The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Command, has successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of eight individuals involved in internet fraud, also known as "yahoo yahoo," in Cross River State.
In a statement released by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Saturday, it was disclosed that the convictions were handed down by Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court, Calabar. The convicted individuals include Abasiofon Daniel Essien (aka Jason Momoa), Gideon Junior, Edikan Ubong, Harrison Chiemelie, Ndifereke Umoh, Christopher Promise, Effiong Wisdom, and Godswill Nsikan.
They were each prosecuted on charges relating to criminal impersonation, identity theft, and obtaining money under false pretenses. The charges detailed specific instances where the accused defrauded victims through various online platforms.
For instance, Essien was charged with unlawfully obtaining $300 under false pretenses, while Wisdom fraudulently presented himself as Pamela Randy to obtain $170 from a victim. All accused persons pleaded guilty to their charges, leading to the presentation of their confessional statements and incriminating evidence from their mobile phones as evidence in court.
Justice Oghoghorie sentenced Umoh, Promise, Chiemelie, and Nsikan to two years' imprisonment each, with the option of paying a fine of N2 million each. Junior, Essien, and Ubong were given the option to pay a fine of N1.5 million each, while Wisdom was fined N1 million. Additionally, restitution amounts ranging from $50 to $300 were ordered for some of the convicted fraudsters to repay their victims.
Furthermore, the judge ordered the forfeiture of the defendants' mobile phones, described as essential tools in their fraudulent activities, to the government.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring that perpetrators face the full weight of the law. The convictions underscore the agency's ongoing efforts to safeguard the public from internet fraud schemes prevalent in the digital age.
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