An Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos, is to sentence a notorious internet fraudster, Taiwo Odunowo, on May 25 for an offence of forgery.

Justice Sherifat Solebo fixed the date, following the submission of Odunowo’s Counsel, John Odubela, SAN, that the defendant would change his initial not guilty plea to guilty plea.

This follows a plea bargain entered into by Odunnowo’s defence with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In line with the terms of the plea bargain, Odunowo pleaded guilty to a charge of forgery, which contravenes Section 363(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

According to Anselem Ozioko, the lead prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, Odunowo an alleged notorious internet fraudster, committed the offence on Dec. 16, 2017 in Lagos.

“The defendant goes by three aliases which are Holly Herlich, Mark Welsh and Steven Staller.

“Odunowo made two false documents, titled ‘Facebook and Government Compensation Winning Certificate’ and ‘Treasure Grant Winners Certificate’ as well as Facebook account under the name Brandon M. Micke.

“He made those documents with the intent that they be acted upon as genuine with prejudice to members of the public,” Ozioko said.

The EFCC said Odunowo and members of his syndicate were allegedly apprehended by the anti-graft agency based on intelligence gathered by investigators.

According to the plea bargain, Odunowo will forfeit his Toyota Camry car and HP Laptop, which are alleged proceeds of his crimes to the Federal Government.

Ozioko proposed that Odunowo be sentenced to a year in prison subject to the discretion of the court.