The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Dennis Tamarakuro, also known as Keisha Reynolds, to one year imprisonment for cybercrime involving the defrauding of a U.S.-based non-governmental organization out of $71,795.41. The conviction follows Tamarakuro’s admission of guilt to the charges presented.
Dennis Tamarakuro was found guilty by Justice Emeka Nwite for impersonating a female private investor from the United States during late 2024. Under this false identity, he managed to swindle funds from an individual named Philbert via the cryptocurrency platform Bybit, in breach of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act.
The prosecution, led by Maryam Aminu Ahmed, called upon EFCC investigator Ogunjobi Olalekan who detailed how U.S. authorities uncovered the scam. The Pregnancy Support Network had its bank details compromised in a romance scam that evolved into a money mule operation funneling stolen assets through intermediaries like Libson Junior. These funds ultimately ended in Tamarakuro’s crypto wallet, where he was able to convert and withdraw a huge portion.
Investigations revealed two transfers of 0.27 Bitcoin from the middleman to Tamarakuro, with subsequent withdrawals amounting to $18,000 via Busha exchange. The EFCC successfully reclaimed over $42,000 from these exchanges, while the remainder was blocked by a U.S. financial institution. All investigative documents, including Tamarakuro’s voluntary statement, were presented as evidence.
Defence attorney Laye Aeemokoya appealed for leniency citing his client’s role as a father and caregiver, stressing it was Tamarakuro’s first offense and noting the restitution of all misappropriated money.
The public is reminded to exercise caution with investment ventures and report suspicious activities promptly to prevent falling victim to such schemes.
