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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Calabar, on Tuesday, convicted and sentenced eight internet fraudsters to various jail terms for offences bordering on criminal impersonation, money laundering, love scam and possession of fraudulent messages.
The convicts are: Azubuike Chibuike Victor, Israel David John, Chimela Chidiebere, Okonkwo Chidiebere, Odenigbo Victor Chika, Prosper Emeka Chinonso, Victor Etim Afaha and Dennis Ategwu Adah.
They pleaded guilty to one and two – counts separate charges preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission! EFCC).
The convicts were arrested at different locations in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States by operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Commission, between January and June 2025.
The charge against Chinonso reads: ‘That you, Prosper Emeka Chinonso “M” sometime in 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did fraudulently impersonate Williams, a Phillipino on Tiktok with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act 2015 and punishable under the same Section’.
Another count reads: ‘That you, Odenigbo Victor Chika “M” sometime in 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of 32000 TWD intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit; obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and punishable under the Section l8(3) of the same Act’.
In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel Kharmis Mahmud urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
But defence counsel, C.N.Nweke jnr, A.O.Adebayo, Ituen Ukpono, Nyebuk Johnson and Arene Otega prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.
After listening to both sides, and considering the overwhelming evidence before the court, Justice Ojugwu convicted the defendants and sentenced them as follows: Azubuike Chibuike Victor, Chimela Chidiebere, Okonkwo Chidiebere, Odenigbo Victor Chika, Prosper Emeka Chinonso, Victor Etim Afaha, and Dennis Ategwu Adah ,were sentenced to six months jail term or pay a fine of N1 million, While Israel David John, bagged three months jail term on both counts to run concurrently, or pay a fine of N1, 000, 000.
Justice Ojukwu also ordered that Ategwu Dennis and Victor Etim Afaha restitute the sums of $300 and €100 respectively to their victims, or to pay the restituted sums to the Federal Government through the EFCC Proceeds of Crime Account, if victims are not found.
The court also ordered that the forfeited mobile phones belonging to the convicts be auctioned and proceeds of the auction deposited in the EFCC’s Proceeds of Crime Account.
