Federal High Court in Kano Jails 29 Internet Scammers

Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano has convicted and sentenced 29 individuals involved in internet related fraud across various charges bordering on cybercrime, impersonation, money laundering, and unlawful retention of criminal proceeds.

The convicts, prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), each faced a separate one-count charge, except one, who was charged on two counts.

According to a statement on the X handle of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), all 29 convicts pleaded guilty, prompting the court to deliver judgments that included prison sentences and asset forfeitures to the federal government.

The EFCC noted that tools used in committing the crimes—including over two dozen mobile phones, laptops, routers, and even a motorcycle were forfeited, along with various sums of foreign and local currency, amounting to thousands of dollars and naira.

The statement partly reads: “Justice S.M Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kano, has convicted and sentenced 29 internet fraudsters to jail.

“The convicts are: Prosper Godfrey, Igwe Ebenezer Chiwendu, Bolodeoku Daniel, Nduka Samuel Uche, Isaac Omeiza, Obasi Solomon Chimerie, ThankGod Adeniyi, Obasi Joshua Mmaduabuchi, Emmanuel Eyo, Dominion Elejo Jeremiah, John Godswill Amedu, Daniel Olusegun Ajibola, Abdulwaris Animasahun, and Okechukwu Kingsley Ejim.

“Others are: Omojuyigbe Ifeoluwa Simon, Jeremiah Odey, Joseph Gideon, Achor Joseph, Bala Meshack, Bawa Abubakar, David Ajibola Damilola, Tijani Tobi Emmanuel, Abdulquadri Animasahun, Arinze Daniel Nwachukwu, Arinze Orajiuka, James Peter Ayemoba, Hassan Abraham Adamu, Moses Friday and Bernard Joseph Imalegwu.

“They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a separate one-count charge each, barring Ejim, who faced a two-count charge. All the offences border on impersonation, cybercrime, retention of proceeds of crime, and money laundering.

“They all pleaded ‘guilty’ to their charge when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel M.U Gadaka and M. Lawal prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.”