Internet Fraudsters Face Justice in Calabar

Internet Fraudsters Face Justice in Calabar

In a bid to combat the rising menace of internet fraud, the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has slammed six-month jail terms on five individuals convicted of various internet-related crimes. The court's verdict is a significant milestone in the fight against cybercrime, as it sends a strong message to would-be fraudsters that the law will not hesitate to take action against them.

On July 22, 2025, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu delivered the judgment, convicting Okon Dennis Akpan, Franklin Agara Mbeh, Peter Chinedu Okpaga, Nwofoke Celestine, and Paul Egede Chinedu on charges bordering on criminal impersonation on the internet. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had preferred separate charges against the defendants, who pleaded guilty in court.

One of the charges levelled against the convicts read: "That you, Nwofoke Celestine, did fraudulently impersonate Victoria Chiara on Facebook with the intent to gain advantage for yourself, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act 2015 and punishable under the same Section."

Following their guilty pleas, the prosecution counsel, Temiloluwa Oladipupo, reviewed the facts of the case, leading the court to convict and sentence each of the defendants to six months in prison, as well as a fine of N1,000,000.00 each. Additionally, the convicts were ordered to forfeit all items used in committing the crimes to the Federal Government.

The EFCC had arrested the defendants at the Correctional Centre for their involvement in internet crimes, and subsequently charged them to court. The convictions serve as a warning to others involved in similar illegal activities, as the law will continue to take decisive action against internet fraudsters.

This development highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb the spread of internet fraud in Nigeria, and demonstrates the commitment of the judiciary to ensuring that those involved in such crimes are held accountable for their actions.