On Tuesday, Justice C.O. Agashieze of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja delivered a decisive verdict, convicting and sentencing five individuals for internet fraud offenses. The convicts, who were charged separately for crimes related to obtaining by false pretence, include Desmond Ikpefua, Oyeniji Efosa Temitope, Exiobor Raphael, Emmanuel Gabriel, and Samuel Owoicho.
The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) led the prosecution of the case. Each defendant faced distinct charges under the Penal Code Law, reflecting the varied nature of their fraudulent activities.
Emmanuel Gabriel was found guilty of cheating by personation. His charge stated that in 2024, within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court, he falsely represented himself as Melsse Moore, a female celebrity. Under this assumed identity, Gabriel deceived Mark Williams into sending him $200, claiming to be in a romantic relationship with him. This act was in violation of Section 321 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 324.
Desmond Ikpefua’s case involved an attempt to commit fraud through digital impersonation. He created a fake Skype App and Gmail profile, pretending to be Nurhaiza Johnston, an Executive Director at Volvo Group. This action contravened Section 95 of the Penal Code Act, and Ikpefua was found guilty under Section 324 of the same Law.
Oyeniji Efosa Temitope, Exiobor Raphael, and Samuel Owoicho also faced separate charges of obtaining by false pretence, though the specific details of their cases were not outlined in the court records. The convictions are part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to curb internet fraud and uphold justice.