Two Yahoo Fraudsters Jailed In Makurdi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Command, has secured the conviction and sentencing of two internet fraudsters to various jail terms before Justices Abdul Dogo and N. I. Afolabi  of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, Benue State and Federal High Court, Lafia, Nasarawa State respectively.

The convicts were prosecuted by the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Commission on separate one count cyber-fraud related charges.

The charge against Edward reads: “That you, Edward Yahaya Ejimbi, sometime in 2020 at Makurdi, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly sent messages (nude pictures and videos) by means of a Computer system to foreign nationals that are pornographic, which you knew to be grossly offensive, indecent and obscene and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 24 (1) (a) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 24(1) (b) of the same Act”.

The charge against Arigu reads: "That you, Arigu Nathaniel Bishara "m" (22 years) on or about June, 2022 and February, 2023, in Lafia  Nasarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court,  without lawful authority engaged in the acquisition and retained  the sum of N778,280 (Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand Two Hundred and Eighty Naira) only, which you received via your Access  Bank account No. 1444641620 knowing that at the time of acquisition and retention  of the said money it was derived from unlawful activity and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(1)(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment Act) 2004 an punishable under Section 18(2) of the same Act". 

They pleaded guilty to the separate charges preferred against them by the Commission. 

Consequently, Justice Afolabi convicted and sentenced Edward to one year imprisonment with an option of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000.00) fine. He is also to forfeit his iPhone X which was the instrument used in perpetrating the crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Justice Dogo similarly convicted and sentenced Arigu to two years imprisonment with an option of One Million Naira (N1, 000,000.00) fine.