16 Convicted In Awka Over Internet Crime

Afimag.com –

Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has convicted 16 Nigerian youths following their involvement in various internet crimes.

They were convicted on June 27, 2023, by Justice F.I Riman, coming after the charges brought against them by Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu Zonal Command.

The Convicts are Ukwuoma Mmasi Joseph, Godwin John Ifeanyi, Azubuike Chimaobi Kelvin, Chukwuma Peter, Mboji Henry Chima, and Ngene Chukwuma Samuel.

Others are Michael Ogbodo, Michael Elijah, Okafor Ifeanyi Gabriel, Obiozor Franklin, Agah Chukwuebuka David and Iloabuchi Damian Okafor.

Ifeanyi Jeff Ukwuoma, Chukwudalu Marvellous Kalu, Kulugh Mbatierev Simon, and Paschal Ugwuanyi are also convicted.

The charge against Ukwuoma Mmasi Joseph reads; “that you Ukwuoma Mmasi Joseph (aka Nelson) sometime in June, 2023 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Honorable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Nelson a Soldier and citizen of United States of America by means of your Tecno Spark 8, through your fake WhatsApp account with intent to obtain money from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 22(3)(a) and (b) of the Cybercrimes ( Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under section 22(4) of the same Act”.

All the 16 defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Consequently, the prosecuting counsel urged the court to convict and sentenced accordingly.

The court convicted and sentenced them to one year imprisonment or with an option of N150, 000.00 fine each. Their phones were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.