Justice A.A Bello of the Kaduna State High Court has delivered a decisive verdict, convicting and sentencing Zulayman Haruna, a fake United States military officer, to two years in prison. The judgment came after Haruna pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of internet fraud, as presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Kaduna Zonal Command.
In the charge, Zulayman Haruna was accused of attempting to commit an offence by falsely presenting himself as Mariee Guerrero, a white female military personnel, on Facebook, with the intent to deceive unsuspecting victims between January and October 2023. The court, after Zulayman Haruna’s guilty plea, sentenced him to two years imprisonment or a fine of N150,000.00. Additionally, an iPhone X, identified as the tool of the crime, was forfeited to the Federal government through the EFCC. This landmark judgment underscores the commitment of the judiciary in Kaduna to address internet-related crimes.
Zulayman Haruna’s Conviction: Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Upon being arraigned, Zulayman Haruna admitted guilt to the one-count charge of internet fraud. Prosecution counsel, E.K Garba, urged the court to convict him, emphasizing the severity of the offence. Justice A.A Bello, after careful consideration, handed down a two-year prison sentence to Zulayman Haruna or a fine of N150,000.00. The court’s decision also included the forfeiture of the iPhone X used in the commission of the crime to the EFCC.
This case sheds light on the proactive measures taken by law enforcement agencies like the EFCC in addressing cybercrimes, and the decisive stance taken by the judiciary to bring perpetrators to justice. The judgment serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and reinforces the importance of upholding the rule of law in the face of evolving criminal activities in the digital age.
Second Conviction: Didam Jesse Sentenced for Cheating by Impersonation
In a parallel development, Justice A.A Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court sentenced Didam Jesse to two years in prison for cheating by impersonation. This followed Jesse’s guilty plea to a one-count charge brought against him by the EFCC.
According to the charge, Jesse, also known as Endurance Prince David, engaged in cheating by impersonation on Facebook in February 2023. He assumed the identity of Endurance Princes David to defraud an individual named Naziru HB of the sum of N7,000. The court, following Jesse’s admission of guilt, sentenced him to two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000.00. Additionally, the Techno Spark 8P used in the crime and the proceeds of N7,000 were forfeited to the Federal Government through the EFCC.
Didam Jesse’s Case: Legal Proceedings and Implications
Upon arraignment, Didam Jesse pleaded guilty to the charge of cheating by impersonation. Prosecution counsel, M. Lawal, presented a compelling case, urging the court to convict Jesse based on the evidence provided. Justice A.A Isiaka, demonstrating a commitment to justice, sentenced Jesse to two years in prison or a fine of N100,000.00. The court further ordered the forfeiture of the Techno Spark 8P and the ill-gotten proceeds of N7,000 to the Federal Government through the EFCC.
This legal outcome reinforces the zero-tolerance approach adopted by the Kaduna State judiciary in dealing with cybercrimes and online impersonation. The sentencing serves as a stern warning to individuals engaging in fraudulent activities on social media platforms, emphasizing the repercussions they may face under the law.
Common Thread: Impersonation and Internet-Related Offences
Both Zulayman Haruna and Didam Jesse, in separate incidents, began their journey to the Correctional Centre after being arrested for internet-related offences. The common thread in both cases was the impersonation of individuals on social media platforms, specifically Facebook, to deceive unsuspecting victims. The EFCC’s prompt action in investigating and prosecuting these cases highlights the agency’s commitment to curbing cybercrimes and protecting citizens from online fraud.
The convictions underscore the importance of public awareness regarding online security and the need for individuals to exercise caution when engaging with strangers on social media. As technology continues to advance, law enforcement and the judiciary are adapting to address emerging challenges in the digital landscape.
A Strong Message Against Cybercrimes in Kaduna
The convictions of Zulayman Haruna and Didam Jesse send a strong message against cybercrimes in Kaduna. The judiciary’s decisive actions, combined with the efforts of law enforcement agencies like the EFCC, demonstrate a united front against individuals attempting to exploit the digital space for fraudulent activities. The sentences handed down by Justice A.A Bello and Justice A.A Isiaka reflect a commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the public from the pervasive threat of online scams and impersonation. These cases serve as a reminder that perpetrators of cybercrimes will face legal consequences, reinforcing the notion that justice will prevail in the face of evolving technological challenges.
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