Calabar, Nigeria –The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), specifically the Uyo Zonal Directorate, has achieved a significant milestone.
Recently, they secured the conviction of seven individuals who engaged in internet fraud activities.
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu presided over the case at the Federal High Court. Consequently, the court sentenced the defendants to prison terms after they entered guilty pleas.
This successful prosecution highlights the EFCC’s ongoing commitment to combating financial crimes across Nigeria effectively.
Furthermore, it underscores the importance of legal accountability for individuals involved in fraudulent activities.
The convicted individuals are Victor Ekwonwa, Chukwudi Iwueke, Mbam Alexander, Ugorji Emmanuel, Joseph Ekwere Tom, Eze Daniel, and David Okeke.
They faced separate one-count charges related to obtaining money under false pretenses and money laundering.
One of the charges, brought against Joseph Ekwere Tom, stated: “That you, Joseph Ekwere Tom, sometime in 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did take possession and control of $500 (Five Hundred United States Dollars), knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: obtaining money by false pretence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”
During their arraignment, all seven defendants pleaded guilty to the charges leveled against them.
Prosecuting counsel Khamis Mahmud subsequently urged the court to convict them based on their pleas.
Justice Ojukwu thereafter ruled in favor of the prosecution and sentenced each defendant to six months imprisonment.
Six convicts faced fines of ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira) each.
In contrast, Mbam Alexander received a reduced fine of ₦500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira).
Furthermore, the court mandated restitution payments from two individuals.
Specifically, Joseph Ekwere Tom must repay $500, while Victor Ekwonwa is instructed to refund $100.
Both amounts will be deposited into the EFCC’s Recovery Account.
To deter future crimes, Justice Ojukwu ordered the forfeiture of all electronic gadgets involved in the fraudulent activities.
This measure aims to prevent similar offenses and enhance accountability among offenders.
By taking these actions, the court emphasizes the importance of justice and the need for deterrence in society.
The EFCC expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, reiterating its commitment to combating financial crimes in Nigeria.
The convictions serve as a reminder of the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on cyber fraud and money laundering activities.
Summary of Sentences:
Imprisonment: Six months for each convict.
Fine Options: ₦1,000,000 for six convicts; ₦500,000 for Mbam Alexander.
-Restitution: $500 from Joseph Ekwere Tom; $100 from Victor Ekwonwa.
– Asset Forfeiture:Gadgets used in criminal activities surrendered to the Federal Government.
The EFCC continues to urge Nigerians to remain vigilant against cybercrime and report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities.
