An Ikeja Special Offences Court has convicted and sentenced Ndidi Joshua Bobby to 42 years’ imprisonment for internet fraud involving false identity and obtaining money under false pretence.
Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe delivered the judgment after finding the defendant guilty on multiple counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The prosecution, handled by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 in Okotie-Eboh, charged Bobby with offences bordering on stealing and possession of fraudulent documents linked to €80,000. He was initially arraigned in December 2021 on a two-count charge, which was later amended to six counts in July 2025 under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
According to the EFCC, the offences were committed in 2020 in Lagos, where the convict allegedly impersonated a certain “Prince Louis” to deceive a victim, Sabine Sigrid Osterlehner. Through this false identity, he was said to have fraudulently obtained and converted €80,000 for personal use.
Bobby pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial that commenced in February 2022. During proceedings, the prosecution presented two witnesses and tendered documentary evidence to support its case. After closing its case in October 2023, the defence filed a no-case submission, which was dismissed by the court, leading the defendant to open his defence.
In her ruling, Justice Abike-Fadipe held that the prosecution successfully established the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. She subsequently sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, to run concurrently, resulting in a cumulative 42-year jail term.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of all items recovered from the convict to the Federal Government, noting that they were instruments used in carrying out the fraudulent activities.
The judgment reinforces ongoing efforts by anti-corruption authorities to combat financial crimes and deter internet fraud within Nigeria.
