Court Jails Internet Fraudster in Enugu state
Maureen Edozie in Enugu
A man Okwudili Joseph has been convicted and jailed by the Federal High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu for his prosecution on one-count-charge bordering on impersonation and cybercrime by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Penpushing reports that the Head, Media and Publicity of the commission Dele Oyewale said the convict’s road to jail began with his arrest by the operatives on June 5, 2024 in Nike, Enugu, following credible intelligence that linked him to fraudulent internet activities.
The Head, Media and Publicity in a statement made available to journalists said the convict admitted to commission of the crime upon arrest and willingly tendered his confessional statements, adding that when the charge was read to him, he pleaded guilty.
“That you, Okwudili Joseph, on or about the 5th day of June, 2024 at Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated one Jim Warren, a gas detection specialist from United States of America with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act’, the charge read
Penpushing further reports that prosecution counsel, Mohammed Shehu reviewed the facts of the case and prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while the defence counsel, G. C. Ugwele prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.
The defence counsel argued that her client has become remorseful of his action and has learned his lesson as well, and after listening to both sides, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar convicted and sentenced Joseph to two years imprisonment with hard labour or to pay a fine of N200, 000. 00.
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