The Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) achieved a significant milestone on August 2, 2023, as ten internet fraudsters were convicted before Justice H. Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
The defendants, namely Dominic Likwa, Wisdom Ndubuisi, Sheidu Abdulqudus, Samson Chukwudi Ohanwe, Mohammed Kamal, Abdulsamad Yusuf, Okoebor Chavis Odianosen, Tochukwu Ezema Trust, Chinedu Chukwuma, and Timothy Oluwafemi, all pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them.
The charge against Chinedu reads, “That you, Chinedu Chukwuma sometime in 2022 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did cheat by personation when you created an Instagram account pretending to be James Yemel, the United States of America military officer serving in Afghanistan, a fact you knew to be false and in that assumed character obtained the sum of $1,693 US Dollars (One Thousand Six Hundred and Ninety-three Dollars) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code, Laws of the Federation (Abuja), 1990 and punishable under Section 324 of the same Law.”
Justice Muazu, considering their pleas, convicted and sentenced Sheidu, Ohanwe, Kamal, Yusuf, Okoebor, and Chinedu to 12 months in prison or a fine of N200,000 each. Tochukwu and Oluwafemi received a 9-month jail term or a fine of N100,000 each, while Likwa was sentenced to 9 months in jail or a fine of N50,000.
In addition to the sentences, the convicts are required to swear to an affidavit affirming their commitment to good behaviour.
This conviction marks a significant step in the fight against internet fraud, sending a clear message that fraudulent activities will not be tolerated, and justice will be served by the EFCC in the Federal Capital Territory.
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