Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano has convicted and sentenced 12 individuals for various offences including cybercrime, impersonation, retention of criminal proceeds, and money laundering.
The convicts—Michael Yakubu, Udo Promise Jonah, Promise Isah Ibrahim, Samuel Odeh, Abdulsamad Muhammad, Agboeze Chibueke Ernest, Ochuba Chigozie, Abu David Eleojo, David Aaron, Chidi Destiny Chidiebere, Collins Noel, and Ola Ajibola—were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate one-count charges.
Details of the Charges
One of the charges against Michael Yakubu stated that he "fraudulently impersonated one Beksolk_Official (a U.S. citizen) on Instagram and in that guise obtained $300 from unsuspecting victims" in April 2025 in Nasarawa State, violating Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
Another defendant, Ochuba Chigozie, was charged with retaining $200 which he knew formed part of proceeds of unlawful activity, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
All defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Following their pleas, EFCC counsels M. Lawal and M.U. Gadaka urged the court to convict them accordingly, while defense counsel pleaded for leniency.
Sentences Handed Down
Justice Shuaibu delivered the following sentences:
Ochuba Chigozie and Abu Eleojo: Five years' imprisonment each or a fine of N500,000
Michael Yakubu, Udo Jonah, Samuel Odeh, and David Aaron: Five years each or a fine of N400,000
Chidi Chidiebere: Four years or a N400,000 fine
Collins Noel, Ola Ajibola, and Agboeze Ernest: Two years each or a N400,000 fine
Promise Ibrahim and Abdulsamad Muhammad: Three years each or a N300,000 fine
Forfeited Items
The court also ordered the forfeiture of various items used in committing the crimes to the Federal Government. These include:
Multiple mobile phones (iPhones, Samsung, Infinix, Oppo, Redmi)
An Apple laptop
An iPad
Over $2,700 in cash
According to the EFCC, the convicts were arrested in Nasarawa and Niger states following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent online activities.
This conviction highlights the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat the rising tide of cybercrime and financial fraud in the country.
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