The verdict was pronounced by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, as disclosed by the EFCC.
The convicted criminals
The convicted individuals, whose names include Ajaero Chidiebube, Kosisochukwu Wisdom Ugwu, Apeh Samuel, and others, pleaded guilty to charges of fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretense.
The charges ranged from creating fake social media accounts to deceive unsuspecting victims, with the intent of financial gain.
Prosecution counsel, Michael Ikechukwu Ani, presented the facts of the cases, urging the court to deliver appropriate sentences. However, defense counsels, Okeke Bernard and James Nwatarali, appealed for leniency on behalf of their clients.
Subsequently, Justice Dimgba handed down various sentences to the convicted individuals. Marvin received a one-year imprisonment sentence with a fine option of N120,000.00 and community service.
Others, including Samuel, Henry, Ugwu, Ebuka, Martins, and Chinecherem, were each sentenced to one-year imprisonment with a fine option of N50,000.00 and community service. The remaining individuals faced similar one-year imprisonment sentences with a fine option of N150,000.00 and community service.
In addition to the prison sentences, Justice Dimgba ordered the forfeiture of mobile phones recovered from the convicted fraudsters to the Federal Government.
The successful prosecution and sentencing of these individuals reflect the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat internet-related crimes in the country.
