Internet Fraudster Jailed in Kaduna: EFCC Convicts Man for Jennifer Aniston Romance Scam
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The battle against cybercrime in Nigeria recorded another milestone on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, when Justice M.J. Zubairu of the Kaduna State High Court convicted and sentenced one Muhammad Kabiru, a young man caught impersonating Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston in a romance scam scheme.
The judgment, delivered in Kaduna metropolis, marks not only the end of Kabiru’s short-lived fraudulent adventure but also reflects the ongoing struggle of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the rising tide of internet fraud — popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” — across the country.
Kabiru’s conviction may look like just another court update, but it speaks volumes about how cybercriminals prey on global victims, how Nigerian youths are increasingly lured into fraudulent activities, and how law enforcement agencies are striving to restore the country’s battered image in the international community.
Kabiru was arrested by operatives of the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate in July 2025, during a raid on Governor Road, Kaduna metropolis. The raid, based on credible intelligence, linked several young men to internet fraud activities ranging from phishing, impersonation, to romance scams.
During investigation, EFCC officials discovered that Kabiru had assumed the identity of “Jennifer Aniston” — a globally known American actress — in order to trick unsuspecting victims, mostly foreigners, into fake romantic relationships.
The EFCC slammed a one-count charge of criminal impersonation against him. The charge read:
“That you, Muhammad Kabiru (a.k.a Jennifer Aniston), sometime in July, 2025, in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an offence to wit: falsely presented yourself as Jennifer Aniston (a citizen of the United States of America) to several unsuspecting victims via Telegram chat in a bid to lure them into a love scam, which pretence you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.”
Kabiru pleaded guilty. The prosecuting counsel, M.U. Gadaka, urged the court to convict him accordingly. Justice Zubairu, after considering the plea, sentenced Kabiru to two years imprisonment with an option of a ₦200,000 fine.
Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 14 Pro, which was identified as a tool of the crime, to the Federal Government.
Kabiru’s case highlights one of the most common forms of cybercrime in Nigeria — romance scams.
In these scams, fraudsters assume false identities on social media platforms or messaging apps such as Telegram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. They create fake profiles, often using pictures of celebrities or attractive individuals, to lure victims into emotional relationships.
Once trust is built, the scammer begins making financial requests: medical emergencies, travel expenses, or even investments in non-existent businesses. Victims, often emotionally invested, send thousands of dollars before realizing they have been duped.
In Kabiru’s case, impersonating a globally recognized celebrity made it easier to convince unsuspecting victims, especially foreigners unfamiliar with how common such scams are in Nigeria.
Internet fraud in Nigeria is not new. It dates back to the infamous “419 scam” era of the 1990s, where fraudsters sent fake letters promising victims large sums of money in exchange for upfront payments. Over time, with the evolution of technology and increased internet access, the methods have changed but the intent remains the same — to defraud unsuspecting people.
By 2025, cybercrime in Nigeria has taken on more sophisticated dimensions. According to EFCC reports, romance scams, phishing, cryptocurrency fraud, fake job offers, and online shopping scams dominate the landscape.
Kaduna, Lagos, Abuja, and Benin are identified as hotspots, with hundreds of arrests made annually. Youths, often unemployed or underemployed, are drawn to the promise of quick wealth and a flashy lifestyle.
The international community has long associated Nigeria with internet fraud, damaging the country’s reputation. Many Nigerians abroad face suspicion in business and personal dealings because of the notoriety of “Yahoo Boys.” Cases like Kabiru’s, while small, reinforce stereotypes that Nigerian authorities are struggling to erase.
The EFCC, established in 2003, remains Nigeria’s frontline agency in tackling financial crimes, including internet fraud.
In recent years, the agency has intensified raids in major Nigerian cities, targeting hostels, rented apartments, and internet cafes where suspected fraudsters operate. The Kaduna Zonal Directorate has been particularly active, with dozens of convictions secured in the past year alone.
However, the EFCC’s efforts face challenges: limited manpower, backlog of cases, and the sophistication of modern cybercriminals.
Despite these hurdles, convictions like Kabiru’s send a strong message that the law will eventually catch up with perpetrators.
Kabiru was convicted under Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017. This section criminalizes impersonation, making it an offence to falsely present oneself as another person with the intent to defraud.
The penalty is usually imprisonment or fine, or both, depending on the circumstances of the case. Legal experts argue that while the sentencing may appear lenient, it is consistent with provisions of the law.
Some, however, advocate for stiffer punishments to serve as stronger deterrents, especially as cybercrime continues to rise among young Nigerians.
Some Kaduna residents praised the EFCC and the judiciary for their swift handling of the case, arguing that such convictions restore hope that cybercriminals will not go unpunished.
Others criticized the relatively light sentence, suggesting that a two-year jail term with an option of a fine is hardly enough to discourage young fraudsters chasing millions of naira through online scams.
On social media, Nigerians debated the case, with many pointing out that while Kabiru was jailed, hundreds of others continue operating freely, defrauding both local and foreign victims daily.
While Kabiru’s case is centered in Nigeria, the victims are often outside the country. In the United States, United Kingdom, and parts of Europe, romance scams have ruined lives.
Victims have lost life savings, pensions, and in some cases, even committed suicide after realizing they were duped. The emotional toll is often worse than the financial losses.
By impersonating Jennifer Aniston, Kabiru tapped into a global celebrity identity, making it easier to gain trust. Experts warn that as long as internet access remains cheap and global communication seamless, more victims will fall prey to such schemes unless preventive measures are enforced.
Analysts frequently point to Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate as a major driver of internet fraud. With millions of young graduates unable to secure jobs, many are lured by the promise of wealth from cybercrime.
Fraudsters often flaunt luxury cars, designer clothes, and expensive gadgets, becoming role models in some communities. The “Yahoo Boy” culture is glamorized in music, movies, and even fashion, making it difficult to discourage vulnerable youths.
Kabiru’s case illustrates this trend. His possession of an iPhone 14 Pro — a luxury device — suggests that fraud proceeds were used to acquire high-end items.
Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime is not isolated. The EFCC collaborates with Interpol, the FBI, and other foreign agencies. Several high-profile arrests in the past, including the case of Ramon Abbas (Hushpuppi), were the result of international cooperation.
Cases like Kabiru’s, though small in scale, are part of the larger picture. International partners continue to pressure Nigeria to crack down harder on internet fraud, as it directly affects their citizens.
One of the key tools in combating cybercrime is awareness. Nigerian media organizations, NGOs, and government agencies are increasingly educating the public about the dangers of falling victim to scams.
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The EFCC frequently publishes updates on arrests and convictions, both to inform the public and to serve as deterrence. Kabiru’s case received immediate attention not only because of the impersonation of a Hollywood celebrity but also because it symbolizes the persistence of romance scams despite numerous crackdowns.
While convictions like Kabiru’s are commendable, experts argue that they are not enough. To effectively reduce cybercrime, Nigeria must address root causes:
Education: Schools should incorporate digital literacy, teaching young people about ethical internet use.
Employment: The government must create opportunities for graduates and skilled youths to prevent them from seeking quick money online.
Community Engagement: Religious and traditional leaders must join campaigns to discourage fraud.
Stricter Penalties: Some experts believe Nigeria’s penal code should be reviewed to impose harsher punishments for repeat offender.
The conviction of Muhammad Kabiru for impersonating Jennifer Aniston in a romance scam is both a victory and a reminder. A victory for the EFCC, which successfully prosecuted another fraudster. A reminder that the fight against internet fraud is far from over.
Every conviction matters, but as long as the social and economic conditions that fuel cybercrime remain unaddressed, the “Yahoo Yahoo” culture will continue to thrive.
For now, Kabiru will spend the next two years in prison — unless he opts to pay the ₦200,000 fine. But for the countless victims of scams across the world, justice remains incomplete until the menace of internet fraud is drastically reduced.
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