The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Uyo Zonal Command on Friday, September 17, 2021 secured the conviction of 17 internet fraudsters before Justice Stephen Daylop Pam of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The convicts were Valentine Moses Ukong, Ebuka Kelvin Uzokwe, Onedo Elohor Caleb, Godson Lekia Tophie, Achilonu Moses Chidiebere, Monshe Oloko Pius, Samuel Egu Ezeh, Akobo Joseph Chikone, Morayor Jerry Shina and Obioma Joel.
Others were Modey Terrence Akong, Abang Godswill Iyurinyi, Emmanuel Chika, Prosper Okpubeku, Obikwelu Bright Ugochukwu, Enajemo Oghenekaro and Effiong Akaninyene Essien.
The convicts were among 33 suspected internet fraudsters arrested in a sting operation at different locations in Calabar on Thursday September 9, 2021.
Each of them was convicted after pleading guilty to separate one count charge that bordered on criminal impersonation and identity theft, with intent to obtain property and gain advantage, contrary to the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015.
All the defendants, with the exception of Godson Tohie and Achilonus Chidiebere, bagged six months imprisonment with various options of fine ranging from N50, 000 to N10, 000.
