Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has handed down convictions and varying jail terms to three individuals involved in internet fraud.
Each of the offenders faced charges related to criminal impersonation, internet fraud, and possession of fraudulent documents.
While delivering the judgment on Thursday, the Justice sentenced two of the convicted persons, Abraham Itoro Sunday and Ezea Chidera Charles, to six months imprisonment each, with an alternative of a fine set at N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only).
Meanwhile, Udoh Christopher Gabriel received a five-month jail term, coupled with an option to pay a fine of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only).
Additionally, the court ruled that the three smartphones utilized by the convicts in the commission of their crimes be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Pleaded Guilty”
The charges were centered on cybercrimes, with the lone-count charge stating, “That you Abraham Itoro Sunday ‘M’ sometime in 2023 within the jurisdiction of this honorable court did fraudulently impersonate Brian O’Noel on Facebook with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(I) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, prevention) Act 2015 and punishable under the same section.”
In cooperation with the law, the convicts reportedly pleaded guilty to all charges brought against them.
Related Posts
- EFCC Achieves Milestone: Secures 65 Convictions in Anti-Fraud Drive Across Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States
- Yahoo Boyz or Ritualists: What is Reformable About Thieves?
- Cryptocurrency: Court Sentences Fraudster to Five Years
- Man arrested over fake Customs recruitment
“Impersonated Foreigners” Online
The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had brought forth the charges leading to the arraignment of the trio on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
The convicted individuals’ path to the Correctional Centre began on November 22, 2023, when EFCC operatives apprehended them at various locations in Afaha Atai, Iko Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
Investigations revealed that the fraudsters impersonated foreigners, using false identities to defraud their victims.
Chidera Charles, for instance, portrayed himself as ‘Molina Urovsky’ on Facebook, while Abraham Itoro Sunday adopted the identity of Brian O’Neil, and Udoh Christopher Gabriel presented himself as ‘Alexander Douglas’ on Instagram.
