Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Seven individuals have been arraigned before the Lagos Magistrate Court in Tinubu on Tuesday for alleged cybercrime, including impersonation, internet fraud, and obtaining funds through deceit.
The accused—Bakare Dayo Sherif, Olajire Olaitan, Lawal Toheed Opeyemi, Omiyale Opeyemi, Adeyemi Seyi, Odunlami Lateef, and Wahab Olanrewaju Jimoh—were charged with allegedly defrauding a foreigner of substantial sums in U.S. dollars.
The suspects, brought to court by officers of the Nigerian Police, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read by the court registrar. Presiding Magistrate A.A. Paul granted each defendant bail set at ₦1 million, with the condition of providing two sureties.
This is not the first time the defendants have faced legal scrutiny. Between 2022 and 2024, they were reportedly on trial for similar cybercrime allegations before Magistrate M.E. Owumi within the same jurisdiction.
Pending fulfillment of their bail conditions, the defendants have been remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre. Magistrate Paul adjourned the case to January 15, 2025, for further proceedings.
The arraignment underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, a growing challenge in the digital age. Authorities have called for increased vigilance and international cooperation to curb such activities.