A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted two men, Oluwasegun Adebayo and Sunday Ogunjobi, for impersonating officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and defrauding unsuspecting victims of N1.3 million. Justice Daniel Osiagor delivered the verdict on Monday, March 10, 2025, after the defendants pleaded guilty to a three-count charge bordering on impersonation and fraud. The court has set March 18, 2025, for sentencing.
Details of the Crime
The convicts were arrested following a petition by one of their victims, who reported that Adebayo and Ogunjobi had posed as EFCC operatives and demanded money under the pretence of investigating a fraudulent transaction. According to the EFCC, the duo operated by contacting victims via phone, claiming to be anti-graft agents, and threatening them with arrest unless they paid a settlement fee. The scheme netted them N1.3 million from multiple victims.
EFCC prosecutor Z. B. Atiku presented evidence showing that the defendants had no affiliation with the Commission and had used fake identities to carry out the fraud. The court found them guilty on all counts, including impersonation of public officers and obtaining money by false pretences.
Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea
When the charges were read, both Adebayo and Ogunjobi pleaded guilty. The prosecutor then reviewed the facts of the case, including witness statements and documentary evidence. Justice Osiagor, satisfied that the pleas were voluntary and unequivocal, convicted them accordingly. The judge adjourned the case for sentencing to allow for a pre-sentencing report and to hear allocutus from the defence counsel.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to clamping down on impersonators who tarnish the image of the Commission. Spokesperson Dele Oyewale said, “The EFCC will not relent in prosecuting those who engage in this dastardly act. We urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest EFCC office.”
Impact on Public Trust
Impersonation of law enforcement officers undermines public trust in anti-corruption agencies. The EFCC has recorded several similar convictions in recent years, with the Commission stepping up public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on how to verify the identity of officers. Victims are advised to demand official identification and contact the EFCC directly if they have doubts.
The case highlights the growing trend of fraudsters exploiting the reputation of the EFCC to extort money. Many victims, fearing arrest, comply with demands without verifying the authenticity of the caller. The EFCC has set up a dedicated hotline and online portal for reporting such incidents.
Sentencing and Next Steps
Justice Osiagor will deliver the sentence on March 18, 2025. The defendants face a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act. The court may also order restitution to the victims. The EFCC has assured the public that the outcome will serve as a deterrent to others.
