A 27-year-old tailor, Haruna Musa Tolani, has been sentenced to one year in prison for impersonating an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and fraudulently obtaining money.
Tolani, a resident of Ilorin East in Kwara State, was convicted by the Federal High Court in Ilorin on Friday, May 16, 2025, after he falsely posed as an EFCC investigator and defrauded a victim. The conviction followed his initial denial and subsequent guilty plea after overwhelming evidence was presented by EFCC counsel, Sesan Ola.
According to details shared by the EFCC via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, Tolani contacted Access Bank while impersonating Callistus Egwuonwu, a legitimate EFCC operative. Using the fake identity, he fraudulently secured ₦20,000 worth of mobile data leading to financial loss for the real account holder.
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Justice Abimbola Awogboro, who presided over the case, handed down a 12-month prison sentence but offered the option of a ₦200,000 fine. The court also directed the return of a cheque to the defrauded victim and ordered Tolani to refund the stolen ₦20,000.
This conviction adds to a growing list of successful prosecutions as Nigerian authorities intensify their fight against digital impersonation and internet fraud. Legal analysts say this case serves as a stern warning to cybercriminals who exploit technology and false identities for financial gain.
With internet crime on the rise, the EFCC reiterates its commitment to tracking and prosecuting fraudsters who undermine public trust in institutions.
