Court convicts 27 for internet fraud in Anambra
Innocent Raphael
The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday secured the conviction and sentencing of 27 internet fraudsters in a Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State.
The fraudsters were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence in a session presided over by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Michael Ikechukwu Ani reviewed the facts of the cases and prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
The convicts were: Ajaero Chidiebube, Kosisochukwu Wisdom Ugwu, Apeh Samuel, Hyacinth Henry, Ebuka Moses Ugwu, Abugu Emmanuel Ebuka, Ogbu George, Onoja Chekwube, Onu Ogbonna Celestine, Ugwude Innocent Ekene, Solomon Emeka Okechukwu, Kosisochukwu Mamah, Idoko Fidelis Ejiofor, David Ifebuche Moses, Jude Ikechukwu, Kosisochukwu Idoko Martins and Victor Odoh Chinecherem.
Others were; Eze Caleb Somtochukwu, Ekeleme Victor, Osuji Kingsley, Eze Sopuruchukwu Marvin, Osuji Nnaemeka, Ikechi David, Ejiogu Chizoba, Arinze John Ojobo, Eze Daniel Chinecherem and Michael Ojo.
All convicts were handed 1year imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and community service.
However, defence counsels, Okeke Bernard and James Nwatarali prayed for leniency for their clients, as they assured they were contrite and ready to make restitution for their offences.
Admitting their prayer, Justice Dimgba thereafter pronounced lenient sentences on some convicts, with Eze Sopuruchukwu Marvin sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option of fine of N120,000,00 (One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira) and community service, while amuel, Henry, Ugwu, Ebuka, Martins and Chinecherem bagged one year imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) and community service.
The Judge also ordered that mobile phones recovered from them be forfeited to the Federal Government.
