A Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has convicted and sentenced 22 internet fraudsters to jail for internet fraud.
Trial judge in the matter was Justice Nnamdi Dimgba.
The convicts were attested and prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
They were convicted on separate count charges of impersonation and obtaining by false pretences.
The convicts are: Ayodeji Olumeko, Chima Afam, Obalim Johndson, Michael Anyikaeme, Alior Emmanuel, Chidiebube Emmanuel, Dim Samuel, Amobi Ajala, Irobi Chiedozie, Oranusi Chigozie, Agbo Michael and Chibuisi Okpara.
Others include Casmir Ibebuogu, Nweze Chinamkpa, Precious Chukwuka, Nzube Michael, Chisom Mba, Chidera Peter, Chukwuka Emmanuel, Chinedu Nworji, Chukwunansa Igweonu and Akpata Onose.
One of the charges against Olumeko reads; “that you Ayodeji Olumeko sometime in June, 2023 in Ugwuaji, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated one Scott Herman a foreign National by means of your iphone 12 pro, through your gmail account with intent to gain advantage to yourself a pretence which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(3) (a) of the Cybercrimes ( Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act. 2015 and punishable under Section (22)(4) of the same Act.”
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Another charge against Onose reads; “that you Akpata Onose sometime in October, 2023 in Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the court, fraudulently impersonated one Caire Gilliard a white lady on your Facebook account using your Infinix Phone with intend to obtain money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) and punishable under Section (22) (2) (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act.2015.
They pleaded guilty to all the charges when they were read to them.
Justice Dimgba convicted and sentenced 17 of the defendants to two years imprisonment with community service each or an option of fine of N120, 000.
Four of the defendants: Samuel, Chidiebube Emmanuel, Nweze and Chukwuka Emmanuel were cautioned and given community services.
Only Okpara was cautioned and discharged.
