Two Internet Fraudsters Jailed in Port Harcourt.

Justice S. Pam of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced two internet fraudsters, Emmanuel Wisdom and Donald Etege, to two years imprisonment each for impersonation and obtaining money under false pretenses.

The duo was arraigned by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate one-count charges bordering on obtaining money under false pretense and impersonation.

Emmanuel Wisdom, also known as Sam Freidrich, was found guilty of obtaining $1,200 from Tony Grozdan under the pretense of investing in cryptocurrency trade, while Donald Etege was convicted of obtaining $1,500 from Lisa Ricks by impersonating a Bitcoin trader.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, and their counsel prayed for mercy, citing their first-time offender status. Justice Pam sentenced them to two years imprisonment or an option of fine of N200,000 each, payable to the Federal Government. Additionally, all phones recovered from them will be forfeited to the government as proceeds of crime.

This verdict marks another victory for the EFCC in its crusade against internet fraud and cybercrime in Nigeria.

 Case Details:

– Defendants: Emmanuel Wisdom (a.k.a Sam Freidrich) and Donald Etege
– Charges: Impersonation and obtaining money under false pretenses
– Sentence: 2 years imprisonment or N200,000 fine each
– Case Date: October 29, 2024

Similar cases have been reported in the past, with the EFCC securing convictions against other internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt.

Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, Delivers Verdict on 34 Internet Fraudsters.

Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has convicted and sentenced 34 individuals for various internet-related crimes, including fraudulent impersonation, possession of proceeds of crime, and obtaining by false pretence.

 The Convicts:

• Kelly Maduabuchi Muonagu
• Nwokwu Chibuike Valerian
• Chinonso Stanley Boniface
• Nnamani Makuo Paschal
• Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley
• Kalu Odeghe Olu
• 27 others

 Charges and Sentencing:

The convicts faced separate one-count charges. Ifeanyi Aju Kingsley and Kalu Odeghe Olu were accused of impersonating foreign nationals and shipping agents to scam unsuspecting individuals.

Justice Anyadike sentenced 32 of the convicts to eight months imprisonment, with an option of a N70,000 fine. Valerian and Boniface received two months community service under the supervision of the Deputy Court Registrar.

 Additional Consequences:

The court ordered the auction of recovered mobile phones and laptops, with proceeds going to the Single Treasury Account of the Federation.

 Background:

The convicts were arrested on October 11, 2024, in Onitsha, Anambra State, for internet-related offenses. Investigations revealed they used fake email addresses to impersonate foreign shipping agents and scam vulnerable women abroad.

See Photos Below;

 Emefiele’s Trial: Witness Reveals Irregularities in Contract Award.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution witness, Stephen Salau Gana, exposed irregularities in contract awards during Godwin Emefiele’s tenure as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor.

 Key Testimony

1. No competitive bidding for April 16 Investment Limited’s N99.9 million vehicle supply contract.
2. Contract exceeded CBN governor’s approval threshold (N100 million).
3. Direct procurement justified only in emergencies, sole manufacturer/distributor, or exclusive dealership cases.
4. April 16 Investment Limited met none of these conditions.

 Prosecution’s Case

Emefiele faces amended 20-count charges:

1. Conspiracy
2. Criminal breach of trust
3. Forgery
4. Obtaining $6,230,000 by false pretenses

 Trial Update

Justice Hamza Mu’azu adjourned the case to November 13, 2024, for continuation.

Defense and Prosecution

• Defense counsel to respond to allegations.
• Prosecution to present additional witnesses.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.