The Federal High Court and State High Court in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced four individuals—Anthony Chukwu, Madaki Ismail, Samson Aliyu, and Christopher Israel—on charges of internet fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the verdicts in a statement on Wednesday. Each defendant faced separate charges of impersonation, obtaining money under false pretenses, and money laundering.
The courts ruled that the defendants violated Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017.
According to the charges, Anthony Chukwu (a.k.a. Carmelita Luna) fraudulently acquired N520,000 from Nelro Balmoria and other victims in December 2023 using a false identity, thereby committing money laundering.
Samson Aliyu (a.k.a. John Dunwell) presented himself as an investment broker and cheated several victims, including one Lhes, out of P2,000 via Instagram from January to May 2024.
Both men pleaded guilty, leading the prosecution to request appropriate sentences. Justice Aikawa of the Federal High Court sentenced Chukwu to five years in prison or a N300,000 fine, while Ismail received a five-year term or a N500,000 fine.
Additionally, both were ordered to forfeit N520,000 and $310, along with their mobile phones, which were used in their crimes.
Justice Darius Khobo of the State High Court sentenced Aliyu and Israel to three years each or fines of N200,000 and N250,000, respectively. Aliyu also forfeited $50 in proceeds from his crime.
Chukwu, Aliyu, and Israel were arrested in Kaduna, while Ismail was apprehended in Jos, following credible intelligence on their fraudulent activities.
