Court convicts 22 internet fraudsters in Anambra

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Enugu Zonal Command, has secured the conviction of 22 internet fraudsters before Justice F. Riman of the Federal High Court, Akwa, Anambra State.

They were convicted on June 13, 2023, on a one count separate charge bordering Impersonation.

The convicts are Emos Ozoemena Orjiobasi, Onodugo Oji, Chukwudi Usulor, Victor Ifesinachi Ozonwanji, Arinze Daniel Ani, Ogbodo Chinedu Johnbosco, Okonkwo Francis Chukwuebuka, Emmanuel Tochukwu Ezuma, Tochukwu Collins Ojiochie, David Charles Ani, Chibuzo Emmanuel Okoloeze and Ebuka Thaddeus.

Others are Okechukwu Emmanuel Onah, Nnamdi Moses Aniojoani, Ezike Kingsley Chinecherem, Thomas Joshua Ekene, Ojioche Miracle Nzesinachi, Nwose Chinedu Smartboy, Chinazaekpere Francis Ani, Nnamezie Emmanuel Okil, Rapheal Chukwuebuka Ogbodo, and Eneh Chimaobi Christopher.

The charge against Emos Ozoemena Orjiobasi reads; “that you, Emos Ozoemena Orjiobasi sometime in May, 2023 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Honorable Court, impersonated by presenting yourself as Inaya Zainab Zara, a white lady, on your Facebook social media account using your iPhone X with intent to obtain money by false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 22(3) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.)Act. 2015 and punishable under section 22(4) of the same Act.”

All the 22 defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them

In view of their pleas, the prosecuting counsel urged the court to convict them accordingly. The court convict and sentenced them to one year imprisonment with the option of N150, 000.00 fine each,  while Chibuzo Emmanuel Okoloeze was given the option of N100,000 fine.