By Iroyin Yoruba Television
Lagos, November 2, 2026
A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos State, has convicted an 18-year-old man, Hassan Usman Olamilekan, for money laundering involving $800 obtained through a gift-card fraud scheme targeting a United States citizen.
Justice Dipeolu delivered the judgment on Friday, October 30, 2026, after the defendant pleaded guilty to a one-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1.
The charge alleged that Olamilekan disguised the origin of $800 in gift cards which formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity. The prosecution brought the case under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Following the guilty plea, an EFCC operative, Ebuka Abanga, presented the facts of the case before the court. The judge subsequently found the defendant guilty and convicted him.
Justice Dipeolu imposed a fine of ₦200,000 and ordered him to pay ₦1 million to the Federal Government as restitution. The court directed that he remain in the correctional centre until he fulfils the financial orders.
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of an iPhone 11 Pro and a Poco C71 mobile phone recovered in connection with the offence.
How the gift-card scheme operated
According to the EFCC's account of its investigation, Olamilekan contacted his victim, an American citizen identified as Gary Brewer, through the Zangi messaging application.
Investigators said the defendant allegedly impersonated a woman named Julie Leach and told the victim that he had won a lottery prize of $250 million. He reportedly claimed that money was required to activate the supposed winnings before the prize could be released.
The victim was persuaded to send gift cards through the messaging platform.
The EFCC said Olamilekan admitted selling the gift cards through the Cardsonic application, converting the proceeds into naira and transferring the money into his grandmother's OPay account. The commission said he admitted benefiting from $800 through the operation.
The EFCC also reported that the defendant used several social media and messaging platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Zangi and iMessage, in connection with his activities.
The commission said Olamilekan was among 21 suspected internet fraudsters arrested during a sting operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos, on October 26, 2026.
The operation was conducted by operatives of the commission's Lagos Zonal Directorate 1. The agency had earlier announced that 21 people were arrested and that preliminary investigations indicted 19 of them, while two were released.
The commission also reported recovering five exotic cars during the operation. It said those found culpable would face prosecution.
Warning about online lottery scams
The case highlights a familiar tactic used in online fraud: convincing victims that they have won a large prize but must first pay money or provide financial instruments to access it.
Legitimate lottery operators do not require winners to purchase gift cards to release prizes. Requests to send gift-card codes, transfer money to personal accounts or pay supposed activation charges should therefore be treated as serious warning signs.
Members of the public should avoid sharing gift-card details with strangers and should independently verify claims about lottery winnings before making payments. Anyone who has already sent money in a suspected scam should contact their financial institution promptly and preserve relevant messages, transaction records and account details for possible investigation.
The conviction demonstrates the consequences of using online platforms and financial channels to disguise proceeds from fraudulent activity. It also shows how investigators can trace transactions and present evidence before a court.
The case was concluded against Olamilekan after his guilty plea. The court's orders require him to pay the fine and restitution before leaving the correctional centre, while the two mobile phones connected to the offence are to be forfeited as directed by the judge.