Two internet fraudsters from Kaduna, Al-Mustapha Isah Gupa and Qareeb Adekunle Yusuf, have been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to charges of cheating and impersonation. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the one-count charge against the duo, which led to their conviction before Justice I. A. Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court.
According to a statement by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, Gupa and Yusuf were apprehended separately by EFCC operatives. Gupa was arrested at Bafra Hotel, while Yusuf was detained at the Command Junction area, both located within Kaduna metropolis.
The charge against Yusuf reads, “That you, Qareeb Adekunle Yusuf (a.k.a Teddy Swims), between January and April 2025, within Kaduna’s jurisdiction, cheated unsuspecting victims of $200 by impersonating the artist Teddy Swims on Facebook, thereby committing an offense under the Kaduna State Code Law of 2017.” Yusuf’s actions led to his conviction under Section 309 of the law.
On the other hand, Gupa was charged with impersonating Ritchie Inman, a white individual, through the Facebook platform. His fraudulent actions, which took place in April 2024, defrauded unsuspecting victims. The charge against him cites violations under the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017, leading to his conviction.
Both individuals pleaded guilty to the charges, prompting the prosecution, led by M.U. Gadaka and M. Arumemi, to request the court to convict and sentence them. In their defense, the accused expressed remorse for their actions, urging the court to show leniency.
Justice Isiaka sentenced Yusuf to three years in prison or an option of paying a fine of N400,000. In addition, he was ordered to forfeit $200 (the amount obtained from his fraudulent activities) and an iPhone 11 Pro Max, which was used in the commission of his crime, to the federal government.
Similarly, Gupa received a three-year prison sentence or a fine of N150,000. As part of his conviction, he forfeited an iPhone 15 Pro Max to the federal government, the tool used in his fraudulent activities.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against internet fraud in Nigeria and the serious legal consequences faced by those who engage in such crimes.
