A Federal High Court in Makurdi, presided over by Justices M.S. Abubakar and R.J. Egbe, has convicted and sentenced ten internet fraudsters to various jail terms for crimes related to cyber fraud. The convicts were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Makurdi Zonal Directorate on separate charges of obtaining by false pretenses and possession of fraudulent documents.
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The convicted individuals include Abugu Clement Kelechi, Samuel Moses Ogbonna, Samuel Sylvester Ogbu, Scott King David, Esua Ablaku Peter, Obinna Ejike, Austine Okwori, Clement David Onoja, Austine Nyagou Bur, and Henry Adah Abah.
Convictions and Sentences
- Abugu Clement Kelechi: Sentenced to one year imprisonment or a fine of ₦100,000. He impersonated “Jennifer Albert,” a fictional Spanish doctor, via Facebook to defraud victims.
- Scott King David: Sentenced to one year imprisonment or a fine of ₦150,000. He impersonated a University of Michigan professor online to create fake social media profiles for fraudulent gains.
- Samuel Moses Ogbonna and Samuel Sylvester Ogbu: Each received one-year imprisonment with fines of ₦150,000.
- Henry Abah Adah: Sentenced to one year imprisonment or a fine of ₦100,000.
- Austine Nyagou Bur: Sentenced to one year imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000.
- Clement David Onoja: Received the longest sentence of three years imprisonment or a fine of ₦2,500,000.
- Esua Ablaku Peter, Obinna Ejike, and Austine Okwori: Each sentenced to one year imprisonment or a fine of ₦100,000.
All the convicts pleaded guilty to their charges. Following a review of case facts and evidence presented, including incriminating documents, the court delivered its judgment.