In a decisive move that unequivocally underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to combating cybercrime, Justice O. A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, took action on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Specifically, ten ‘Yahoo Boys’ found guilty, were each facing separate one-count charges related to internet fraud.

The Prosecution Team: EFCC Takes the Lead

Spearheaded by the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the prosecution targeted a diverse group of defendants. Specifically, these individuals include Ikyegh Senenge Bobo, Anum Cyprian Sesugh, Boniface Udoo Aondofa, Utor Stanley Torkuma, Obande Emmanuel, James Ekere, Tony Ochekwu Moda, Ochaje James, Shadrach Ugbu Aondona, and Odumu Michael.

The Arrest and Investigation: Unmasking the Fraudsters

In a coordinated effort, authorities arrested these individuals at various locations in Makurdi for their alleged involvement in cybercrime. Following this, investigations subsequently revealed that they cunningly used fake identities to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent social relationships, with the ultimate aim of defrauding them.

Case Highlights: The Deceptive Tactics

For instance, Ikyegh Senenge Bobo impersonated a male citizen of Texas, USA, and defrauded a Japanese woman living in the United States out of Apple iTunes Cards worth N5,662,200.00. Obande Emmanuel, posing as a fortune teller on Instagram, scammed foreign nationals out of $1,000 USD. James Ekere deceived Access Bank Plc and GT Bank into making a chargeback of N1,900,000.00, causing a loss to Accelerex Network Nigeria Limited. Shadrach Ugbu Aondona used the identity of American social media model Caitlyn Anderson to defraud foreign nationals of $2,000.

The Guilty Pleas: Admission and Accountability

In a moment of accountability, all defendants unambiguously pleaded guilty to their respective charges. These charges spanned a variety of offences, notably including fraudulent impersonation and financial deception.The charges were in violation of various sections of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

The Aftermath: A Stern Warning and a Milestone

Undoubtedly, this conviction acts as a stark warning to would-be cybercriminals and emphatically highlights the government’s steadfast commitment to stamping out internet fraud. Meanwhile, as the convicts await their impending sentences, the case stands as a pivotal milestone in Nigeria’s relentless fight against cybercrime.

In Related News: Edo State’s Own Battle Against Fraud

Earlier, Pen Agency News reported that Benin City, Edo State – Justice M. Itsueli in Edo Court Convicts 15 Fraudsters to Jail, Orders Forfeiture of Luxury Cars and Bank Accounts