The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Enugu Zonal office on Wednesday secured the conviction of five internet fraudsters namely, Benjamin Chukwuma Anyaegbusi (A.K.A Wilma Clark); Obi Odinaka (A.K.A Michael Groote); Shamgar Ifejindu ( A.K.A Karen Erika) Meze Michael (A.K.A Lea Felicitas) and Franklin Ibeh (A.K.A Amelia Shoes) before Justice I. Buba of the Federal High court, sitting in Enugu, Enugu state on one count charge each bordering on internet fraud.
The convicts, who were arrested in Awka , Anambra State, were arraigned on July 21. 2020 wherein they all pleaded guilty as charged by the EFCC.
Justice Buba after reviewing the charges against the convicts, found them guilty and handed two years imprisonment each to them, or an option of fine of Five Hundred Thousand (N500, 000), each.
The court ordered that Seventeen Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira (N17, 900, 000) found in Anyaegbusi’s bank account be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Court further ordered that Lexus ES 350, HP Laptop, iPhone 7 plus and Infinix Hot 6 mobile phone also recovered from him should also be forfeited to the Federal government.
Investigation by the Commission revealed that all the suspects not only impersonated several foreign nationals but also operated illegal online businesses purportedly dealing in crypto currencies and other sundry businesses and used same to defraud unsuspecting victims.