Man Handed 12 Months In Prison For Internet Fraud

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of one Victor Adedeji Oniyiku, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos for internet fraud.

Oniyiku was found guilty of the one charge of impersonation brought against him by the EFCC. He had impersonated one Hartford Sarah Jane to perpetrate online fraud. The convict was arraigned in December 2023 and he pleaded guilty to the offence. The trial judge then adjourned till Wednesday, February 7, 2024, for the review of facts and judgment.

The charge reads: “That you, VICTOR ADEDEJI ONIYIKU, sometime in 2021 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court fraudulently impersonated one Hartford Sarah Jane by holding yourself out as such on an illinois Drivers’ license, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015”.

The prosecution counsel, Chinenye Okezie reviewed the facts and urged the court to convict and sentence Oniyiku accordingly.

Justice Aneke thereafter convicted and sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment, with an option of fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) and 100 hours of community service.

The Judge also ordered the forfeiture of the devices recovered from him to the Federal Government.

The convict began his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was arrested by operatives of the Lagos Command of the EFCC for internet-related offences.

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He pleaded guilty to the lone-count charge preferred against him and was convicted and sentenced accordingly.