By Chris Moffat
Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has convicted eight internet fraudsters, following a successful prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Command.
In a statement from EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, it was revealed that the convicts faced charges of criminal impersonation, identity theft, and obtaining money under false pretenses. The individuals convicted include Abasiofon Daniel Essien (also known as Jason Momoa), Gideon Junior, Edikan Ubong, Harrison Chiemelie, Ndifereke Umoh, Christopher Promise, Effiong Wisdom, and Godswill Nsikan.
Essien was charged with unlawfully possessing $300, knowing it was obtained through identity theft. Similarly, Wisdom impersonated a woman on social media, resulting in him receiving $170 fraudulently.
All eight defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Khamis Mahmud presented their confessions and incriminating evidence from their mobile phones.
The court sentenced each fraudster to two years in prison. Additionally, some were given options to pay fines, ranging from N1 million to N2 million. They were also ordered to restitute varying amounts of money to their victims, including dollars and naira.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of the EFCC to combat internet fraud and protect citizens from financial crimes.