Emmanuel OchayiIn a significant crackdown on internet fraudsters, the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, handed down convictions to 28 individuals on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. The convicted individuals, known as “Yahoo Boys,” faced charges related to impersonation and attempting to obtain money by false pretenses.
This development follows a prosecution led by the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Join our WhatsApp ChannelJustice Nnadi O. Dimgba presided over the case, and all 28 defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. As a result, they were each sentenced to one year of imprisonment, with the sentences commencing on September 19, 2023.
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However, the court also provided them with alternative sentencing options, including fines and community service, specifically cleaning the premises of the Federal High Court within the jurisdiction of the EFCC’s Enugu Command.
The convicted individuals have been identified as Emmanuel Chidozie Katchi, Chukwudi ThankGod Chiazor, Chinonso Raymond, Ejike Moses Ezeoma, Okafor Silas, Akuh Stanley Chidera, David Franklin Orobo, Emmanuel Chisom Orizu, Uche Ejidike, Ezechukwu Casmir Chibuokem, Nwanolue Godswill, Nnadi Collins Arinze, Kemelu Valentine Obinna, Chukwuebuka Augustine Onyemaobi, and Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Ajaegbo.
Additional defendants convicted in this case include Ebuka Peter Obinyo, Shedrack Ezekiel Aaron, Israel Chibueze Chibuike, Kingdom Princewill Ameachi, Ezeh Goodness Makachukwu, Victor Chukwubuikem Hezikiah, Anyidiaso Lotanna Patrick, Somtochukwu Valentine Ezeobi, Asouzu Francis Chukwuma, ThankGod Chimaijem Obioma, and Chukwuemeka Kingsley Ireka.
In a move aimed at further deterrence, the court ordered the forfeiture of items recovered from the defendants, which were deemed proceeds of their criminal activities. These assets will be handed over to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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