Man Sentenced To One Year Imprisonment For Cybercrime By Abuja Court

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Adun Adewale to one year in prison for cybercrime, with an alternative of a ₦2 million fine. Justice Emeka Nwite, delivering the judgment on Friday, ruled that the sentence would take effect from the date of Adewale’s arrest.

“In light of the plea for leniency and considering the defendant is a first-time offender, I have decided to temper justice with mercy,” Justice Nwite remarked.

Adewale had initially pleaded guilty to the first charge during his arraignment on December 20, 2024. However, he contested the second charge, stating he “pleaded guilty with reason,” explaining that he merely forwarded a post he came across.

His counsel, Olanrewaju Olaleye, requested a brief adjournment to confer with his client, which the court granted despite opposition from Victor Okoye, the police prosecutor. After discussions, the defense argued that Adewale did not fully comprehend the charge and requested it be re-read for a new plea.

The prosecution opposed this move, and the matter was adjourned for written submissions on the legal implications.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite sided with the prosecution, noting that a defendant could not withdraw a guilty plea after legal representation during arraignment. The judge confirmed that all procedural requirements, as established by the Supreme Court, had been met.

The court also fixed March 18 for the commencement of trial on the second count of the charge. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance on combating cybercrime while adhering to legal standards and fairness.