Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has handed down prison sentences to 34 individuals convicted of internet-related offenses, including fraudulent impersonation, possession of proceeds of crime, and obtaining by false pretense.
The convicts, who pleaded not guilty, were found guilty of scamming unsuspecting foreign nationals through fake email addresses and social media accounts.
The charges against Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley and Kalu Odeghe Olu reveal the scope of their fraudulent activities. Kingsley impersonated a foreign national, Erica Clark, using a fake Facebook account, while Olu posed as a foreign shipping agent using a fake email account.
Justice Anyadike sentenced 32 of the convicts to eight months imprisonment each, with an option of a N70,000 fine. Two convicts, Nwokwu Chibuike Valerian and Chinonso Stanley Boniface, received two months community service.
The court also ordered the auction of seized mobile phones and laptops, with proceeds going to the Single Treasury Account of the Federation.
This verdict demonstrates the Nigerian judicial system’s commitment to combating cybercrime. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been actively prosecuting internet fraud cases, securing convictions and sentencing perpetrators. This crackdown aims to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s online space.
