A Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, presided over by Justice Abike-Fadipe, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ekweozor Peter, a suspected internet fraudster who failed to appear for his arraignment on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Peter was initially arrested on May 13, 2024, following intelligence reports about a syndicate of internet fraudsters operating from the Indy-Pool Hotel in Ajegunle, Lagos State. According to investigations, he created fake Facebook and Instagram accounts where he posed as a female porn star from Atlanta, United States, to defraud unsuspecting internet users.

During Tuesday's proceedings, prosecution counsel Ayanfe Ogunsina informed the court that the defendant had jumped the administrative bail previously granted to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ogunsina further revealed that efforts to locate the defendant had proven unsuccessful.

"Efforts to reach the two persons who stood as sureties for him have also been futile, as they too have absconded. My Lord, the defendant is aware that a charge has been filed against him, and he is on the run to evade arraignment and trial," Ogunsina told the court.

Following a motion ex parte filed by the prosecution seeking an order for the defendant's arrest, Justice Fadipe granted the application, stating, "The application is granted as prayed."

The case has been adjourned until June 18, 2025, for further proceedings.

This case highlights the growing concern over cybercrime activities in Lagos, with the EFCC intensifying efforts to apprehend individuals involved in internet fraud schemes that continue to damage Nigeria's international reputation and victimize people both locally and globally.