The operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department ForceCID Annex Alagbon-Ikoyi Lagos, has arraigned a suspected Internet fraudster popularly called Yahoo-yahoo boy, Samson Babatunde Onaolapo for an alleged romance scam and fraud of $7, 000 USD
The suspected Internet fraudster, who resides at 34 association Crescent, abimbola Awoniyi Estate, Ifako-Ijainye, Lagos, was arraigned before the court presided over by Justice Alexander Owoeye, on a four-count of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, stealing and impersonation.
The prosecutor, Barrister Williams Tijani, told the court that the defendant with the used of his email handle ScothSparks@yahoo.com, did fraudulently impersonated an American, Scott Spark, whom he used his name to defrauded the dou of Patti Anna and Linda Morgan of the sum of $7, 000.
He was also accused of acquiring, using, retaining and take possession of the sum of 7, 000USD (knowing reasonably ought to know that such fund form part of unlawful act.
The prosecutor further told the court that the defendant committed the offences between 2019 and 2024.
He said the alleged illegal acts of the defendant contravened sections 8(a), 1 (4), (a), (b), (c) of the Advance Fee and other Related offence Act 2006; Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 (As Amended 2024); Section (1); (2)(a)(b) (c)(d) (3) of the money laundry (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as Amended 2012), and section section 390 of the Criminal Code Act LFN 2004.
The defendant denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to each of the counts when the charges were read to him.
Based on his not guilty plea, the prosecutor asked for a trial date, while also urged the court to remand the defendant pending the determination of the charge.
But lawyer to the defendant, Olalekan Ogunbunmi, informed the court that he was just briefed of the arrraignment, hence pleaded with the court for a short date to enable him file his client bail application.
Based on the counsel plea, Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter to May 27, for trial.
The judge however ordered that the suspected fraudster be remanded in the facility of the Nigerian Correctional Services NCoS pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
Charges against the suspected fraudster reads: “that you Samson Babatunde Onaolapo ‘m’ of 34 association Crescent, abimbola Awoniyi Estate Lagos between 2019-2024 at Lagos within the Judicial division of this Honorable Court did Conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit Obtaining Money by False Pretence, Stealing and Identity theft and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 8(a) of the Advance Fee and other Related offence Act 2006.
“That you Samson Babatunde Onaolapo ‘m’ and others now at Large between 2019-2024 at Lagos within the Judicial Division of this Honorable Court did with intent to defraud Fraudulently obtained the sum of 7,000.00 (Seven Thousand United States Dollars) from one Patti Anna and Linda Morgan through romance scam were you presented yourselves as an American citizen Scott Spark, a representation you know to be false and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1 (4), (a), (b), (c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Oath Related Offence Act 2006.
“That you Samson Babatunde Onaolapo ‘m’ and others now at Large between 2019-2024 at Lagos within the Judicial Division of this Honorable Court did steal the sum of 7,000.00 USD (seven Thousand United State Dollars) property of Patti Anna and Linda Morgan and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 390 of the Criminal Code Act LFN 2004.
“That you Samson Babatunde Onaolapo ‘m’ and others now at Large between 2019-2024 at Lagos within the Judicial Division of this Honorable Court while using your email handle ScothSparks@yahoo.com did fraudulently impersonate yourself to be Scott Spark an American Citizen in other to gain advantage for yourselves and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 (As Amended 2024).
“That you Samson Babatunde Onaolapo ‘m’ and other now at Large between 2019-2024 at Lagos within the Judicial Division of this honorable Court did acquire, uses, retains and take possession of the sum of 7,000.00 USD (seven thousand United State Dollars) knowing reasonably ought to know that such fund form part of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 15 (1); (2)(a)(b) (c)(d) (3) of the money laundry (prohibition) act 2011 (as Amended 2012).”
