Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered the mother of a 19-year-old painter, Chinonso Udeh, to appear in court on November 1, 2024.
Udeh, who was brought before Justice Faji, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a count of cybercrime. He pleaded guilty.
Following his plea, the EFCC prosecutor, Mr Suleiman Suleiman, reviewed the facts of the case through a witness, Mr Abdulraman Mohammed, an operative.
Mohammed detailed how intelligence led the EFCC to a suspected cybercrime ring in the Lekki area of Lagos.
He said that after conducting surveillance, the EFCC operatives carried out a sting operation that resulted in Udeh’s arrest.
The witness also told the court that the operatives seized an iPhone XR from Udeh, which was later analysed, revealing incriminating documents.
He added that Udeh’s statement was taken under caution.
With no objections from the defence, the prosecution submitted the evidence, which the court marked as Exhibits A, B, and C.
However, Justice Faji discharged the witness and ordered Udeh, who was seated, to stand and address the court.
The court questioned Udeh about his background.
He mentioned that he was learning painting and resided with a church member.
When asked about his parents, Udeh stated that he hails from Onitsha in Anambra State and that his mother, Mrs Marther Ude, lives in the Achaputa area of Onitsha.
When the court asked who accompanied him, Udeh pointed to a young man with braided hair.
The young man introduced himself as a friend, explaining that he was not related to Udeh but attended the session because he had no family support in court.
Justice Faji, surprised by the lack of family presence and support, questioned the situation, saying, “At 19, you are here without your parents, but only your ‘friend’ with plaited hair. So, should I think this defendant is responsible? So, should this be how a teenager is allowed to roam freely?” he queried.
The judge then ordered Udeh to ensure his mother’s appearance in court at the next hearing or risk imprisonment.
Justice Faji said, “I hereby order his mother, Mrs Martha Ude, of Achaputa Layout, Anambra State, to be in court on November 1, 2024, for further proceedings.”
Additionally, the judge instructed the EFCC to provide food for Udeh during his remand. Both Udeh and his mother were directed to bring identification documents to the next hearing.
The EFCC alleged that between January 27 and April, 13, 2024, Udeh impersonated a white man named “Hamdam Fazza” on Instagram to obtain financial benefits.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offence contravened Section 22(3) of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act, 2015.