The Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu, under the jurisdiction of Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, has convicted and sentenced two internet fraudsters—Arinze Johnpaul Chukwudi and Ajah Damian Uchechukwu—for engaging in cybercrime and impersonation. The convicts were prosecuted separately by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges that centered around fraudulent impersonation and cyber-enabled deception.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Umar sentenced 26-year-old Chukwudi to 11 months in prison without an option of a fine, after he was found guilty of impersonating a South Korean military personnel named Jimcho Mun on Facebook to defraud an unsuspecting foreign national, M. Irfan. Similarly, Uchechukwu, who conspired with others to impersonate a U.S. citizen and obtain $10,452, was sentenced to six months in prison with an additional fine of N500,000.
Modus Operandi: How the Fraud Was Executed
According to the EFCC, Chukwudi used a Facebook account linked to an Itel A662L mobile phone to impersonate a fictitious South Korean military nurse purportedly based in Syria but residing in the United States. The fraudster exploited this false identity to build trust and subsequently attempted to extract money from his victim under false pretenses.
Uchechukwu’s case, however, dates back to 2017 and involved a broader syndicate, including individuals already convicted in the United States and some still at large. The group, operating out of Amakohia in Imo State, targeted a U.S. citizen, Ngan Nguyen, from whom they fraudulently obtained over $10,000 by posing as different individuals through various digital communication platforms.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the proceedings, both accused persons pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them. The prosecution counsel, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II), Ajobiewe Rotimi Enitan, urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants in accordance with the law. On the other hand, the defense counsel, Chijoke E., pleaded for leniency, citing their clients’ remorse and willingness to reform.
Justice Umar, after careful consideration, handed down the sentences—underscoring the court’s commitment to supporting the EFCC’s effort in combating cybercrime. The convictions represent yet another victory for the anti-graft agency, which continues to ramp up its efforts in tracking and prosecuting internet fraud across the country.
New Arraignments: EFCC Charges Three More Suspects
In a related development, the EFCC arraigned three new suspects—Prince Odinaka Ogbu, Nwachukwu Chidalu Prosper, and Desmond Okoye Chidera—before the same court for various offenses under the Cybercrimes Act, 2015. Ogbu faces a two-count charge for aiding unauthorized modification of computer systems and data interference. He is accused of collaborating with one Ledata Evans and others still at large.
Meanwhile, Prosper and Chidera were jointly arraigned on a two-count charge of illegally accessing the email account of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Ugochukwu Nwachukwu. The duo reportedly used the stolen email password to gain undue advantage, a violation punishable under Section 22 of the Cybercrime Act.
EFCC’s Warning and Commitment to Cybercrime Prosecution
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to prosecuting cybercriminals to the full extent of the law. The Enugu Zonal Directorate emphasized that internet fraud poses a serious threat to the nation’s international image and economic integrity. The agency called on Nigerian youths to shun cybercrime and channel their energies into lawful and productive ventures.
In light of the convictions and ongoing prosecutions, the EFCC encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities. The anti-graft agency reaffirmed its dedication to upholding justice and ensuring that no one profits from deceit and digital manipulation. The next court sessions for the newly arraigned suspects are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
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