Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has convicted and sentenced 34 individuals for internet fraud, with each receiving varying jail terms.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the sentencing in a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday.
The convicts include: Kelly Maduabuchi Muonagu, Nwokwu Chibuike Valerian, Chinonso Stanley Boniface, Nnamani Makuo Paschal, Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley, Kalu Odeghe Olu, Ikenna Onyebor Maxwell, Fimber Chinedu Ifewuka, Ekeh Callistus Uche, David Chibuike, Chidera Emmanuel Eze, Eberechukwu John Amuka, Okafor Nelson Chinedu, Opara Ifeanyi Nathaniel, Joel Chukwuemeka Amechi, Nnazoba Daniel Ekene, Ikechukwu Prince Gerald, Shedrack Chibueze Ngene, and Darlington Odom Oruta.
Others are: Ifeanyi Celestine Akunwafor, Chinagorom Ifeanyi Destiny, Nwaugo Ifesinachi Paul, Somtochukwu Peter Ogbuefi, Emesurum Chinedu Stanley, Innocent Ikegbunem, Chidiukor Nnamani, Emmanuel Johnson Nwafor, Amuche Solomon Christopher, Ifeanyi Blessed Ikechineke, Eze John Ekene, Akubuogu Henry Kizito, Nwokeji Cosmas Uche, Eze Victor Chigadi, and Egah Onyedikachi.
Each individual was prosecuted on separate one-count charges, including fraudulent impersonation, possession of proceeds from crime, and obtaining by false pretences.
The charge against Kingsley reads; “That you, Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley, sometime in October 2024, at Onitsha, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated Erica Clark, a foreign national by means of your HP Elite book 820G3 with serial number 5CG7201TP6 via a fake Facebook account with intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2024 as amended and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act”.
The charge against Olu reads: “That you, Kalu Odeghe Olu, sometime in October 2024, at Onitsha, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently presented yourself as a foreign shipping agent, by means of your Infinix Smart 5 via a fake email account; orbitglobalexpresstopofficial@gmail.com with intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2024 as amended and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (IV) of the same Act”.
The convicts pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read individually in court. Following their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Raymond Edozie, urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
In response, defence counsel Benard Okeke, James Nwatarali, and Ifeanyi Odoh appealed for leniency, emphasising that the convicts were remorseful.
After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Anyadike sentenced each convict to eight months in prison with an option of a N70,000 fine.
However, Valerian and Boniface were assigned two months of community service, to be overseen by the Deputy Court Registrar.
Additionally, the judge ordered that mobile phones and laptops seized from the convicts be auctioned, with proceeds directed to the Federation’s Single Treasury Account.
The convicts were apprehended on October 11 in various locations across Onitsha, Anambra State, for internet-related crimes.
Investigations showed that some convicts specialized in impersonating foreign shipping agents using multiple fake email accounts, while others used fraudulent methods to deceive vulnerable women abroad.
