By Adesakin Adefemi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentence of two men, Musa Abdulmalik and Sunday Godwin, before Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court, Kaduna, for cheating by impersonation. Abdulmalik was sentenced to five years imprisonment or a fine of N300,000, while Godwin was sentenced to four years imprisonment or a fine of N300,000.
The duo was prosecuted on separate one-count charges of cheating by impersonation. Abdulmalik’s charge stated that he pretended to be Lynn Ben, a female adult entertainer, on Telegram and cheated a victim of $80USD. Godwin’s charge stated that he posed as Chrismitchellprivateacc3 on TikTok and cheated several victims of $400 Australian Dollars.
The court also ordered Abdulmalik to forfeit a Samsung Galaxy S23 ultra mobile phone and $800 to the federal government, while Godwin was ordered to forfeit an iPhone 13 mobile phone and $400 Australian Dollars. The EFCC had presented evidence before the court, and the duo pleaded guilty to the charges.
The prosecution counsel, M.E. Eimonye, asked the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Amina Bello’s ruling sends a strong message to those involved in online scams and impersonation, highlighting the EFCC’s commitment to combating cybercrime in Nigeria.
The EFCC has been working tirelessly to combat cybercrime in Nigeria, and this latest conviction is a significant victory. The commission’s efforts have led to the arrest and prosecution of several individuals involved in online scams and impersonation.
The duo’s guilty pleas and subsequent sentencing serve as a reminder that crime doesn’t pay, and those involved will face the consequences. The EFCC has warned Nigerians to be cautious of online scams and to report any suspicious activities to the commission.
The EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime are ongoing, and the commission has urged Nigerians to join the fight against financial crimes. The public is advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the EFCC.
The EFCC’s success in securing convictions is a testament to its commitment to fighting financial crimes in Nigeria. The commission will continue to work with other agencies to ensure that Nigeria is a safe and secure place for all.
