In a decisive move against cybercrime, Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has delivered a verdict, convicting and sentencing three individuals for their involvement in criminal impersonation, internet fraud, and possession of fraudulent documents.
The convicted individuals, Abraham Itoro Sunday, Ezea Chidera Charles, and Udoh Christopher Gabriel, faced charges brought by the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They were arraigned on separate one-count charges related to cybercrimes and pleaded guilty to all charges.
Abraham Itoro Sunday was accused of fraudulent impersonation on Facebook, posing as Brian O’Noel to gain an advantage for himself, contravening Section 22 (2)(b)(I) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act 2015. Ezea Chidera Charles, on the other hand, assumed the identity of ‘Molina Urovsky’ on Facebook, while Udoh Christopher Gabriel presented himself as Alexander Douglas on Instagram.
Prosecution counsels, Enobong Ubokudom and Farida Bukar urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly, based on their guilty pleas. Subsequently, Justice Onah pronounced sentences on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Abraham Itoro Sunday and Ezea Chidera Charles were each sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, with the option of a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira). Udoh Christopher Gabriel received a five-month jail term, with the option of a fine of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of the three smartphones used by the convicts in the commission of the crimes to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The journey to justice began for the convicts when EFCC operatives arrested them on November 22, 2023, at various locations in Afaha Atai, Iko Eket, Akwa Ibom State. Investigations revealed that the individuals had assumed false identities of foreigners to defraud their victims.
This verdict sends a clear message of the judiciary’s commitment to combatting cybercrime and ensuring that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions. The sentences handed down serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar unlawful activities, underscoring the importance of upholding the rule of law in the digital age.
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