The Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC, on Monday July 12, 2021 secured the convictions of two internet fraudsters before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin City.
The convicts, Ehigiator Emma Kennedy and Idoko Enape Onakpa were arraigned on separate one count charge of personation contrary to and punishable under section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo State) 1976 and punishable under the same section.
The charge against Onakpa reads: “that you Idoko Enape Onakpa (alias Mathew Lawrence) between 7th September, 2012 to 9th October, 2012, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud one Harvath Alexanda and Anete Losberga (white ladies) of their hard earn money, falsely represented yourself to be a citizen of the United States of America but living in UK by sending fraudulent/scammed mails and pictures on your Yahoo mail account Mathewlawrence89yahoo.com to them through the internet which pictures and identity you claim to be yourself and thereby committed an offence”.
The defendants pleaded guilty to the respective charge.
In view of their plea, the prosecution counsel, Isa .K. Agwai prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
Justice Ikponwonba convicted and sentenced Onakpa to (3) years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 while Kennedy bagged 12 months imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.
