(EFCC) achieved a conviction against Farouq Olayinka Aremu, who was sentenced

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) achieved a conviction against Farouq Olayinka Aremu, who was sentenced by Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Aremu faced a single count of cybercrime, which stated: "That you, Farouq Olayinka Aremu, on a date in 2025, within this court's jurisdiction, unlawfully impersonated a white man named Jeo Glenn on Instagram as @jeoglenn with the intent of gaining an advantage for yourself, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22 (3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, etc.) Act 2015.

" He entered a guilty plea to the charges against him. Following his admission of guilt, prosecution attorney A.A. Usman called upon Muhammad Nuhu, an EFCC operative, to present the facts of the case. Nuhu reported that Aremu was apprehended on May 16, 2025, in the Command area of Ipaja, Lagos State, after the EFCC received intelligence on a group of cybercriminals operating in that region. Nuhu explained, "The group is known for defrauding unsuspecting internet users, particularly through romance scams." Aremu admitted to having profited €500 (Five Hundred Euro) from his fraudulent activities. However, investigations revealed that his total earnings amounted to €1,100 (One Thousand, One Hundred Euro). He also noted that Aremu presented himself as Jeoglann on Instagram and used the email addresses mikejeoglann@gmail.com and technologylogistics@gmail.com for his scams. During the investigation, authorities confiscated an iPhone 12 Pro, an HP laptop, and various fraudulent documents from him. He also restituted the sum of N600,000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) via a bank draft. Usman then sought to submit the defendant's extrajudicial statements, the iPhone 15 Pro, and forensic investigation documents as evidence, all of which were accepted as exhibits by the court. Defense attorney Nneka Nkama requested the court to "temper justice with mercy," asserting that Aremu is a first-time offender and is genuinely remorseful. In light of these factors, Justice Dipeolu convicted Aremu and sentenced him to six months in prison, offering an alternative of a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira).
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the iPhone Pro, HP laptop, and the N600,000 to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Aremu received his sentence following his arrest by EFCC operatives for internet-related crimes, leading to his charge and subsequent imprisonment.