The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has secured new convictions in its ongoing crackdown on cybercrime, with the sentencing of nine individuals by the Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, for offences related to internet fraud.
The convicted persons—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—are each receiving sentences after pleading guilty to various cyber-related charges brought against them by the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu and Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie Dugbo handed down the sentences following prosecution by Joshua Abolarin and Khamis Mahmud of the EFCC, in line with judicial cooperation efforts aimed at enforcing Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, according to a statement by the anti-graft agency.
The charges against the convicts, EFCC says, include obtaining by false pretence, money laundering, cyber impersonation, and unlawful retention of criminal proceeds—offences that are increasingly posing threats to Nigeria’s digital economy and global reputation.
The charges against the convicts, EFCC says, include obtaining by false pretence, money laundering, cyber impersonation, and unlawful retention of criminal proceeds—offences that are increasingly posing threats to Nigeria’s digital economy and global reputation.
In a key ruling, Ochiabutor is convicted for taking possession of $3,000 identified as proceeds of fraud in 2023. He is sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment on each of his two-count charges or an option of a ₦1 million fine. He is also ordered to refund $3,000 to his victim.
Akpan, who is found guilty of cyber impersonation while posing as “Hwan Yeong” online, is sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with the option of a fine. Greg and David receive similar sentences, with David also mandated to pay restitution of $1,800. Emmanuel receives a six-month sentence on a one-count charge.
Justice Dugbo is sentencing Asuquo, Chinonso, Aniete, and Effiom to two years’ imprisonment each, also with options of fines. The court is ordering the forfeiture of various sums—$300, $180, and $1,300—recovered from the convicts, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
EFCC says that the successful convictions are part of ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime by holding perpetrators accountable under Nigerian law, as digital threats continue to rise with increased technology adoption across the country.
The Commission also emphasises its commitment to legal reforms, prosecution efficiency, and inter-agency collaboration to sustain momentum in curbing financial crimes that affect both national and international trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
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