CALABAR, Nigeria — The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of seven internet fraudsters at the Federal High Court in Calabar, presided over by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.
The convicted individuals are:
Victor Ekwonwa
Chukwudi Iwueke
Mbam Alexander
Ugorji Emmanuel
Joseph Ekwere Tom
Eze Daniel
David Okeke
Each was arraigned on a separate one-count charge related to obtaining by false pretence and money laundering.
For instance, Joseph Ekwere Tom was charged with knowingly taking possession of $500, which formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act — a violation under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
All defendants pleaded guilty, and upon the request of prosecuting counsel Khamis Mahmud, the court proceeded to convict them. Justice Ojukwu sentenced each of the seven to six months imprisonment.
Six convicts received an option to pay a ₦1,000,000 fine, while Mbam Alexander was given a lesser fine of ₦500,000.
The court also ordered:
Joseph Ekwere Tom to restitute $500
Victor Ekwonwa to restitute $100
All gadgets used in the crimes be forfeited to the Federal Government
The convictions stem from a series of arrests tied to internet fraud operations in the region. The EFCC continues its clampdown on cybercrime under its anti-corruption mandate.
