Quote from Alex bobby on June 25, 2025, 7:32 AM

Lagos Court Sentences Man to 76 Years in Prison for Child Pornography, Fraud, and Cybercrimes

In a landmark judgment that underscores the Nigerian judiciary's commitment to combating online crimes and protecting minors, the Lagos State High Court has sentenced one Olukeye Adedayo Olalekan to a total of 76 years in prison for a slew of cyber-related offence’s including child pornography, cyberstalking, money laundering, and fraud.

The verdict was delivered on Thursday by Justice Alexander Owoeye, who held that the prosecution, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

A Case of Exploitation and Deceit

Olalekan, who went by several online aliases including hrm87, charlotte708, and harlilott_716, was found guilty of exploiting Instagram as a tool for spreading child pornography and engaging in criminal cyber activities. According to court documents, he created a group titled “Expose Janjua Robin Nudes”, which he used to distribute explicit materials involving minors.

The EFCC brought an 18-count charge against Olalekan, covering violations under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2015 as well as Nigerian laws on fraud and financial crime.

Breakdown of Sentencing

Justice Owoeye delivered a detailed ruling that carefully considered the gravity of each offences. The sentences were as follows:

• Counts 1–4: These charges related to procuring and distributing child pornography and cyberstalking. The judge sentenced Olalekan to two years’ imprisonment on each count, amounting to 8 years in total.
• Counts 5–14: These involved the retention and concealment off proceeds from fraud, a violation often linked to money laundering. Olalekan was sentenced to four years on each count, totalling 40 years.
• Counts 15–18: These charges related to obtaining property under false pretences, commonly understood as fraudulent misrepresentation. On each count, he received a seven-year prison term, amounting to 28 years in total.

All sentences are to run consecutively, meaning the defendant will serve the full 76-year term, with no option of fine on any of the charges.

EFCC Hails the Verdict

Following the judgment, the EFCC released a statement commending the ruling as a milestone in the fight against online exploitation and financial fraud. The agency emphasised the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space and holding perpetrators of child abuse accountable.

“This conviction should serve as a warning to all cybercriminals and sexual predators operating under the illusion of anonymity online. The law will catch up with you,” the EFCC said.

The Commission further encouraged parents to monitor their children's online activity and advised the public to report suspicious content or behaviour to law enforcement agencies.

A Wake-Up Call for Digital Responsibility

This high-profile case reflects a growing concern about the dangers of digital platforms being used for criminal purposes, especially child exploitation and financial fraud. With the internet providing near-instant access and anonymity, predators are increasingly turning to social media to target vulnerable individuals.

Legal experts have applauded the verdict, calling it a strong deterrent and a step in the right direction for Nigerian cybercrime law enforcement. However, many also highlight the need for increased digital literacy, parental awareness, and tech company accountability.

The Broader Implications

While the 76-year sentence is one of the harshest punishments for cybercrimes involving minors in Nigeria to date, it is also symbolic of the government’s efforts to take cybersecurity and online abuse seriously.

The conviction also underscores the utility of the Cybercrimes Act of 2015, a piece of legislation that has been instrumental in enabling Nigeria’s criminal justice system to respond to the evolving landscape of digital crime.

As the country continues to grapple with the twin challenges of cyber fraud and online abuse, this judgment is being hailed as both justice for victims and a clear message to perpetrators: the internet is not beyond the reach of the law.

Conclusion

The conviction and 76-year sentence handed down to Olukeye Adedayo Olalekan mark a significant victory in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime, child exploitation, and online fraud. It sends a clear message that criminal behaviour—especially when it endangers minors and exploits digital platforms—will not go unpunished. As technology continues to evolve, so too must the vigilance of authorities, the responsibility of internet users, and the strength of legal frameworks to protect the most vulnerable in society.

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A Lagos court sentences Olukeye Adedayo Olalekan to 76 years in prison for child pornography, fraud, and cybercrimes. EFCC hails the ruling as a major victory against online predators.