On February 3, 2025, the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced TikTok user Olamide Bello to three years in prison for impersonating an American citizen. Presiding Judge Alexander Owoeye found Bello guilty of posing as an American woman named Keanu Reeves to deceive individuals seeking romantic relationships. The court offered Bello the alternative of paying a ₦600,000 fine instead of serving the prison term. Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of Bello’s iPhone 14 Pro Max and a 2013 GLK model vehicle, handing them over to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The sentence is set to commence retroactively from December 6, 2024, the date of Bello’s arrest.
Following the conviction, Bello’s attorney, E.O. Ajoku, requested leniency from the court. He highlighted that Bello is a first-time offender who has been in custody since his arrest. Ajoku also noted that Bello is the sole provider for his nine-month-old child, his mother, and other family members, as his father is deceased. He emphasized Bello’s remorse and assured the court that his client has vowed not to repeat such actions. Ajoku pleaded for a non-custodial sentence or the option of a fine.
The prosecution, represented by Chineye Okezie from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), confirmed that there were no prior convictions against Bello. Bello was charged under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Prevention Act of 2015, which addresses offenses related to impersonation. Upon arraignment on January 30, 2025, Bello pleaded guilty to the charge, leading to the sentencing on February 3, 2025.
This case underscores the increasing vigilance of Nigerian authorities in combating cybercrimes, especially those involving online impersonation and romance scams. The EFCC continues to warn the public about the dangers of online fraud and the severe legal consequences for those found guilty of such offenses.
