Kwara High Court Convicts Spiritualist for Fraud
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, has convicted and sentenced a 23-year-old self-proclaimed spiritualist, Odeyemi Oluwaseun, to one year imprisonment for internet fraud. The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, January 17, 2025, following Oluwaseun’s prosecution by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Oluwaseun faced two counts of internet fraud, impersonation, and obtaining money by false pretence. The EFCC accused him of defrauding victims by posing as an American-based female spiritualist capable of restoring estranged relationships through diabolical means.
Charges and Case Details
The charges revealed how Oluwaseun used false identities to deceive victims into sending him money in the form of gift cards:
- Count One: The convict impersonated “Lord Hill,” a supposed female spiritualist, via email, deceiving a victim named Bose to send $3,200 in gift cards under the guise of using spiritual powers to reconcile her with her ex-husband. This act was deemed a violation of Section 321 of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 324 of the same code.
- Count Two: Between August and September 2023, Oluwaseun impersonated another spiritualist on Instagram with the handle “_Visions_by_Tendo_12,” inducing a victim, Schneider Alina, to send $4,500 in gift cards. The convict claimed the money would be used to spiritually influence her ex-boyfriend to return to her.
Prosecution and Sentencing
Upon hearing the charges, Oluwaseun pleaded guilty. The EFCC’s counsel, Sesan Ola, presented evidence including the convict’s extra-judicial statements, the sum of $1,000 recovered from him, an iPhone 15, and a 2008 Toyota Camry car. Ola urged the court to convict Oluwaseun based on the compelling evidence.
Justice Abdulgafar, satisfied with the prosecution’s case, sentenced Oluwaseun to a six-month suspended jail term on each count, to run consecutively. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the $1,000, the iPhone 15, and the Toyota Camry to the Federal Government.
EFCC Statement on the Case
Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, released a statement detailing the case. He emphasized that Oluwaseun’s fraudulent schemes preyed on vulnerable individuals seeking to mend broken relationships.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The case highlights the growing prevalence of online scams in Nigeria and the EFCC’s commitment to addressing such crimes. Legal experts have noted the importance of educating the public on the dangers of online fraud and the necessity of verifying claims before engaging in financial transactions with strangers.
The judgment serves as a deterrent to others involved in similar fraudulent activities, reinforcing the message that cybercrime has serious consequences. The forfeiture of assets demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that proceeds of crime do not benefit offenders.
Conclusion
Oluwaseun’s conviction underscores the need for vigilance in combating cybercrime. While the EFCC continues its efforts to crack down on internet fraud, individuals are advised to exercise caution in their online interactions to avoid falling victim to scams.
