Justices Ijeoma Ojukwu and Rosemary Oghoghorie Dugbo of the Federal High Court in Calabar have found nine individuals guilty of internet fraud and sentenced them to prison. The defendants include 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.
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They were prosecuted by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate charges related to obtaining money by false pretenses, money laundering, retaining proceeds of crime, and impersonation. One of the charges against Ochiabutor states: "That you, Nsofor Charles Ochiabutor, on a date in 2023 within this Honorable Court's jurisdiction, knowingly took possession of $3000 (Three Thousand United States Dollars), fully aware that it constituted proceeds of an unlawful act, namely obtaining money by false pretenses, thereby committing an offense under Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act." The charge against Akpan alleges: "That you, Aneikan Monday Akpan (a.k.a Hwan Yeong), in 2024, in Nigeria and within this Honorable Court's jurisdiction, fraudulently presented yourself as Hwan Yeong on social media with the intent to gain an advantage, and took possession of a total of $300 (Three Hundred United States Dollars), knowing it was part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, namely cyber impersonation, thus committing an offense under Section 18." Upon hearing the charges, all defendants pleaded "guilty." Prosecutors Joshua Abolarin and Khamis Mahmud urged the court to impose appropriate sentences, while defense attorneys Udeme Tom, David Akpanifum, and Emmanuel Nsebe requested leniency. Justice Ijeoma sentenced Ochiabutor to 12 months in prison for each of his two offenses, allowing for a fine of N1 million (One Million Naira) as an alternative. He is also required to pay restitution of $3000 (Three Thousand USD) to his victim. His sentences will run concurrently.
Akpan, Greg, and David received similar 12-month sentences for their offenses, which will also run concurrently. David is additionally ordered to repay $1,800 USD (One Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars) to his victim. Emmanuel was sentenced to six months in prison for his single charge. Justice Dugbo sentenced Asuquo, Chinonso, Aniete, and Effiom each to two years in prison, with the option of fines. They are required to forfeit $300, $180, and $1,300, respectively, to the federal government.