The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Command, has successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of eight individuals involved in internet fraud in Cross River State.
This achievement was announced by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who detailed the convictions overseen by Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court in Calabar.
The convicted individuals and their charges include:
1. Abasiofon Daniel Essien (aka Jason Momoa)
2. Gideon Junior
3. Edikan Ubong
4. Harrison Chiemelie
5. Ndifereke Umoh
6. Christopher Promise
7. Effiong Wisdom
8. Godswill Nsikan
They were prosecuted separately on charges related to criminal impersonation, identity theft, and obtaining money by false pretense. The charges against them ranged from fraudulent possession of specific amounts of money to impersonation on social media platforms.
Key details from the charges include:
– Abasiofon Daniel Essien was found guilty of taking possession of $300 as proceeds from identity theft.
– Effiong Wisdom, impersonating as Pamela Randy, fraudulently obtained $170.
– Each defendant pleaded guilty to their charges, after which the prosecution presented their confessional statements and incriminating evidence from their mobile phones.
Justice Oghoghorie sentenced each of them to two years in prison, with options for fines for some:
– Umoh, Promise, Chiemelie, and Nsikan were given the option to pay fines ranging from N1 million to N2 million.
– Essien, Junior, Ubong, and Wisdom were given fines ranging from N1 million to N1.5 million.
– Additionally, restitution orders were issued for various amounts to be paid back to their victims, along with the forfeiture of their phones, deemed tools of their crimes.
The EFCC emphasized its commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring perpetrators face justice, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
This conviction underscores the EFCC’s efforts to clamp down on fraudulent activities and protect the public from financial scams facilitated through digital platforms.