Abuja, Nigeria, September 1, 2023
In a significant ruling that marks a win for the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria, Justice O. I. Adelaja of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kubwa, Abuja, convicted six individuals on charges of internet fraud on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
The Convicted and Their Crimes
The defendants, arraigned by the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were identified as Anekwu Chibuike Peterdamian, Eta Iso Okang, Kolawole Michael Taiwo, Ohue Daniel, Ocholi Husseni, and Olatunji Anuoluwapo Johnson.
Anekwu Chibuike Peterdamian was charged with posing as a pilot from the United States on a dating site and defrauding a person named Christian of $7,000 through Bitcoin. Eta Iso Okang was accused of creating a fake Instagram account under the name of Theodora, a U.S. citizen, and obtaining $4,150 by deceit.
The Verdicts and Sentences
All six defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Justice Adelaja handed down the following sentences:
- Anekwu received a two-year prison term with an option of a Two Million Naira fine. He was also ordered to forfeit $4,000, a Mercedes Benz CLA 250 car, and mobile phones to the Federal Government.
- Eta was sentenced to a two-year jail term or a fine of Two Million Naira. He is also to forfeit $4,150, mobile phones, and a laptop computer to the Federal Government.
- Ohue, Ocholi, and Olatunji were each sentenced to a one-year jail term, with an option of a Five Hundred Thousand Naira fine.
- Kolawole received a non-custodial sentence, details of which were not specified in the announcement.
A Warning to Cybercriminals
This case serves as a stern warning to individuals involved in internet fraud and underscores the commitment of Nigerian authorities to combat cybercrime rigorously. The significant sentences and asset forfeitures are aimed not only at punishing the convicted but also deterring potential offenders.