The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abuja Zonal Directorate secured the conviction and sentencing of five internet fraudsters on August 12, 2024, for crimes related to obtaining money by false pretenses. The convicted individuals were sentenced by Justice C.O. Agashieze of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
The individuals involved in this case are Desmond Ikpefua, Oyeniji Efosa Temitope, Exiobor Raphael, Emmanuel Gabriel, and Samuel Owoicho. Each of the convicts faced separate one-count charges connected to internet fraud.
Emmanuel Gabriel was charged with cheating by personation after he posed as a female celebrity, Melsse Moore, to scam a victim, Mark Williams, out of $200 under the pretense of a romantic relationship. He was found guilty under Section 321 of the Penal Code Law and sentenced accordingly.
Desmond Ikpefua, on the other hand, attempted to commit fraud by personation when he created fake profiles on Skype and Gmail, pretending to be Nurhaiza Johnston, an Executive Director at Volvo Group. His actions violated the Penal Code, and he was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine.
After pleading guilty to the charges, the prosecution, represented by Counsel M.U. Shariff, urged the court to convict and sentence the accused individuals. Justice Agashieze ruled as follows:
Ikpefua was sentenced to six months in prison with no option of fine.
Temitope received a four-month sentence with no option of fine.
Raphael was given a non-custodial sentence to clean the Orozo Police Station for two hours every day for six months and fined ₦50,000.
Gabriel and Owoicho were both fined ₦50,000, with Owoicho also required to sweep the Maitama Police Station for 30 days.
In addition to the sentences, Justice Agashieze ordered the forfeiture of all instruments used in the commission of the crimes to the Federal Government.
The EFCC continues its fight against internet fraud in Nigeria, and these convictions highlight the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat online scams.