Two internet fraudsters have bagged jail terma in separate trials in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In the first judgement, Justice P.M Ayua of the Federal High Court sitting in PortHarcourt, Rivers State convicted and sentenced Odinakachi Prince Onyeoziri to seven years imprisonment.
He was jailed after pleading guilty to three-count charges bordering on internet fraud contrary to Section 14 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same Section.
He was arrested by operatives of the EFCC following a written petition by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, against the defendant for alleged internet fraud activities.
Justice Ayua sentenced him to seven years imprisonment cumulatively with Three Million Naira (3,000,000.00) as an option of fine payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In addition, the judge ordered that, items recovered from the convict, two laptops, a mobile device, Toyota Highlander with Registration: NKR 736 AA, two story buildings containing six units of two bedroom flats should be forfeited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Port Harcourt Court Jails Internet Fraudster Two Years
In another case, the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 secured the conviction and sentence of an internet fraudster, Kpalap Dorka to two years imprisonment before Justice S.D. Pam of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He was jailed after pleading guilty to a one- count charge bordering on impersonation contrary to Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2) of the same Act.
Justice Pam thereafter convicted and sentenced Dorka to two years in the Nigeria Correctional Centre, with an option of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) as fine payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federation.
The Judge also ordered that the iPhone 13 Pro max and Lexus ES 350 with registration number PHC 145 Al and chassis number JTHBJ46GI72139987121 recovered from the convict be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria and sold through public auction under the supervision of the Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or any person designated by him in line with Section 31 (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes (Establishment) Act 2004.
He further ordered that the proceeds from the sale of the phone and car should be paid into the EFCC Recovery Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Dorka was arrested on March 11, 2024 following actionable intelligence on his fraudulent activities and extravagant lifestyle. Investigation revealed that he presented himself as one Jane William to lure his victims into believing he is an investor working with a brokerage platform in order to defraud them. He was charged to court and convicted.
