posted 12th May 2025
Court Jails Nine for Internet Fraud in Nigeria
Calabar, Nigeria – Two judges of the Federal High Court in Calabar, Justices Ijeoma Ojukwu and Rosemary Oghoghorie Dugbo, have sentenced nine individuals to prison for internet fraud, following prosecutions by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicted fraudsters are Nsofor Charles Ochiabutor, Aneikan Monday Akpan, Igwe Greg, Ubong Emmanuel, Columba Chukwubuikem David, Edet Christopher Asuquo, Justice Chinonso, David Sunday Aniete, and Fidelis Andrew Effiom. They faced separate charges, including obtaining money by false pretence, retaining proceeds of crime, money laundering, and impersonation.
Among the charges, Ochiabutor was accused of knowingly possessing $3,000 obtained through false pretences in 2023, an offence under Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. Similarly, Akpan, posing as “Hwan Yeong” on social media in 2024, fraudulently obtained $300, committing cyber impersonation.
All nine pleaded guilty to their charges. Prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin and Khamis Mahmud urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants, while defence counsel Udeme Tom, David Akpanifum, and Emmanuel Nsebe requested leniency.
Justice Ojukwu sentenced Ochiabutor to 12 months imprisonment per count, with the option of a ₦1 million fine, and ordered him to restitute $3,000 to his victim. Akpan, Greg, and David each received 12 months per count, with David also ordered to repay $1,800. Emmanuel was sentenced to six months on a single count. All terms are to run concurrently.
Justice Dugbo sentenced Asuquo, Chinonso, Aniete, and Effiom to two years each, with options for fines. They were also ordered to forfeit $300, $180, and $1,300, respectively, to the federal government.
