The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday May 20, 2026 secured the
conviction and sentence of two internet fraudsters before Justice
Rosemary Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar Cross River
State.
They pleaded 'guilty' to two- count
separate charges preferred against them by the Commission.
One of the charges read: 'That you, IKE EUSTA-PRINCE
EZIOMUME "M" sometime between 2024 and 2026 within the jurisdiction
of this Honorable court did take possession and control of $200 (Two Hundred
United States Dollars) and €260 (Two Hundred and Sixty Euros) intentionally
knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit;
obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to
Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act
and
punishable under the Section 18(3) of the same Act'.
Another charge reads: 'That you, VICTOR PIUS NNAEGBO
"M" sometime between 2024 and 2026 within the jurisdiction of this
Honorable court did take possession and control of €530 (Five Hundred and
Thirty Euros) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds
of an unlawful act to wit: obtaining money by false pretence and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering
(Prevention and Prohibition) Act and punishable under the Section 18(3) of the
same Act'.
In view of their guilty pleas,
prosecution counsel Khamis Mahmud , reviewed the facts of the
case and prayed the court to convict and sentence them in accordance with the
provisions of the law. Defence counsel, Douglas Besong did not
object but prayed the court to be lenient in sentencing the defendants.
After listening to both counsel, Justice Oghoghorie
convicted and sentenced Ike Eusta-Prince Eziomume to two years jail term with
an option of a fine of N500, 000.00 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and to
restitute $200 (Two Hundred USD), and €260 (Two Hundred and Sixty
Euros) to his victims.
While Victor Pius Nnaegbo got two years jail
term with a N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) fine option and to
restitute the sum of €530 (Five Hundred and Thirty Euros) to his victim.
They both forfeited the gadgets used in committing the
said crimes.
The convicts were arrested on May 5 and 12, 2026,
at Umuahia and Aba Areas of Abia State. They were subsequently
charged to court and convicted.
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