FULL LIST: 24 Internet Fraudsters Sentenced to Jail in Abakaliki (Photos)

In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Justice H. I. O. Oshomah of the Federal High Court in Abakaliki has handed down two-year imprisonment sentences to 24 individuals convicted of internet fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed this development on their official X handle on Friday.

The convicted individuals faced charges of impersonation aimed at defrauding foreign nationals. One notable case involved Osunkwo Chibuike Stanley, who, in May 2024, impersonated a UK citizen, Dahunsi Esther, using a fake Facebook account to solicit money. This act contravenes Section 22 (3) (a) (b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015 and is punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act.

Each defendant pleaded guilty to the charges against them. The defense counsel, E. J. Nwatarali, appealed for leniency, arguing that the convicts had learned their lessons. Nevertheless, Justice Oshomah delivered the sentences, which include two years of imprisonment and six months of community service, with an option to pay a fine of N150,000.00.

The list of convicted fraudsters includes:

• Chidiebere Franklin Anozie
• Odo Nelson
• Osunkwo Chibuike Stanley
• Nwaibo Emmanuel Ogbaga
• Obinna Ohazurume Bethel
• Ugochukwu Daniel Emeziem
• Timothy Chimobi Ngwuezumba
• Victor Ebuka Nwaogu
• Chimaobi Valentine Ugoji
• Eke Emmanuel Udochukwu
• Chimere Godson Ojinnaka
• David Nwachukwu
• Emmanuel Chinemerem Agbaraji
• Ayoka Promise Mmesoma
• Philip Ikechukwu Izuogu
• Precious Chinemerem Nwogu
• Stanley Chibueze Nwachukwu
• Kelly Nwankwo
• Anthony Chidozie Uwadiegwu
• Udeagha Kenneth Chinedu
• Kelechi Charles Omoha
• Ibina Solomon Chisom
• Victor Abonu
• Ikenna Daniel

This judgment underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on cybercrime and serves as a deterrent to potential offenders.