Three Akwa Ibom State University Undergraduates Jailed In Calabar

Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie of the Fedeal High Court sitting in Calabar,  Cross River State, has jailed three undergraduates of Akwa Ibom State University,  for offences bordering on internet fraud.

 The convicts; Akpan Emmanuel Jacob, Covenant Samuel Edoho and Akpakaden Mfoniso Simeon were arraigned on  separate two-count charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

 One of the  counts reads: “That you, Covenant Samuel Edoho, “M” sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did take possession and control of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira only) 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 Section 18 (3) of the same Act”.

 They pleaded guilty when the charges were separately read to them, and in view of their pleas, prosecution counsel S. S. Aribido,  prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.

 Justice  Oghoghorie, after listening  to their pleas,  convicted and sentenced them to one year imprisonment each with an option of fine of N500,000.00(  Five Hundred Thousand Naira) each. They were also ordered to forfeit their phones, which should be sold and the proceeds paid into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the government.

 Justice Oghoghorie further ordered the convicts to restitute the following sums to their victims through the EFCC:  Jacob to restitute $250(Two Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars),  Simeon $200 and Edoho  N200,000.00( Two Hundred Thousand Naira). They  were remanded at the Calabar Correctional facility, pending their compliance with the conditions specified in the court judgment.  

 The convicts  began their journey to the Correctional Centre when they met their waterloo on April 28, 2023 through  operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the  EFCC.  They were  arrested  at different locations within Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, for internet- related offences. They were later prosecuted and convicted.