EFCC Arraigns Eight Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja

EFCC Arraigns Eight Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned eight suspected internet fraudsters before Justice Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa of the Federal High Court Lafia, Nasarawa State. The suspects were arraigned on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretenses.

The suspects are Timileyin Jude, Kelvin Godwin, Benedict Simon Udoh, Israel Ugwu, Friday Onigbe, Ismaila Jemilu, Salifu Mustapha Achema, and Paul Attah. They were charged with various counts of impersonation and obtaining money by false pretenses.

Godwin's count reads that he impersonated one Bad Ass Kylie from America using a fake Telegram social media account and benefited $200 from unsuspecting foreign nationals. Udoh's count reads that he impersonated a black military man from the United States using different social media sites and email accounts.

All suspects pleaded guilty, prompting prosecution counsel S.N. Robert to urge the court to convict and sentence them. Justice Onoja-Alapa convicted and sentenced all the defendants to one year imprisonment with options to pay fines ranging from N50,000 to N150,000.

The court also ordered that all phones used to perpetrate the crimes be sold and the monies paid to the Proceeds of Crime Account. One of the convicts, Onigbe, was required to pay the balance of $204.35 having restituted $215 to his victims.

The EFCC's efforts to combat internet fraud and other cybercrimes are ongoing. The Commission remains committed to protecting citizens and businesses from the scourge of cybercrime and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.

The conviction and sentencing of the eight internet fraudsters serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar activities. The EFCC's efforts to combat cybercrime are crucial in promoting a safe and secure online environment.