Abuja court sentences internet fraudster to jail for $200 scam
In a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Gwagwalada, a student named Ayomide Oyeneye was sentenced to two years in prison for defrauding foreigners of $200.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the convict to trial on a charge of fraud.
He pleaded guilty as part of a plea bargain agreement and appealed to the court for leniency.
In delivering the verdict, Justice Aliyu Shafa cautioned him against engaging in criminal activities and urged him to exhibit good conduct.
Furthermore, Justice Shafa granted the convict an alternative of a N200,000 fine.
Additionally, the judge ruled for the forfeiture of the tools used in the crime to the Federal Government.
During his plea for clemency, the convict pledged to reform his ways. "I deeply regret my actions and vow never to repeat such offenses," he stated, attributing his actions to desperation caused by hunger.
According to the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. F.O. Dibang, the convict, between January 2023 and October 2023, falsely portrayed himself as one Maddiegrace on his Instagram account, with the intention to defraud.
In a session held on Tuesday at the High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Gwagwalada, a student named Ayomide Oyeneye was sentenced to two years in prison for defrauding foreigners of $200. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had brought charges against the convict for fraud.
Oyeneye pleaded guilty as part of a plea bargain agreement and appealed to the court for leniency. Delivering the judgment, Justice Aliyu Shafa cautioned him to refrain from criminal activities and to maintain good behavior. Justice Shafa offered the convict an alternative of a N200,000 fine.
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the tools used in the crime to the Federal Government. Earlier, during his plea for mercy, the convict promised to reform his ways, attributing his actions to hunger.
According to EFCC counsel, Mr. F.O. Dibang, between January 2023 and October 2023, the convict falsely portrayed himself as one Maddiegrace on his Instagram account with the intent to defraud. Dibang stated that the convict used a female from Texas, US, as his profile picture and sent electronic messages to unsuspecting white men, including Messrs Kacy Reed, Robert Kimble, and Kelvin Adams. These individuals suffered a financial loss of $200 due to misinterpretation of facts.
The prosecutor noted that the offense contravened Section 321 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 324 of the code. It was reported that the convict signed the plea bargain agreement on May 3.
Leave A Comment