The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has sentenced a Nigerian man, Praise Humphrey Igbo, alias Jessica Allen, to one year in prison for his involvement in a $115,000 Bitcoin scam. Justice H.L. Abba-Aliyu issued the ruling on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Igbo faced prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of internet fraud, impersonation, obtaining funds under false pretenses, and money laundering. According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Igbo conned an American citizen, Aaron Baker, by posing as “Jessica Allen,” a supposed cryptocurrency investment expert. The court heard that Igbo fraudulently acquired 5.26 Bitcoins valued at $115,000, violating Section 321 of the Penal Code Act Abuja, Cap 532 LFN 2004, and punishable under Section 324 of the same Act. During his arraignment, Igbo admitted guilt. Following this, EFCC counsel M.K. Hussain urged the court to proceed with his conviction and sentencing. Justice Abba-Aliyu handed down a one-year prison term but provided Igbo with an option to pay a ₦1 million fine. Additionally, the court ordered the confiscated funds—$16,110 in cash, $67,487.79 in cryptocurrency, and money from Igbo’s bank accounts—to be used to reimburse the victim through the American Embassy. The case began after Baker, a U.S. resident from East Baton Rouge Parish, filed a petition with the EFCC. He accused Igbo of fraudulently promoting a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme on Blockchain.com. EFCC reaffirmed its dedication to tackling cybercrime and ensuring justice for victims, with Oyewale emphasizing the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on internet fraud. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel. Tags: Nyesom Wike good govern
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Abdullahi Mukit for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims of $3,500 through online scams. The arraignment took place at the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday, where Mukit faced two charges: possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining money under false pretenses. Mukit pleaded not guilty to the charges when read before the court. EFCC’s Counsel Seeks Trial Date Prosecuting counsel, Ahmed Yerima, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant at a correctional facility pending the start of the trial. However, defense counsel, Idowu Alaba, informed the court of an ongoing plea bargain agreement on behalf of his client. Alaba requested a short adjournment to conclude the agreement and suggested that the defendant remain in EFCC custody. Court’s Decision Justice Mojisola Dada approved the defense’s request, ordering Mukit to remain in EFCC custody until December 9, when the court will hear the plea bargain agreement. Details of the Alleged Offense According to EFCC, Mukit committed the offenses on April 18 in Lagos. The defendant allegedly used fraudulent documents linked to his text-plus account and mobile number to scam victims by impersonating a female. He reportedly obtained $3,500 from unsuspecting members of the public. These acts, according to the EFCC, violate sections 1(1)(2), 6(8)(b), and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
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130 people have been taken into custody by police for hacking and cybercrimes. According to Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspects include 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians on Sunday. In a statement, Adejobi said that their actions were a threat to national security. “The suspects were allegedly using computers and other advanced devices to facilitate criminal activities at a building in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, where this strategic operation was carried out through a coordinated raid,” he said. “Officers from the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) participated in the operation, which was directed by AIG Benneth Igweh, Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, on Saturday, November 3, 2024.” According to him, the Force is still looking into the matter, stating that a scientific analysis was being conducted on the exhibits that were retrieved from the accused. READ ALSO: Hardship: What I would have done differently – Atiku A force spokesperson went on to say that after the investigations were over, the accused will face charges in court. We love to have you back again. Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a significant achievement, reporting the recovery of over N248 billion within the past year. This information was revealed by Wilson Uwajaren, the Director of Public Affairs for the Commission, during a press briefing on Thursday, where he provided an overview of the agency’s recent accomplishments in combating financial crimes. In addition to the impressive monetary recoveries, Uwajaren noted that the EFCC has also managed to recover more than £53,000 and €172,000. He highlighted that €5,000 was specifically recovered for victims of crime based in Spain, illustrating the Commission’s commitment to supporting those impacted by financial wrongdoing. Uwajaren emphasized that the EFCC is enhancing its rapid response strategies, which are expected to lead to a notable reduction in cybercrime activities across the nation. This proactive approach aims to deter potential offenders and bolster public confidence in the Commission’s effectiveness. READ ALSO: Wike: Young People Who Disapprove of Taxi Driving in Nigeria Accept It Abroad Furthermore, he reported that the EFCC has successfully secured over 35 convictions related to the abuse of the Naira by individuals at social events, demonstrating the agency’s determination to tackle financial misconduct in various sectors. To expand its reach and improve operations, Uwajaren announced that three new directorates will be established in the states of Ekiti, Katsina, and Anambra. This strategic expansion is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities in fighting economic and financial crimes throughout Nigeria. We Love To Have You Back. Pease kindly Provide Us With Your Email.
