In a major crackdown on cybercrime, two judges of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Justices Ijeoma Ojukwu and Rosemary Oghoghorie Dugbo, have convicted and sentenced nine individuals for offences including impersonation, money laundering, and obtaining money by false pretence.
The convicted individuals, Nsofor Charles Ochiabutor, Aneikan Monday Akpan, Igwe Greg, Ubong Emmanuel, Columba Chukwubuikem David, Edet Christopher Asuquo, Justice Chinonso, David Sunday Aniete, and Fidelis Andrew Effiom, were arraigned by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on various charges.
Convictions Based on EFCC Investigations
In a statement released Monday, the EFCC confirmed that the crimes were committed between 2023 and 2024, and that the suspects were charged under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
One charge against Nsofor Charles Ochiabutor alleged he knowingly took possession of $3,000 obtained through false pretence in 2023. Another charge against Aneikan Akpan, who operated under the alias “Hwan Yeong,” accused him of impersonation and possession of $300 in fraudulent proceeds.
All nine defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. Prosecutors Joshua Abolarin and Khamis Mahmud urged the court to convict them accordingly, while defence counsels pleaded for leniency.
Sentences and Restitution Orders
Justice Ojukwu sentenced Ochiabutor to 12 months in prison on each of his two-count charges, with an option of a N1 million fine, and ordered him to refund $3,000 to his victim. The sentences will run concurrently.
Akpan, Greg, and David received 12-month concurrent prison sentences, with David also ordered to repay $1,800. Ubong Emmanuel was sentenced to six months imprisonment on a single count.
In separate rulings, Justice Dugbo sentenced Edet Asuquo, Justice Chinonso, David Aniete, and Fidelis Effiom to two years imprisonment each, with the option of fines. They also forfeited $300, $180, and $1,300 respectively to the federal government.
