8 internet fraudsters jailed in A-Ibom

The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved a major milestone with the conviction and sentencing of eight internet fraudsters in the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Dele Oyewale, the commission’s Spokesperson, it was revealed that Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, had convicted the eight individuals.

The statement revealed that the individuals were prosecuted on two separate counts of charges, which included criminal impersonation, identity theft, and obtaining money or property by false pretenses.

The statement further listed the convicts to include: Abasiofon Daniel Essien also known as Jason Momoa, Gideon Junior, Edikan Ubong, Harrison Chiemelie, Ndifereke Umoh, Christopher Promise, Effiong Wisdom and Godswill Nsikan.

The judge convicted and sentenced the eight individuals to two years in prison each, but offered some the option to pay a fine instead: Umoh, Promise, Chiemelie, and Nsikan could pay N2 million each, while Junior, Essien, and Ubong could pay N1.5 million each, and Wisdom could pay N1 million.

Also, the court ordered the following individuals to make restitution to their victims: Essien ($100), Junior ($300), Ubong ($170), and Chiemelie (N140,000). Additionally, Umoh, Promise, Wisdom, and Nsikan were ordered to restitute $70, $140, N100,000, and $50 respectively to their victims.