Crime
Awka Court Jails 34 Internet Fraudsters
Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has convicted and sentenced 34 internet fraudsters to various jail terms.
The convicts are; Kelly Maduabuchi Muonagu, Nwokwu Chibuike Valerian, Chinonso Stanley Boniface, Nnamani Makuo Paschal, Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley, Kalu Odeghe Olu, Ikenna Onyebor Maxwell, Fimber Chinedu Ifewuka, Ekeh Callistus Uche, David Chibuike, Chidera Emmanuel Eze, Eberechukwu John Amuka, Okafor Nelson Chinedu, Opara Ifeanyi Nathaniel, Joel Chukwuemeka Amechi, Nnazoba Daniel Ekene, Ikechukwu Prince Gerald, Shedrack Chibueze Ngene and Darlington Odom Oruta.
Other include; Ifeanyi Celestine Akunwafor, Chinagorom Ifeanyi Destiny, Nwaugo Ifesinachi Paul, Somtochukwu Peter Ogbuefi, Emesurum Chinedu Stanley, Innocent Ikegbunem, Chidiukor Nnamani, Emmanuel Johnson Nwafor, Amuche Solomon Christopher, Ifeanyi Blessed Ikechineke, Eze John Ekene, Akubuogu Henry Kizito, Nwokeji Cosmas Uche, Eze Victor Chigadi and Egah Onyedikachi.
They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation, possession of proceeds of crime and obtaining by false pretence.
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The charge against Kingsley reads; “That you, Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley, sometime in October 2024, at Onitsha, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated Erica Clark, a foreign national by means of your HP Elite book 820G3 with serial number 5CG7201TP6 via a fake Facebook account with intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2024 as amended and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act”.
The charge against Olu reads; “That you, Kalu Odeghe Olu, sometime in October 2024, at Onitsha, Anambra State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently presented yourself as a foreign shipping agent, by means of your Infinix Smart 5 via a fake email account; orbitglobalexpresstopofficial@gmail.com with intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2024 as amended and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (IV) of the same Act”.
The convicts pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them separately. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Raymond Edozie prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, defence counsel; Benard Okeke, James Nwatarali and Ifeanyi Odoh pleaded for leniency in sentencing the convicts, adding that the convicts were remorseful.
After listening to both sides, Justice Anyadike sentenced the convicts to eight months Imprisonment each with an option of fine of N70,000 (Seventy Thousand Naira) except for Valerian and Boniface who were given two months community service, which will be supervised by the Deputy Court Registrar.
The judge ordered that mobile phones and laptops recovered from the convicts be auctioned and proceeds paid into the Single Treasury Account of the Federation.
The convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested on October 11, 2024 at different locations of Onitsha in Anambra State for internet-related offences. Investigations revealed that while some of the convicts specialized in impersonating foreign shipping agents using numerous fake email addresses, others employed fraudulent skills to scam vulnerable women abroad.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
Crime
Arrested Boko Haram Suspects: Adeleke Commends Security Operatives, Assures Safety Of Residents
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on the successful operation, that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.
Gov Adeleke expressed his feelings in a statement on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday.
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According to the statement, Gov Adeleke hailed the alertness of security operatives, to eliminate the threats posed by the suspected terrorists, which gives further assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.
He particularly commended the intelligence gathering of the personnel of the State Service, who have painstakingly monitor the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.
“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Gov Adeleke declared.
He assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state” the Governor noted.
Gov Adeleke enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
“I hereby call on my people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be at alert to report any suspicious activities or behavior around them to the relevant security authorities. Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria” he concluded.
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