Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has found and sentenced 22 internet fraudsters, thanks to the efforts of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or EFCC.
Charges pertaining to impersonation and gaining under false pretences were the basis for their separate count conviction.
Ayodeji Jerome Olumeko, Chima Blessing Afam, Irobi Kingsley Chiedozie, Oranusi Sylvester Chigozie, Agbo Michael, Chibuisi Okpara, Alior Chidera Emmanuel, Chidiebube Ukaigwe Emmanuel, Dim Samuel, and Obalim Johndson are the ones convicted.
Casmir Ibebuogu, Nweze Chinamkpa, Chukwuka Emmanuel, Chukwunansa Igweonu, Chukwunansa Chukwuka, Nzube Michael, Chisom Kingsley Mba, and Chidera Hedrack Peter are the others.
“That you, AYODEJI JEROME OLUMEKO, sometime in June, 2023 in Ugwuaji, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated one Scott Herman, a foreign national, using your iPhone 12 Pro and your Gmail account with intent to gain advantage of a pretence which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(3) (a) of the Cybercrimes ( Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act. 2015 and punishable under Section (22)(4) of the same Act.” this is one of the charges against Olumeko.
“That you AKPATA SUNDAY ONOSE sometime in October, 2023 in Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Caire Gilliard, a white lady, on your Facebook account using your Infinix Phone with intend to obtain money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) and punishable under Section (22) (2) (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act 2015.” This is the second charge against Onose.
All of them entered guilty pleas after reading the charges.
Of the defendants, seventeen were found guilty and given sentences of two years in prison, community service requirements, and a N120,000 fine. Judge Dimgba also handed down this sentence. A warning and community service were handed to four of the defendants: Samuel, Nweze, Chukwuka Emmanuel, and Chidiebube Ukaigwe Emmanuel. Okpara alone received a warning and was let go.
When EFCC agents detained the guilty for charges connected to the internet, they allegedly won their sentences of incarceration.
After being looked into, they were found guilty.
