By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
In Anambra State, 41 individuals accused of internet fraud have each been sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to various charges, including obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, and impersonation.
The suspects were arraigned by the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Federal High Court in Onitsha, presided over by Justices S. M. Shuaibu and Hauwa Inuwa.
One notable case involved Uwakwe Chikezie Raphael, who was charged with fraudulently impersonating a foreigner named Everly Ruby through a Google account in 2024, with the intent to defraud unsuspecting victims.
All 41 defendants admitted guilt when their charges were read, prompting EFCC counsel Michael Ikechukwu Ani to request their conviction. Defense attorneys, including Wisdom Ogbonna and others, pleaded for leniency, citing the suspects’ remorse.
On May 2 and 3, 2024, Justice Inuwa convicted 27 suspects on the first day and 14 on the second, imposing one-year sentences with an option of a 100,000 Naira fine. Additionally, the court mandated community service and ordered that confiscated items, such as mobile phones and laptops, be auctioned, with proceeds deposited into the Treasury Single Account.
The convicted individuals include:
- Douglas James
- Raphael Chikezie Uwakwe
- Paul Chidera Kalu
- Chisom Linus
- Eze Ugochukwu Stanley
- Ndubuisi Nwafor
- Ifeanyi Samuel
- And many others.
This sentencing reinforces the ongoing efforts by the EFCC to combat cybercrime in Nigeria.