The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of eight notorious internet fraudsters at the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna. Justice R.M. Aikawa handed down the judgments following their arrest and prosecution by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
The convicted fraudsters, Ogar Joseph, Nanbut David Dauda, Abah Mathew Arome, Fasikun Lekan, Daniel John, Gideon Dennis, Friday Emmanuel, and Yusuf Hijelan, were charged with crimes ranging from impersonation and cybercrime to money laundering. Each faced a separate one-count charge tied to illegal financial activities online.
According to court records, Dauda, also known by the alias “Hacktivist Legion”, was found guilty of retaining $115 believed to be proceeds of an unlawful act. Arome, known online as “Where is Hack,” was similarly convicted for retaining $140 linked to cyber fraud. Both acts violated the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
During the proceedings, the defendants pleaded guilty, prompting EFCC prosecutor K.S. Ogunlade to urge the court for swift convictions. The defence counsel appealed for leniency, citing remorse from the defendants.
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Delivering judgment, Justice Aikawa sentenced Ogar Joseph to two years in prison or an option of a N500,000 fine. He also ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 16 and $30, both linked to his criminal activities.
Dauda, Arome, and Gideon Dennis received four-year jail terms each or the option of paying a N400,000 fine. Additionally, Dauda forfeited a Samsung Galaxy S10 and $115; Arome forfeited a Samsung Galaxy X9 Plus and $140; Dennis forfeited an iPhone 14 Pro, $100, and a Lucky Plus motorcycle, all to be handed over to the federal government.
Fasikun Lekan got a five-year prison sentence or the option to pay a N400,000 fine. His iPhone 13 Pro Max and $120, which were used to commit fraud, were also forfeited.
