Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has convicted and sentenced 34 individuals involved in internet fraud to various penalties. The convicts, primarily young men, faced charges of fraudulent impersonation, possession of proceeds of crime, and obtaining by false pretense.
The individuals, including Kelly Maduabuchi Muonagu, Nwokwu Chibuike Valerian, Chinonso Stanley Boniface, and Nnamani Makuo Paschal, were arrested on October 11, 2024, at different locations in Onitsha, Anambra State, during a targeted anti-cybercrime operation.
Investigations revealed their involvement in elaborate schemes designed to deceive unsuspecting foreign nationals, often by posing as foreign professionals, including shipping agents.
For instance, Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley was charged with impersonating a foreign national named Erica Clark. Using a fake Facebook account via an HP Elite Book, Kingsley allegedly sought personal financial gains through deceptive interactions with foreign nationals.
His charge stated: “That you, Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley… fraudulently impersonated Erica Clark, a foreign national… with intent to gain advantage for yourself… and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2024 as amended and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act.”
Similarly, another convict, Kalu Odeghe Olu, was charged with posing as a foreign shipping agent through a fake email account, orbitglobalexpresstopofficial@gmail.com, created to lure foreign nationals.
His charge read: “That you, Kalu Odeghe Olu… fraudulently presented yourself as a foreign shipping agent… with intent to gain advantage for yourself… and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2024 as amended.”
Upon arraignment, the convicts pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, prosecution counsel Raymond Edozie argued for their conviction, urging the court to deliver sentences in line with the severity of the offenses.
In a bid for leniency, defense counsel Benard Okeke, James Nwatarali, and Ifeanyi Odoh appealed to the court, highlighting the convicts’ remorse and requesting mitigated sentences.
After considering the arguments from both sides, Justice Anyadike delivered her ruling, sentencing each of the 34 individuals to eight months imprisonment with an option of a fine of N70,000.
However, two convicts, Nwokwu Chibuike Valerian and Chinonso Stanley Boniface, were given two months of supervised community service, overseen by the Deputy Court Registrar.
In addition, Justice Anyadike ordered that all mobile phones, laptops, and other devices seized from the convicts during the arrest be auctioned. The proceeds from these auctions will be deposited into the Federation’s Single Treasury Account.
This ruling serves as a strong warning against internet fraud and highlights the Nigerian judiciary’s commitment to upholding cybersecurity laws under the Cybercrime Act.