The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Enugu Zonal Command, has successfully prosecuted and obtained the convictions of twenty-five internet fraudsters.
They were sentenced before Justice Nnamdi Dimkpa of the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State.
According to a statement from EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the convictions were delivered on Friday, October 13, 2023.
The fraudsters had all pleaded guilty to separate one-count charges related to impersonation.
The convicted individuals are: Kingsley Chekwubechukwu Ngwu, Anthony Emmanuel Ndubuisi, Onyia Chukwuka Christian, Chukwuneke Chibuike Nicholas, Nonso Henry Ozoekwe, John Samuel, Okpe Matthew Chinweike, Kalu Nnachi, Okpe Joachim, Obike Ebuka Boniface, Eze Onyedikachi Kingsley, Ogonna Samuel Okpataku, Denis Chigozie, Emmanuel Johnson, Basil Nnaluo Jason, Chidera Shedrack Ugwueke, David Chimerie Ukeje, Christian Nnamdi Jideofor, Osinachi Johnson, Okechukwu Ezeka, Onuorah Johnson, Ekene Christian Obikezie, Emmanuel Chinonso Aleke, Sopuluchukwu Paul Eneje, and Okechukwu Joshua Onah.
One of the charges read, “that you, Chukwuneke Chibuike Nicholas, sometime in 2023 in Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Elizabeth Olsen by means of your iPhone 12 Pro via a fake Facebook account with the intent to gain an advantage for yourself and to obtain money from unsuspecting foreign nationals, and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 22(3)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act. 2015 and punishable under Section 22(4) of the same Act.”
All 25 defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were presented to them. Following their pleas, EFCC’s counsels, Ani Michael and Rotimi Ajobiewe, requested that the court convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justice Dimkpa subsequently convicted and sentenced 22 of them to two years’ imprisonment each, with an option of a fine of ₦200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira only).
Onah, Aleke, and Nnachi were cautioned and detained in the court premises for eight hours before being released.
All the convicts had been previously apprehended for engaging in internet-related offenses and had been remanded in the Correctional Centre.
They were subsequently charged, tried in court, and convicted.
