EFCC convicts seven internet fraudsters in Kaduna

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of seven internet fraudsters before Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

The convicts, identified as Paul Emmanuel Tumba, Gabriel Fidelis, Rotji Makwin Gonchor, Danboyi John, Agbaje Abbas Olalekan, Solomon Ameh, and Wisdom Mundi Luka, were each prosecuted on separate one-count charges related to impersonation, possession of fraudulent documents, and obtaining money by false pretenses.

According to a statement from EFCC Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Gabriel Fidelis, under the guise of “Diana Siako” on Facebook and Telegram, defrauded victims of over ₦970,000. Similarly, Solomon Ameh, posing as “Scott Phillips,” deceived a victim into parting with $300 under the false pretense of an investment scheme.

All the accused pleaded guilty to the charges, prompting the prosecution to request appropriate sentencing. The defense, however, sought leniency for the convicts.

Justice Aikawa sentenced the fraudsters to prison terms ranging from two to five years, with fines ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦600,000. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of their crime proceeds, including phones, laptops, cars, foreign currencies, and other items, to the Federal Government.

The EFCC confirmed that the fraudsters were arrested in Jos, Plateau State, and Minna, Niger State, following credible intelligence. This conviction highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and ensure justice for victims of online fraud.