The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Gombe Zonal Directorate, has secured the conviction of 20 internet fraudsters following their prosecution for offences bordering on impersonation, cheating, and intent to defraud.
In an official signed statement, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the convicted individuals include Pius Daniel Damba, Amachon Solomon Ajiduku, Ephraim Ammam, Clement Daniel, Victor Ale, Abdul Rahman Bashir, Gimba Magaji, Caleb Ephesian, Kenneth Justine Chinemeren, Ruboh Danjuma Zogimba, Emmanuel Gangana Burba, Kingsley Adashi Adeh, Richard Unah Ojor, Motiyedi Dore, Godwin David Haruna, Henry Abraham, Mashi Ambrose, Ambition Zare Boniface, Joshua Mark Asose, and Tonga Samuel.
The defendants were arraigned before Justices Aminu Garba, M.A. Sambo, and Nuhu S. Adi of the Federal and State High Courts in Bauchi and Taraba States between May 26 and May 30, 2025.
One of the notable cases involved Richard Unah Ojor, who was accused of impersonating a Swedish national identified as “Pastella” or “Nathalie Henry” on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). According to the charge, Ojor used an iPhone 14 Pro with IMEI Number 35213021831333 to deceive an unsuspecting victim, John GG, who sent him a gift valued at $650. Ojor converted the money into Nigerian currency through his OPAY account. He was charged with cheating by impersonation, an offence punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their charges. The prosecution counsels M.D. Aliyu, A.B. Kware, S.E. Okemini, and J.D. Tortema urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants, while defence counsels pleaded for leniency, citing their clients’ remorse and status as first-time offenders.
Justice Aminu Garba of the Federal High Court in Bauchi sentenced Damba, Ajiduku, Ammam, Daniel, Ale, Bashir, Magaji, Ephesian, Chinemeren, Zogimba, Burba, and Adeh to eight months’ imprisonment each, with an option of a N200,000 fine.
Justice M.A. Sambo of the Bauchi State High Court convicted Richard Unah Ojor and sentenced him to 18 months’ imprisonment or a fine of N150,000.
In Taraba State, Justice Nuhu S. Adi of the State High Court in Jalingo sentenced Tonga Samuel, Henry Abraham, and Mashi Ambrose to six months’ imprisonment with an option of N100,000 fine each. Asose, Boniface, Haruna, and Dore received three months’ imprisonment with an option of a N100,000 fine each.
In addition to their sentences, the convicts were ordered to restitute their victims and forfeit all devices and equipment used in committing the crimes, including laptops and mobile phones, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
According to the EFCC, the convicts’ arrest and prosecution followed petitions from concerned Nigerians regarding their fraudulent activities. The Commission’s investigations led to their apprehension, arraignment, and eventual conviction.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to ridding the nation of cybercrime and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
