From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 14 individuals for internet-related fraud offences in separate judgements delivered by Federal High Courts in Kano, Kano State, and Maiduguri, Borno State.
In Kano, Justice S.M. Shuaibu convicted and sentenced twelve defendants on various charges, including cybercrime, impersonation, money laundering, and retention of proceeds of crime.
The convicted individuals, Michael Yakubu, Udo Promise Jonah, Promise Isah Ibrahim, Samuel Odeh, Abdulsamad Muhammad, Agboeze Chibueke Ernest, Ochuba Chigozie, Abu David Eleojo, David Aaron, Chidi Destiny Chidiebere, Collins Noel, and Ola Ajibola, pleaded guilty to their charges.
The offences involved impersonating foreign nationals on social media to defraud unsuspecting victims and illegally retaining sums in US dollars derived from such activities.
Sentences ranged from two to five years’ imprisonment, with options of fines between ₦300,000 and ₦500,000.
Mobile phones, laptops, and sums of money believed to be proceeds of crime were forfeited to the Federal Government.
In a related development, Justice K. Dagat of the Federal High Court in Maiduguri sentenced two more internet fraudsters.
Samuel Okoro and Lucky Dauda were sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment each for impersonation and laundering thousands of dollars through gift cards and digital payments.
The court ordered the forfeiture of funds and digital devices linked to their crimes.
According to EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday, all 14 individuals were apprehended following credible intelligence on their involvement in internet fraud.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to curbing cybercrime and safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space from fraudulent activities.