The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters to different jail terms.
Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah of Uyo Court sends the internet fraudsters to jail for offences bordering on impersonation, internet fraud and possession of fraudulent documents.
Nigeria’s leading Anti-Graft Agency charged with the responsibility of investigation and enforcement of all economic and financial crime laws in Nigeria confirmed this via its X handle.
The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned the convicts on one-count separate charge bordering on cybercrimes.
The convicts Abraham Itoro Sunday, Ezea Chidera Charles and Udoh Christopher Gabriel were jailed on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Accordingly, Truth Live News gathered that the lone-count charge reads:
“That you Abraham Itoro Sunday ‘M’ sometime in 2023 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did fraudulently impersonate Brian O’ Noel on Facebook with the intent to gain advantage for yourself.”
“Thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(I) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, prevention) Act 2015 and punishable under the same section.”
Nevertheless, they pleaded guilty to all the charges read to them before the court.
Afterward, Prosecution counsels, Enobong Ubokudom and Farida Bukar prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
For instance, Justice Onah convicted and sentenced Sunday and Charles to six months imprisonment each with an option of fine of N200,000.00 only.
Also, on Thursday, Gabriel bagged five months jail term with an option of fine of N150,000.00 only, while the court ordered forfeiture of their three smartphones to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC arrested them on November 22, 2023 at different locations in Afaha Atai, in Iko Eket Akwa Ibom State.
However, Investigation showed that all the convicts impersonated foreigners by using their identities to defraud them.
For instance, Charles fraudulently portrayed himself as ‘Molina Urovsky’ on Facebook, Sunday portrayed himself as Brian O’niel and Gabriel presented himself as Alexander Douglas on Instagram.