A Sokoto State High Court sitting in Sokoto on Tuesday sentenced Adedeji Oluwatosin to two years imprisonment over internet fraud of $150,000.
Mr Adedeji was part of those wanted by the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).He was charged with one count charge bordering on internet fraud which he pleaded guilty to.
According to court documents, Adedeji stole the aforementioned amount through wire funds transfer from multiple foreign victims by fraudulent intrusion into their retirement accounts domiciled in the US via the internet.
Following his guilty plea, counsel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Musa Gwani, asked the court to convict and sentence the defendant.
However, defence counsel Shamsu Dauda pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as his client was a first time offender who has become remorseful.
He also told the court that the convict is ready to restitute the victims by forfeiting his home in Kaduna and two Mercedes Benz cars (Models C550e and C450) to the victims.
Justice M. Sifawa, thereafter, convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment with option of N2 million fine.
He ordered the convict to restitute the victims by forfeiting the proceeds of the said crime: a residential apartment situated at No17/19 Seamans Street, Maigero, Kaduna State and two Mercedes Benz Models C550e and C450 respectively through Asset Forfeiture Unit of the EFCC for disposal and return of the proceeds to the victims of the offence through the US Legal Attaché in Nigeria.
Adedeji was arrested in Kaduna at Unguwan Maigero in a luxury apartment on August 29 following intelligence by the FBI on his involvement in internet scams.
Items recovered from the residence included two cars (Mercedes Benz C550e, Mercedes Benz C450), an iPhone, laptops, a modem and SIM cards.
