The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, secured the conviction of four internet fraudsters: Akpolabe Ovie, Agbor Saviour Liberty, Aso Welewa Gideon Apata and Tobukeme Precious Junior before Justices P. M. Ayua and S.I Mark of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

They were arraigned by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one count charge of impersonation, contrary to section 22 (2) b (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (iv) of the same Act.

The charge against Liberty reads: "That you, Agbor Saviour Liberty sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently represented one Kenny Chesney with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) b (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (iv) of the same Act”.

The charge against Ovie reads: “That you, Akpolabe Ovie on or about 29th day of September 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently represent yourself as one Eric in your Hangout and email ericharrison7892 with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) b (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (iv) of the same Act”.

They pleaded guilty to their respective charges.

In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, F. C. Obinwa and I. N. Nwosu thereafter urged the court to convict them.

Counsel to the defendants, Ransome Akweda, Paula Abudu, Ikechukwu Egwu Ugorji and L. Davies asked the court to tender justice with mercy, stating that the defendants were first time offenders.

Apata, Junior and Ovie were convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment each with option of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000.00) fine for Apata and Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200, 000.00) for the others.

Liberty was sentenced to three years with Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300, 000.00) as fine payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Judges also ordered that the iPhone 7+, one elite book laptop, one black iPhone 12, one red colour iPhone 7 and one iPhone 13 Pro Max that were used in committing the crime be forfeited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The convicts are to also depose an affidavit of good behaviors before the court.

Media & Publicity

26 October, 2022