Nine individuals have been convicted and sentenced for various internet fraud offences by the Federal High Court in Calabar, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced today on their X platform.
Justices Ijeoma Ojukwu and Rosemary Oghoghorie Dugbo handed down the sentences following prosecutions brought by the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate. The convicts faced charges including obtaining money by pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, money laundering, and impersonation.
Among those convicted was Nsofor Charles Ochiabutor, who was found guilty of taking possession of $3,000 knowing it was obtained through fraudulent means. He received a 12-month sentence on each of two counts, to run concurrently, with an option of a one-million naira fine. The court also ordered him to return the $3,000 to his victim.
Aneikan Monday Akpan, who impersonated someone named “Hwan Yeong” on social media to defraud victims of $300, received a 12-month sentence on each of two counts, running concurrently.
Other convicted fraudsters included Igwe Greg and Columba Chukwubuikem David, who each received 12-month sentences on their charges. David was additionally ordered to return $1,800 to his victim. Ubong Emmanuel received a six-month sentence for his crime.
Justice Dugbo sentenced the remaining defendants—Edet Christopher Asuquo, Justice Chinonso, David Sunday Aniete, and Fidelis Andrew Effiom—to two years’ imprisonment each with options of fines. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $300, $180, and $1,300 to the federal government.
During the proceedings, all defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. While prosecution counsels Joshua Abolarin and Khamis Mahmud asked the court to sentence the defendants accordingly, defence attorneys Udeme Tom, David Akpanifum, and Emmanuel Nsebe requested leniency from the court.
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