Kaduna Court’s Verdict: Three Internet Fraudsters Sentenced

In a significant ruling at the Kaduna State High Court, Justice A. A. Isiaka has delivered convictions and imposed prison sentences on three individuals found guilty of internet-related fraud.

The convicted individuals, namely Ogochukwu Mitchel Emmanuel Ijeh, Mohammed Kabir Bello, and Sunday Simon (known as Ryan Eggold), were sentenced following their admission of guilt to separate charges brought against them by the Kaduna State Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ogochukwu Mitchel Emmanuel Ijeh, also known as Dave Brandon, was charged with presenting himself falsely as a Medical Doctor named Dave Brandon, purportedly working at the United Nations Military Base on Facebook. He engaged in a deceptive romantic relationship with one Andrea Kadur, violating Section 142(2) of the Kaduna State Law.

Mohammed Kabir Bello was indicted for fraudulently inducing Rashida Salman to hand over goods worth N50,000 by sending her a counterfeit bank transaction debit alert. This act constituted cheating under Section 306 (a) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

Sunday Simon, alias Ryan Eggold, impersonated the American actor Ryan Eggold on Facebook to deceive Garri Kalish, an American citizen, into a fake romantic relationship. This resulted in a loss of $800 to Kalish and contravened Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

Upon hearing the charges, all three defendants entered guilty pleas. Consequently, the prosecution counsel, K.S Ogunlade, urged the court to convict and impose appropriate sentences on them.

In response, Justice Isiaka handed down prison terms to Ijeh, Simon, and Bello, sentencing each of them to two years imprisonment. Additionally, Ijeh and Simon were given the option of fines amounting to N150,000 and Bello to N200,000, respectively.

These convictions underscore the severity with which the judiciary views internet-related crimes. Justice Isiaka’s ruling serves as a stern warning to individuals engaging in fraudulent activities online, highlighting the legal consequences awaiting those who exploit the internet for criminal purposes.

The case also highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts in combating cybercrime. The EFCC’s proactive investigation and prosecution of these offenders demonstrate the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens from online scams and fraudulent activities.

Furthermore, the imposition of fines alongside imprisonment underscores the court’s recognition of the financial harm inflicted upon the victims of these scams. It serves as a form of restitution while also deterring future offenders from similar criminal conduct.

In conclusion, the verdict delivered by Justice Isiaka reflects the judiciary’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and protect the public from the perils of cybercrime. It sends a clear message that perpetrators of internet fraud will face severe legal consequences, serving as a deterrent to others tempted to engage in such illicit activities.