Court Sentences Four Internet Fraudsters to Jail in Calabar

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Calabar has convicted and sentenced four individuals involved in internet fraud.

The convicts—Itoro Eno Akpan, Abasifreke Uwem, Elisha Asuquo Nnah (also known as Jong Seck), and Ezinwa Emmanuel Ikenna—were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for crimes including cybercrime, money laundering, and impersonation. These offenses stemmed from their involvement in fraudulent online activities aimed at deceiving victims and acquiring illicit funds.

The charges against the individuals included possession of stolen funds, which they were accused of knowing to be the proceeds of illegal activities. Akpan was charged with taking possession of $400 in 2024, a sum that was deemed to be from cybercrime, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

Similarly, Nnah was accused of possessing $300, also linked to unlawful acts of cybercrime. All four defendants pled guilty when the charges were read in court, prompting the prosecution to present evidence, including statements from the defendants and data from their communication devices. These materials were used to support the case and led to the guilty verdicts.

Justice Ojukwu sentenced Akpan and Uwem to one year in prison on each of their two counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. In addition to their jail terms, both were ordered to make restitution to their victims—Akpan is to return $400, while Uwem must repay $200.

Meanwhile, Nnah and Ikenna received two-year sentences for their offenses. Nnah was ordered to restitute $300 to his victim, while Ikenna is required to pay $800.

Additionally, all of their mobile devices used in the commission of these crimes were ordered to be auctioned, with the proceeds to be deposited into the federal government’s Treasury Account. If the victims cannot be located, the restitution funds will also go into the government’s treasury.

These convictions follow the arrests of the four individuals by EFCC operatives for their involvement in internet fraud. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of the EFCC to combat cybercrime and hold individuals accountable for illegal activities that cause harm to victims and the economy.

The sentences, along with restitution and the forfeiture of assets, reflect the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing laws against cybercrime and money laundering in Nigeria.