The Federal High Court in Ilorin has convicted two persons, Daniel Atekojo James, who claimed to be a Black American female on Snapchat and Atadoga Samuel from Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, over offences bordering on internet fraud.
They were charged before Justice Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Daniel, 28 and Atadoga, 18 were arrested on June 3, 2022, in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, following actionable intelligence over their fraudulent activities.
The convicts, who were prosecuted separately on one count charge pleaded guilty to their respective charge.
The Charge against Daniel reads: “That you, Daniel Atekojo James sometime in March 2022 in Lokoja, Kogi State within the judicial division of the Federal High Court did fraudulently impersonate one Karma Jones with intent to gain advantage for yourself from one Tyler whom you chatted with via your Snapchat application linked email karmaardee193@gmail.com and did gained $115 thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrime…Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act.”
The charge sheet against Atadoga reads: “That you, Atadoga Samuel on or about the 2nd day of May 2022 in Lokoja, Kogi State within the judicial division of the Federal High Court did fraudulently impersonate one Alaina Hicks alias big honey with intent to gain advantage for yourself from one Amerone whom you chatted with via your Snapchat application linked to your email address bighoney2033@gmail.com and did gain $25 thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition prevention Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act.”
Counsel to the EFCC, Rashidat Alao, while stating the facts of the case told the court how credible intelligence led to the arrest of defendants at Dekina and Olamaboro Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
She tendered the extra-judicial statements of the defendants, mobile phones and several fraudulent messages printed from their devices, which were admitted in evidence.
Thereafter, Alao urged the court to convict the defendants based on their admittance of guilt, the extra-judicial statements and all the exhibits tendered, which were not challenged by the defence.
In his judgment, Justice Sani sentenced Daniel to eight months imprisonment with an option of fine of N200,000.
The judge ordered that one Tecno phone used to perpetrate the crime and the sum of $150 USD, which he benefited from the unlawful activities be forfeited to the Federal Government.
On the other hand, the judge sentenced Atadoga to six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N200,000.
The Court ordered that a Gionee S10 phone recovered from the defendant at the point of arrest and the sum of $25, that he benefited from the unlawful activities be forfeited.
