EFCC: Two oil thieves, Internet Fraudster convicted in Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) shared a press release through their official X (Twitter) account, revealing the recent convictions of two individuals involved in oil theft and one internet fraudster.

The authorities announced this on Thursday, January 16, 2024.

The post emphasized the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat economic crimes in Nigeria.

In a significant ruling, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Calabar convicted and sentenced Olufunsho Dayo Chevy and Uwem Udo Nya on January 13, 2025, for oil theft.

They, along with the vessel MT New Angel and the company Edi Eurolink Distribution, faced a one-count charge related to the unlicensed dealing in petroleum products.

The charge outlined that MT New Angel, Edi Eurolink Distribution, Olufunsho Dayo Chevy, Uwem Udoh Nya, and others, were involved.

Specifically, this occurred in June 2024, at Calabar, within this court’s jurisdiction.

They allegedly operated without the necessary license from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency.

Therefore, they reportedly engaged in dealing petroleum products, specifically crude oil, which is against the law.

After the charges were read, the accused promptly chose to plead guilty to the offenses.

Consequently, prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin took the opportunity to meticulously review the facts of the case.

He laid out essential evidence before the court, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Ultimately, he strongly urged the court to impose a stringent sentence on the defendants involved.

On the other hand, defense counsel Chris Okeadaka and Cyprian Afahanam argued for leniency.

They emphasized that their clients were first-time offenders, which should be considered.

In light of these arguments, Justice Ojukwu ultimately decided to impose a fine.
As a result, the court ordered both convicts to pay a combined total of N20 million, or Twenty Million Naira.

Each one must contribute N5 million, that’s Five Million Naira, directly into the account of the federal government.

The conviction followed their arrest by the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Victory, which handed them over to the EFCC on July 30, 2024.

On the same day, the Uyo Directorate of the EFCC achieved a significant conviction against internet fraudster Shedrach Johnson, aka “Johnny Depp.”

Consequently, Justice Maurine Onyetenu of the Federal High Court in Uyo delivered a three-month prison sentence after Johnson pleaded guilty.

His charges included identity theft, impersonation, and obtaining money through false pretenses.

The charge states “that you, SHADRACH JOHNSON IDISI (also known as Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lopez), committed fraud.

In 2023, within Nigeria’s jurisdiction, you allegedly tried to gain property and advantages unlawfully.

Specifically, you presented yourself as “Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lopez” on Facebook, which is a social media platform.

This act, therefore, was in violation of Section 22 (2)(b) of the Cybercrime Amendment Act of 2024.

You are facing serious consequences due to these actions.

The court will examine the evidence thoroughly to determine the validity of the charges against you”. If found guilty, you might face significant penalties under the law.

In the course of the proceedings, prosecution counsel Khamis Mahmud revealed to the court that Johnson faced arrest on November 23, 2024.

This incident took place in the Ikot Akpaden region of Akwa Ibom State.

Moreover, he submitted various incriminating documents that served as crucial evidence in the case.

Following this, Mahmud urged the court to convict Johnson as charged.

In response, defense counsel Samson Awuje requested a lighter sentence for his client.

However, the judge offered Johnson an alternative of a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) and ordered the forfeiture of his Techno K.E.5 mobile phone.

The court also mandated that the phone be auctioned, with proceeds deposited into the EFCC’s proceeds account.

These convictions highlight the EFCC’s unwavering dedication to tackling economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook