The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu Zonal Command, has achieved a milestone by securing the conviction and sentencing of twenty-five individuals involved in internet fraud.
This remarkable outcome was achieved before Justice Nnamdi Dimkpa of the Federal High Court, located in Awka, Anambra State.
The EFCC’s unwavering commitment to combat cybercrimes has yielded a significant victory, as twenty-five individuals faced the consequences of their actions before Justice Nnamdi Dimkpa.
These convicts were sentenced on Friday, October 13, 2023, after they pled guilty to separate one-count charges related to impersonation.
The following individuals have been convicted in this landmark case:
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
Okechukwu Joshua Onah
The charges brought against these individuals are centred on impersonation.
For instance, one of the charges reads, “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.”
This act is in violation of Section 22(3)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act. 2015 and is punishable under Section (22) (4) of the same Act.
Remarkably, all twenty-five defendants pleaded guilty to the charges filed against them.
In light of their pleas, EFCC’s counsels, Ani Michael and Rotimi Ajobiewe, requested the court to convict and sentence them appropriately.
Consequently, Justice Dimkpa sentenced twenty-two of the convicts to two years of imprisonment each, with the option of a fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira only).
Meanwhile, Onah, Aleke, and Nnachi were cautioned and detained on the court premises for eight hours before their release.
It’s noteworthy that all the convicted individuals have been previously involved in internet-related offences, leading to their arrests.
They were subsequently charged, convicted, and have now made their way to the Correctional Centre.
