federal government.
The EFCC said the convictions form part of its ongoing effort to eradicate cybercrime and other financial offenses in Kwara State and across Nigeria. These cases underscore the importance of vigilance and cooperation in preventing financial crimes and demonstrate the commission’s commitment to creating a safer environment for financial transactions in the country.
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