The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of 24 internet fraudsters at the Federal High Court in Abakaliki. The convictions were handed down by Justice H. I. O. Oshomah.
The convicted individuals include Chidiebere Franklin Anozie, Odo Nelson, Osunkwo Chibuike Stanley, Nwaibo Emmanuel Ogbaga, Obinna Ohazurume Bethel, Ugochukwu Daniel Emeziem, Timothy Chimobi Ngwuezumba, Victor Ebuka Nwaogu, Chimaobi Valentine Ugoji, Eke Emmanuel Udochukwu, Chimere Godson Ojinnaka, David Nwachukwu, Emmanuel Chinemerem Agbaraji, Ayoka Promise Mmesoma, Philip Ikechukwu Izuogu, Precious Chinemerem Nwogu, Stanley Chibueze Nwachukwu, Kelly Nwankwo, Anthony Chidozie Uwadiegwu, Udeagha Kenneth Chinedu, Kelechi Charles Omoha, Ibina Solomon Chisom, Victor Abonu, and Ikenna Daniel.
Each defendant pleaded guilty to charges of fraudulent impersonation and obtaining money under false pretenses. One specific charge highlighted the case of Osunkwo Chibuike Stanley, who impersonated a foreigner using a fake Facebook account to defraud unsuspecting victims.
In response to their guilty pleas, prosecuting counsel Chikezie Raymond Edozie requested the court to deliver appropriate sentences. Defense counsel E. J. Nwatarali appealed for leniency, citing the convicts’ remorse and lessons learned.
Justice Oshomah sentenced each defendant to two years in prison, with an option to pay a fine of N150,000. Additionally, the convicts are required to complete six months of community service. The judge also ordered the auctioning of the mobile phones recovered from the fraudsters, with proceeds directed to the Treasury Single Account of the Federation.
The convictions mark a significant step in the ongoing battle against internet-related crimes in Nigeria.
