Court Sentences Man to 42 Years for €80,000 Internet Fraud in Lagos
In a landmark ruling against cybercrime, Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced Ndidi Joshua Bobby to a cumulative forty-two years' imprisonment for serious offences related to internet fraud. The conviction, delivered yesterday, follows a rigorous prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Okotie-Eboh, involving charges totalling €80,000.
Details of the Charges and Trial
Bobby was initially arraigned in December 2021 on a two-count charge, but the prosecution, led by L.A. Tukur, amended the charge to six counts on July 2, 2025, under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006. One of the key charges alleged that in 2020, in Lagos, the defendant, with intent to defraud, possessed fraudulent documents where he falsely represented himself as "Prince Louis" to Sabine Sigrid Osterlehner. This misrepresentation was traced to materials printed from his phone and Facebook account.
Another count accused him of dishonestly converting €80,000 belonging to the same victim for his personal use. The defendant pleaded not guilty, leading to a full trial that commenced on February 11, 2022. During the proceedings, the prosecution called two witnesses and presented several documentary exhibits as evidence.
Court Proceedings and Judgment
At the close of the prosecution's case on October 12, 2023, Bobby filed a no-case submission, which the court dismissed. He was then ordered to open his defence and testified on his own behalf. In her judgment, Justice Abike-Fadipe held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, emphasizing the gravity of internet fraud in today's digital age.
The court sentenced the convict to seven years' imprisonment on each of the six counts, with the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in a total of forty-two years. Additionally, Justice Abike-Fadipe ordered the forfeiture of all items recovered from Bobby to the Federal Government of Nigeria, stating that these items were used as instruments in committing the offences.
Implications and Broader Context
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities, particularly the EFCC, to combat internet fraud and financial crimes. The ruling serves as a stern warning to cybercriminals and underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding justice in cases involving digital deception and economic harm.
The forfeiture of assets, including those used in the fraud, aims to deter similar activities and recover proceeds of crime for the state. As internet fraud continues to evolve, such convictions are crucial in protecting victims and maintaining public trust in the legal system.
