Faruk Ololade impersonation conviction sees Kaduna court sentence him to three years or fine for posing as an Australian citizen in online fraud attempt

A Kaduna State High Court has convicted and sentenced Faruk Suleiman Ololade for impersonation and attempted fraud after he posed as a foreign national in an online scheme aimed at deceiving members of the public.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the development in a statement, noting that Faruk Suleiman Ololade, also known as Caesar Smith, was found guilty by Justice Jaafaru Zubairu for impersonating an Australian citizen via Facebook.

The prosecution, handled by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, brought a one-count charge bordering on impersonation against the defendant.

According to the charge, Faruk Suleiman Ololade assumed the identity of “Mr Caesar Smith,” an alleged Australian citizen, and used the false identity to attempt to defraud unsuspecting individuals online.

The offence was said to have occurred on or about February 12, 2026, within Kaduna State jurisdiction.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge, a development that significantly influenced the court’s decision.

Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, Moses Arumemi, urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

Justice Jaafaru Zubairu subsequently found him guilty and sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a N300,000 fine.

In addition to the sentence, the court ordered the forfeiture of a Redmi 15C mobile phone used in carrying out the offence to the Federal Government.

The EFCC disclosed that the convict was apprehended following credible intelligence on suspected internet fraud activities around Turaki Signboard in the Agwa area of Kaduna State.

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The case underscores ongoing enforcement efforts by anti-graft agencies to curb online impersonation and internet fraud, which continue to pose challenges across digital platforms in Nigeria.