The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Enugu Zonal Command, obtained the conviction of nine internet fraudsters before Justice F. Riman of the Federal High Court sitting in Akwa, Anambra State, on Thursday, May 25, 2023. They were found guilty on crimes resembling impersonation.fCourt jails nine internet fradusters in Anambra
The convicts are Isiwu Emmanuel Chidiebere, Ugwu Anthony Nnaemeka, Igwe Chidiebere Alexandra, Victor Ibik, Oti Precious Ikwen, Abumchukwu Maduekwe Dominic, Chinonye Emmanuel Olughu, Ochiaka Charles Somto Nwodo, and Amala Godswill Ndubuisi.
The charge against Isiwu Emmanuel Chidiebere reads: “That you, Isiwu Emmanuel Chidiebere, sometime in May, 2023, in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Big Mario, a foreign national, by means of your iPhone 12 Mini through your fake Discord with intent to gain advantage to yourself, a pretence 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”.
The charge against Ugwu Anthony Nnaemeka reads, “That you, Ugwu Anthony Nnaemeka, sometime in 2023, in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated the identities of Jordan Dennis, Walter, and Irvine through a fake Instagram account with intent to obtain money from unsuspecting foreign nationals and in order to gain advantage for yourself, and you 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”.
The Chronicle NG reports that all the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
Consequently, the prosecuting counsel urged the court to convict and sentence as charged.
Justice Riman convicted and sentenced the defendants to six months imprisonment each with the option of a N250, 000.00 fine.
