The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has sentenced Praise Humphrey Igbo, also known as Jessica Allen, to one year in prison for internet fraud amounting to $115,000. The ruling was delivered by Justice H.L. Abba-Aliyu on December 11, 2024.
Igbo, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), faced a one-count charge including internet crime, criminal impersonation, obtaining money under false pretenses, and money laundering. The EFCC revealed that Igbo posed as a successful cryptocurrency trader named “Jessica Allen” to deceive an American victim, Aaron Baker.
The court was informed that Igbo fraudulently obtained 5.26 Bitcoins worth $115,000 from Baker through false representations. This act violated Section 321 of the Penal Code Act, Abuja, Cap 532 LFN 2004, and was punishable under Section 324 of the same Act.
Igbo pleaded guilty to the charges, prompting EFCC counsel M.K. Hussain to request a conviction and sentencing. Justice Abba-Aliyu sentenced Igbo to one year in prison but also offered the option to pay a ₦1 million fine. The court further ordered that the funds recovered from Igbo, including $16,110 in cash, $67,487.79 in cryptocurrency, and money in his bank account, should be used to compensate the victim through the American Embassy.
The case stemmed from a petition filed by Baker, a resident of East Baton Rouge Parish, USA, who accused Igbo of defrauding him via a cryptocurrency investment scam on Blockchain.com.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to fighting cybercrime and ensuring justice for victims.
