By Asuquo Cletus
A Federal High Court in sitting Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced seven internet fraudters to six months’ imprisonment each for internet-related offences, following successful prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicts Victor Ekwonwa, Chukwudi Iwueke, Mbam Alexander, Ugorji Emmanuel, Joseph Ekwere Tom, Eze Daniel, and David Okeke were arraigned on separate one-count charges bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and money laundering.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu delivered the judgment on Wednesday, after the accused persons pleaded guilty to the charges.
According to the EFCC, the defendants were arrested at various locations for their involvement in online fraud activities. They were charged by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the commission.
In one of the charges, Joseph Ekwere Tom was accused of possessing and controlling $500, which he knew to be proceeds of an unlawful act, namely obtaining by false pretence. The act contravenes Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.
Upon conviction, Justice Ojukwu sentenced all seven to six months’ imprisonment. However, six of the convicts were given the option of a ₦1,000,000 fine each, while Mbam Alexander was fined ₦500,000.
Additionally, the court ordered Joseph Ekwere Tom and Victor Ekwonwa to restitute the sums of $500 and $100 respectively into the EFCC’s Recovery Account. All gadgets used in perpetrating the crimes were also ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.
Prosecuting counsel, Khamis Mahmud, had urged the court to convict the defendants as charged, following their guilty pleas.
