A Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has handed down convictions and sentences to three individuals involved in internet fraud. Abraham Itoro Sunday, Ezea Chidera Charles, and Udoh Christopher Gabriel were found guilty of criminal impersonation, internet fraud, and possession of fraudulent documents. The convictions were delivered by Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah after their arraignment by the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges against them included fraudulent impersonation on Facebook with the intent to gain an advantage. The three defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, and based on their pleas, the prosecution counsel prayed the court for appropriate convictions and sentences.
Justice Onah sentenced Sunday and Charles to six months imprisonment each, with an option of a fine of N200,000.00. Gabriel received a five-month jail term with an option of a fine of N150,000.00. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the three smartphones used by the convicts in committing the crimes to the Federal Government.
The arrests occurred on November 22, 2023, at different locations in Afaha Atai, Iko Eket, Akwa Ibom State. The investigation revealed that the convicted individuals had impersonated foreigners, using their identities to defraud victims. Charles portrayed himself as ‘Molina Urovsky’ on Facebook, Sunday as ‘Brian O’niel,’ and Gabriel as ‘Alexander Douglas’ on Instagram.
The EFCC has been actively pursuing cases related to cybercrimes and internet fraud to curb the prevalence of such activities in Nigeria. The convictions in this case underscore the commitment to holding individuals accountable for engaging in fraudulent online activities.
