A 23-year-old Nigerian, Odeyemi Hammed Oluwaseun, has been sentenced to one year in prison for internet fraud. Oluwaseun posed as an American-based female spiritualist to scam victims by promising to restore their relationships through spiritual powers.
Conviction and Sentencing
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin convicted Oluwaseun on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he faced a two-count charge of internet fraud, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretenses.
Fraudulent Activities
Oluwaseun defrauded his victims, Bose and Schneider Alina, by impersonating “Lord Hill,” a female spiritualist. He promised to use mystical powers to reunite them with their ex-lovers.
- Count One: Oluwaseun tricked Bose into sending $3,200 worth of gift cards in December 2023, claiming it would help reconcile her with her ex-husband.
- Count Two: Between August and September 2023, he duped Schneider Alina into sending $4,500 worth of gift cards, promising to restore her relationship with her ex-boyfriend.
The EFCC revealed that Oluwaseun operated using the email address hillor674@gmail.com and Instagram account _Visions_by_Tendo_12.
Prosecution’s Case
Oluwaseun pleaded guilty to the charges. EFCC counsel, Sesan Ola, presented evidence, including the convict’s extra-judicial statements, $1,000 cash, an iPhone 15, and a 2008 Toyota Camry recovered from him.
Court Ruling
Justice Abdulgafar, satisfied with the evidence, sentenced Oluwaseun to a six-month suspended jail term for each count. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the $1,000, iPhone 15, and 2008 Toyota Camry to the Federal Government.
EFCC’s Warning
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime, urging the public to stay vigilant against fraudsters exploiting the internet for deceitful schemes.
This case highlights the EFCC’s relentless efforts to crack down on cybercriminals and protect vulnerable individuals from online scams.
