by Elizabeth Eze
Lagos, Nigeria — Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced Nwobodo Chibuike to one year in prison for possessing fraudulent documents and being involved in a romance scam.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Lagos Zonal Directorate brought the charge against Chibuike, convicting him of one count of fraudulent possession of documents.
According to the EFCC, Chibuike, in collaboration with Omega Maritime and Energy Limited and Dr. Oluchi Nzenwa (who is currently at large), was found in possession of false documents, allegedly originating from Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB). These documents were printed from Chibuike’s message account, and he knew they were fabricated.
During the trial, the prosecution revealed that Chibuike had been arrested in a sting operation by the EFCC in May in Ajegunle, Lagos. He was found with an iPhone 6, and his involvement in a romance scam was also uncovered. Using the fake Instagram username “Mia Sophie,” Chibuike allegedly defrauded individuals online.
Chibuike pleaded guilty to the charge and confessed to his role in the scam. Based on his guilty plea, the court sentenced him to one year in prison.
The EFCC’s legal team, led by U.S. Kyari, urged the court to impose a sentence in accordance with the defendant’s admission of guilt.
