Justice P.M. Ayua of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced Odinakachi Prince Onyeoziri to seven years in prison for internet fraud. Onyeoziri was convicted after pleading guilty to three charges related to cybercrime under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.
The charges against him included knowingly causing financial losses to his victims by manipulating computer data, leading to a total benefit of $3,000. The crimes took place between June 2021 and November 2022. The defendant admitted to using fraudulent methods, including spreading computer viruses and spamming, to deceive victims and profit from their losses.
Onyeoziri’s arrest followed a petition from the FBI, which led to his apprehension in February 2024 in Owerri, Imo State. During his investigation, he confessed to the fraudulent activities and the methods he used to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Evidence, including his voluntary statement and items recovered during his arrest, was presented in court.
Defence counsel, B. Onuoha, requested leniency, highlighting that Onyeoziri was a first-time offender and expressed remorse for his actions. However, Justice Ayua sentenced him to seven years in prison, with the option to pay a fine of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000) into the Federal Consolidated Revenue Account.
Additionally, the court ordered that the convict’s assets, including two laptops, a mobile phone, a Toyota Highlander, and two residential buildings, be forfeited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Onyeoziri was also instructed to swear an affidavit of good behavior before the court.