Calabar Federal High Court Sentences Nine for Cybercrime Offences in Akwa Ibom
In a decisive strike against cybercriminal activity, two Federal High Court judges in Calabar—Justices Ijeoma Ojukwu and Rosemary Dugbo Oghoghorie—have convicted and sentenced nine individuals for internet fraud and related offences in Akwa Ibom State.
Hobnob News reports that the convicted individuals—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—faced separate charges filed by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The offences included cyber impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, and money laundering.
According to a statement by the EFCC on Monday, the offences were committed between 2023 and 2024 and violated provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
In one case, Nsofor Ochiabutor was accused of knowingly taking possession of $3,000, proceeds of a fraudulent scheme. Aneikan Monday Akpan, who impersonated a foreign national named “Hwan Yeong” online, was found to have obtained $300 through cyber deception.
All nine defendants pleaded guilty during their arraignment. Prosecuting counsels Joshua Abolarin and Khamis Mahmud urged the court to issue appropriate penalties, while defence counsels requested leniency.
Justice Ojukwu sentenced Ochiabutor to 12 months imprisonment on two counts with an option of a ₦1 million fine, along with a restitution order of $3,000. Akpan, Greg, and David received 12 months each, also on two counts, with David mandated to return $1,800 to his victim.
Justice Dugbo sentenced Emmanuel to six months on a one-count charge. Edet Asuquo, Chinonso, Aniete, and Effiom each received two years imprisonment, with options of fines. The court also ordered the forfeiture of various sums—$300, $180, and $1,300—to the Federal Government.
The EFCC emphasized that the convictions signal a continued resolve to rid the country of internet-related financial crimes.
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