EFCC Secures Conviction of Five Internet Fraudsters in Calabar Court

EFCC had secure conviction in Justice Rosemary Dugbo-Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State of five internet fraudsters to prison terms in a landmark case on Monday, November 18, 2024. The convicts, Michael Aregbesola (a.k.a Amin Deera), Adeleke Toba Richard (Alias Jason Avtandil), Mkpoikanke Emmanuel Udoh (a.k.a Tom Jones), Gideon Mishell Effiong (a.k.a Gianluca Jinoble), and Momodu John Modupe (a.k.a George Woods), were charged with offenses that included criminal impersonation, fraudulent messaging, and money laundering. The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spearheaded the investigation and prosecution.

The EFCC revealed that the fraudsters used various online platforms to deceive unsuspecting individuals, particularly targeting foreign nationals. For instance, Adeleke Toba Richard, posing as Jason Avtandil, fraudulently obtained $500 from a U.S. citizen under false pretenses, while Gideon Mishell Effiong took €500 from another victim by impersonating a well-known persona online. Their actions contravened the Money Laundering Act, 2022, which explicitly prohibits such fraudulent activities.

Charges and Evidence Presented in Court

The EFCC presented multiple charges against the fraudsters, with each count supported by compelling evidence. In one charge, Richard was accused of knowingly possessing $500 belonging to Ms. Bella, an American citizen, as proceeds from fraudulent impersonation. Another charge detailed Effiong’s possession of €500 obtained through cybercrime activities, a serious offense under Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

During the court proceedings, Prosecution Counsel Kharmis Mahmud presented critical evidence, including the defendants’ statements and fraudulent documents retrieved from their electronic devices. The defense attorneys—Francis Ezeike, Samson Awuje, and Emmanuel Sabe—raised no objections to the evidence, which further solidified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s case. In light of the overwhelming proof and the defendants’ guilty pleas, Justice Dugbo-Oghoghorie moved to convict and sentence each fraudster according to their respective offenses.

Sentencing and Fines Imposed by the Court

Justice Dugbo-Oghoghorie handed down sentences tailored to each defendant’s level of involvement. Effiong received a four-year sentence on each of two counts, with an option to pay a fine of €2,500 and make restitution of €500 to his victim. Similarly, Richard received a seven-year sentence for each count but could pay $2,500 in fines and return $500 to his victim. Both sentences will run concurrently, allowing each to serve one combined sentence.

The court also sentenced Aregbesola and Udoh to seven years each or a fine of N5 million. Modupe received a four-year sentence with a fine option of N5 million. The EFCC praised the sentences as a victory in its ongoing war against cybercrime, highlighting that each judgment included provisions for victim restitution, underscoring the commitment to compensating those affected by these crimes.

EFCC’s Fight Against Cybercrime and Its Broader Impact

This case represents the EFCC’s dedication to combatting cybercrime, a growing challenge in Nigeria. The Commission’s Uyo Zonal Directorate commenced investigations after observing the fraudsters’ suspicious online behavior and luxurious lifestyles, leading to their eventual arrests and successful prosecution. This victory is part of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s broader strategy to curb cyber-related offenses in Nigeria and send a message to potential fraudsters about the risks of engaging in such activities.

The EFCC’s continued success in apprehending and prosecuting online fraudsters reflects positively on Nigeria’s judicial system and reinforces the government’s resolve to eliminate cybercrime. These convictions are seen as a commendable stride toward justice, applauding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s proactive measures and fostering support to sustain the agency’s momentum in curbing cyber-related crimes across the nation.