By Peter Jene, Senior National Correspondent
Convictions Are Obtained Before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Command
AWKA, Anambra — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Enugu Zonal Command successfully prosecuted and won the conviction of 27 internet fraudsters in a historic triumph against cybercrime. On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Awka, Anambra State, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court issued the decision.
Ajaero Chidiebube, Kosisochukwu Wisdom Ugwu, Apeh Samuel, Hyacinth Henry, Ebuka Moses Ugwu, Abugu Emmanuel Ebuka, Ogbu George, Onoja Chekwube, Onu Ogbonna Celestine, Ugwude Innocent Ekene, Solomon Emeka Okechukwu, Kosisochukwu Mamah, Idoko Fidelis Ejiofor, David Ifebuche Moses, Jude Ikechukwu, Kosisochukwu Idoko Martins.
Others sentenced are Eze Caleb Somtochukwu, Ekeleme Victor, Osuji Kingsley, Eze Sopuruchukwu Marvin, Osuji Nnaemeka, Ikechi David, Ejiogu Chizoba, Arinze John Ojobo, Eze Daniel Chinecherem, and Michael Ojo.
The charges against the individuals ranged from fraudulent impersonation to obtaining by false pretense. For instance, Solomon Emeka Okechukwu was charged with fraudulently impersonating Jennifer Alberto from Reading, United Kingdom, using a fake Facebook Social Media Account.
The charge stated, “That you, Solomon Emeka Okechukwu sometime in 2024, at Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated Jennifer Alberto from Reading, United Kingdom by means of your Tecno Camon 20 with IMEI number 3551344570732428 via a fake Facebook Social Media Account with the intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) and (b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act.”
Michael Ikechukwu Ani, the prosecution’s attorney, gave the case facts and urged the judge to find them guilty and impose the appropriate penalty after they entered a guilty plea. Defence attorneys James Nwatarali and Okeke Bernard responded by pleading for their clients’ leniency.
Justice Dimgba, after due consideration, handed down the following sentences:
- Marvin: One year imprisonment with an option of a fine of N120,000.00 and community service.
- A year in prison is the punishment for Samuel, Henry, Ugwu, Ebuka, Martins, and Chinecherem; an alternative is a N50,000.00 fine and community service.
- Others: A fine of N150,000.00 and community service, or one year in prison each.
Judge Dimgba not only imposed punishments but also mandated that the Federal Government lose any cell phones that were found belonging to the guilty parties.
This verdict marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against internet-related offenses, and the EFCC remains committed to curbing cybercrime and ensuring justice prevails.
