UNILORIN final year student jailed for internet fraud, loses Lexus car, others to FG

A final year student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Adigun Oladapo Oludele has been sentenced to one year imprisonment for offences bordering on internet fraud.

A Kwara high court judge, Sikiru Oyinloye ordered that his Lexus vehicle and the N158,000 found in his GTB account be forfeited to the federal government.

The convict’s iPhone 12, iPhone 7, Apple Watch, and 2 laptops, which were recovered from him at the point of arrest were also ordered to be forfeited.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stated that Adigun fraudulently obtained the sum of $6,3280 as a benefit from the Ohio Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Portal of the United States of America.

He was prosecuted on two counts charges.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Adigun Oladapo Oludele and one Ganiu Samson (at large) sometime between December 2020 and June 2021 at Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud did cheat by personation via the Ohio Pandemic Unemployment Assistance portal, U.S.A for which $6, 328.00 was paid as benefits and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 324 of the same Law.”

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.

Andrew Akoja, counsel to the EFCC, urged the court to convict the defendant following his plea.

The defence counsel, T.A Hammed did not oppose the EFCC’s submission.

The Judge, while delivering judgment said: ”This honourable court has not seen any reason why the defendant should not be convicted as the prosecution has placed enough materials before the court to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.”

Justice Oyinloye thereby pronounced Adigun guilty and sentenced him to one year in prison with the option of a N250,000 fine.