EFCC Secures Conviction of Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna Courts

The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of four internet fraudsters in the state. The cases were handled by Justices A.A Bello and A.A. Isiaka of the State High Courts, and R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court. The convicts, identified as Stephen Destiny Osaro, Yakubu Suleiman, Salisu Abubakar, and Mohammed Alamin Isah, faced charges ranging from impersonation to cheating.

In separate hearings, Osaro and Suleiman were both prosecuted on one-count charges of impersonation and sentenced by Justice Bello. Osaro was found guilty of impersonating “Layla Evans,” a fictitious white woman, to defraud an Australian citizen of $100. Similarly, Suleiman impersonated “Latrina Brown Jones” to cheat a victim out of N100,000. Both pleaded guilty, and Justice Bello sentenced Osaro to five years in prison or a fine of N400,000, while Suleiman received the same prison term with an alternative fine of N350,000. Both convicts forfeited their mobile phones to the federal government.

Detailed Charges and Sentences

The specific charges against the convicts revealed the extent of their fraudulent activities. Stephen Destiny Osaro’s charge read: “That you, Stephen Destiny Osaro (a.k.a Layla Evans), male, sometime in March 2024, at Apple Gate Hotel, Karji, Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, fraudulently impersonated one Layla Evans (a white woman) on Facebook, and in such assumed character cheated one Coopland (an Australian citizen) of the sum of $100 (one hundred USD) and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Kaduna State Penal Code law, 2017.”

Salisu Abubakar, who also operated under a false identity, was charged with cheating Scot Williamson out of N100,000 by pretending to be “Latrina Brown Jones,” a white woman from Michigan, USA.

Justice Isiaka sentenced Abubakar to five years imprisonment or a fine of N350,000. Additionally, he was ordered to restitute the victim and forfeit his iPhone 11 Pro to the federal government. Mohammed Alamin Isah, prosecuted on charges of impersonation and cheating, received a two-year prison sentence or a fine of N150,000 from Justice Aikawa. He was also mandated to make restitution to his victim and forfeit his iPhone 13.

The EFCC’s prosecutions were led by counsels M.E. Eimonye for Osaro and Suleman, and M.J. Argungu for Abubakar and Isah. Following the guilty pleas, the counsels urged the courts to deliver appropriate sentences. These convictions underscore the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat internet fraud and hold perpetrators accountable, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to upholding justice and deterring cybercrime in Nigeria.

Also EFCC Secures Another Conviction of Currency Racketeer in Enugu Court

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured the conviction of Onuigbo Chibuzor. The sentencing took place before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Enugu on charges related to currency racketeering. Chibuzor faced a one-count charge for hawking N40,000.00 in mint condition, comprising N200 denominations issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, an act prohibited under Section 21 (4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007. The crime is punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.

Chibuzor pleaded guilty to the charge. Consequently, EFCC Counsel Ajobiewe Rotimi Enitan presented the facts of the case, including Chibuzor’s confessional statements and the recovered sum, as evidence. This culminated in Justice Umar sentencing Chibuzor to three months imprisonment, with an option of a N200,000.00 fine. Additionally, the court ordered that the N40,000.00 involved in the offense be deposited into the Treasury Single Account of the Federal Government.

Details of the Case and Conviction

Onuigbo Chibuzor’s apprehension by the EFCC came after he was caught selling N40,000.00 in new Naira notes for N60,000.00 around Otigba, in New Heaven, Enugu State. This act of currency racketeering is considered a serious offense under Nigerian law, particularly under the regulations of the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed at curbing such illicit activities. The swift action by the EFCC highlights their commitment to enforcing financial regulations and combating financial crimes.

During the court proceedings, Chibuzor’s defense counsel, I. Davidson, appealed for leniency, citing Chibuzor’s status as a first-time offender and a family man with three children. Despite this plea, Justice Umar delivered a firm judgment, balancing the need for justice and the opportunity for the offender to rehabilitate. The sentencing serves as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar activities, reinforcing the legal consequences of currency racketeering in Nigeria.

Implications and Reactions

The conviction of Chibuzor is a significant victory for the EFCC in their ongoing fight against financial crimes in Nigeria. Currency racketeering undermines the integrity of the financial system and can have broader economic implications. By securing this conviction, the EFCC demonstrates its zero-tolerance policy towards such offenses and its dedication to upholding the rule of law. This case is expected to send a strong message to potential offenders about the serious repercussions of engaging in currency-related crimes.

Public reaction to the conviction has been largely supportive, with many viewing it as a necessary step to maintain economic stability and ensure the proper circulation of the national currency. The EFCC’s proactive measures and the judiciary’s prompt response underscore the collaborative effort required to tackle financial crimes effectively. As the country continues to strengthen its financial regulations, the role of enforcement agencies like the EFCC remains crucial in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests