In a recent development, the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully prosecuted and obtained convictions for two individuals involved in internet fraud.
Okonofi Paul and Ogumbe Elvis Wogor were sentenced by Justice I. Mohammed of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwagwalada.
Paul was found guilty of impersonating Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves on Instagram to scam unsuspecting victims out of $1500. Wogor, on the other hand, created a fake Facebook profile as actress Sandra Bullock to deceive a victim into sending $200.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Their defense counsel sought leniency, emphasizing their first-time offender status and cooperation with the court.
Additionally, a request was made to return Paul’s seized Lexus ES 350, arguing it was not obtained through criminal means.
As a result of the sentencing, Paul faces one and a half years in prison with a fine option of N150,000, while Wogor received a six-month sentence with a fine option of N80,000.
Furthermore, Paul’s iPhone 12 and MacBook Pro 2022 were confiscated, and Wogor’s iPhone 12 was forfeited to the Federal Government.
The judge ruled in favor of returning Paul’s Lexus car. Both individuals have been taken into custody, marking the end of their journey from internet fraud to facing justice in a correctional facility.
