Justice O. I. Adelaja of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Kubwa has rendered verdicts in the case involving fifteen individuals charged with internet fraud. The convicted individuals include Emmanuel Ndubuisi Junior, Obinna Favour, Azuh Chidubem, Christopher Enaho, Abdullahi Sani, Atoyebi Damilare James, Chinonso Peter, Israel Samuel, Matthew Gideon, Eugene Joseph Boniface, Derick Beshel, Suleiman Dauda, Aliu Dauda, Ikechukwu Idris, and Godwin Ifeanyi.
One of the charges brought against Emmanuel Ndubuisi Junior, also known as Daniel Howard, pertained to his fraudulent impersonation as Daniel Howard, a supposed citizen of Brazil and crypto investment manager using the Gmail address danielhowardsteve@gmail.com. He aimed to deceive and unlawfully obtained $7,800 from an individual named Sophia. This action constituted an offense under Section 321 of the Penal Code Act (Abuja) Cap 532, LFN 2004, and was punishable under Section 324 of the same Act.
All the accused individuals admitted guilt to the one-count charges levied against them. In light of their pleas, Justice Adelaja handed down the following sentences:
Emmanuel Ndubuisi Junior received a one-year jail term or had the alternative of paying a fine of N2,000,000 (Two Million Naira only). Additionally, he forfeited the sum of $7,800 (Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars) to the Federal Government.
Obinna Favour was sentenced to one year in prison or the option of a N1,000,000 (One Million Naira only) fine.
Azuh Chidubem was also given a one-year jail term, with the choice of paying a N1,000,000 (One Million Naira only) fine.
Godwin Ifeanyi received a one-year jail term or could pay a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only).
The remaining convicts were subjected to non-custodial sentencing, involving various hours of community service supervised by officers of the Correctional Service. Furthermore, all the convicted individuals were required to forfeit their mobile phones to the Federal Government.
