On July 25, 2023, Christopher Godfirst, a 22-year-old truck driver, along with six other individuals, faced a disappointing verdict at the Edo State High Court in Benin City.
Presided over by Justice Efe Ikponwonba, they were all found guilty and sentenced to prison for their involvement in internet fraud.
The convicted individuals include Raymond Imozemhe, 22, who shamelessly impersonated the popular Hollywood star, Tom Cruise, in his deceitful activities.
Other culprits involved were Christian Okafor, Jimmy Emmanuel, Oritseweyinmi Allen Poto, Osapamwan Destiny Gaius, and David Oghneyerivwo Ighere.
Their downfall began when they were arrested by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on charges of fraudulent impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents.
Upon their arraignment, each defendant admitted to their crimes, hastening the prosecution’s plea for conviction.
Christian Okafor’s charge stated that he presented himself as a Korean citizen named Choi with the intention to defraud.
Similarly, Raymond Imozemhe falsely portrayed himself as Tom Cruise on his Scrabble Game account.
Despite the defense’s plea for leniency, citing the defendants as first-time offenders, Justice Ikponwonba handed down the sentences. Okafor, Imozemhe, and Emmanuel were sentenced to three years in prison or a Two Hundred Thousand Naira fine.
Poto received a three-year sentence or a fine of Three Hundred Thousand Naira, while Ighere faced two years in prison with the option of a Two Hundred Thousand Naira fine.
Gaius and Godfirst were both sentenced to three years in prison or a fine of One Hundred Thousand Naira each.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the defendants’ assets, including a Mercedes Benz GLK 350, Lexus ES 350, a black Toyota Camry, mobile phones, and a UBA draft worth N960,000—proceeds of their criminal activities—to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
This distressing outcome serves as a reminder of the consequences that internet fraud can bring. Moving forward, the defendants are obliged to commit to good behavior in writing.
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