Lagos Court Convicts 18-Year-Old Over $800 Gift Card Fraud

The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted an 18-year-old man, Hassan Usman Olamilekan, over a money-laundering offence involving $800 obtained through a gift card scam.

Justice Dipeolu delivered the judgment on Friday, October 30, 2026, after Olamilekan pleaded guilty to a one-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court imposed a ₦200,000 fine and ordered him to pay ₦1 million in restitution to the Federal Government. He is to remain in a correctional centre until he pays the required amounts.

EFCC Explains How the Gift Card Scam Happened

According to the EFCC, Olamilekan contacted a United States citizen, Gary Brewer, through the Zangi messaging application.

The commission said he allegedly impersonated an American woman identified as Julie Leach.

Investigators reported that he told Brewer he had won a $250 million lottery prize. However, he claimed that he needed money to activate the winnings before he could collect the prize.

He subsequently persuaded the victim to send gift cards through the messaging platform.

The EFCC said Olamilekan admitted selling the cards through the Cardsonic application and converting the proceeds into naira.

He also admitted transferring the money to his grandmother’s OPay account. According to the commission, he benefited from $800 through the scheme.

Court Orders ₦1 Million Restitution and Phone Forfeiture

Following Olamilekan’s guilty plea, an EFCC operative, Ebuka Abanga, presented the facts of the case before the court.

Justice Dipeolu subsequently found him guilty of the money-laundering charge.

In addition to the ₦200,000 fine and ₦1 million restitution order, the judge directed the forfeiture of two mobile phones recovered in connection with the investigation.

The devices were an iPhone 11 Pro and a Poco C71.

The court also ordered that Olamilekan remain in the correctional centre pending payment of the fine and restitution.

Suspect Was Arrested During Applewood Estate Raid

Olamilekan was among 21 suspected internet fraudsters arrested during an EFCC operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos.

The operation took place on October 26, 2026, as part of the commission’s investigation into suspected cybercrime activities.

According to the EFCC, the operation targeted individuals suspected of obtaining money through gift cards, cryptocurrency transactions and international money transfers while impersonating other people.

The commission initially arrested 21 people. However, preliminary investigations identified 19 suspects for further action, while two others were released.

Five exotic cars were also recovered during the operation.

EFCC Continues Investigation Into Suspected Cybercrime

The conviction represents a court outcome arising from the wider Applewood Estate investigation.

The EFCC has continued to pursue cases involving online fraud, identity impersonation and the movement of proceeds from suspected criminal activities.

The commission’s account of the case highlights how lottery-related deception and gift card transactions can be used to defraud victims across international borders.

Olamilekan’s conviction followed his guilty plea to the money-laundering charge. The court’s orders also require him to pay restitution and forfeit the recovered dev

Lagos Court Convicts 18-Year-Old Over $800 Gift Card Fraud