18-Year-Old Internet Fraudster Sentenced to N200,000 Fine, N1m Restitution

An 18-year-old internet fraudster, Hassan Usman Olamilekan, has been convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos for laundering $800 obtained through a gift card scam involving a United States citizen.

Justice Dipeolu delivered the judgment on October 30, 2026, after Olamilekan pleaded guilty to a one-count money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Court Orders Fine and Restitution

The court sentenced Olamilekan to pay a fine of N200,000 and ordered him to pay N1 million to the Federal Government as restitution. He is to remain in the correctional centre until both payments are made.

Justice Dipeolu also ordered the forfeiture of an iPhone 11 Pro and a Poco C71 mobile phone recovered during the investigation.

How the Gift Card Scam Was Carried Out

According to EFCC investigations, Olamilekan met his alleged victim, Gary Brewer, a United States citizen, through the Zangi messaging application. He reportedly posed as a white American woman named Julie Leach.

He allegedly told Brewer that he had won a $250 million lottery prize but needed money to activate the winnings before claiming them. He then persuaded the American to send gift cards through the messaging platform.

Olamilekan admitted selling the gift cards through the Cardsonic application, converting the proceeds to naira and transferring the money into his grandmother's OPay account. He also confessed to receiving $800 from the scheme.

Arrested in Lekki EFCC Operation

The EFCC said Olamilekan was among 21 suspected internet fraudsters arrested during a sting operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State, on October 26, 2026.

Investigators also found that he operated several social media and messaging platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Zangi and iMessage.

The charge against him was filed under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

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