The fight against cybercrime in Nigeria continues to gain momentum as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction of two internet fraudsters and arraigned two others before a Federal High Court in Enugu State.
The convicted individuals, whose cases were prosecuted before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, Enugu, pleaded guilty to separate charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence—offences that contravene Sections 22(2)(b)(ii) and 22(3) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
In his judgment, Justice Umar found both defendants guilty and sentenced them to varying terms of imprisonment with options of fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of their smartphones and other tools used in committing the cybercrimes to the Federal Government, in line with the provisions of the law.
Meanwhile, in a related development, two more suspects were arraigned before the same court by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Command on fresh charges of internet fraud. According to the commission, the duo were apprehended following actionable intelligence and forensic analysis of their online activities, which revealed their involvement in romance scam schemes targeted at unsuspecting victims, particularly foreigners.
The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the prosecution counsel to request a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in custody pending the determination of their bail applications.
The presiding judge ordered the remand of the accused persons at a correctional facility and adjourned the matter to a later date for trial.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to ridding the country of cybercrime, particularly among the youth demographic, which continues to dominate the agency’s arrest records. The Commission also urged parents, communities, and educational institutions to reinforce values of honesty and lawful enterprise as part of a wider cultural shift against digital criminality.
The ongoing crackdown in Enugu is part of the EFCC’s broader nationwide campaign against internet fraud, often conducted through sting operations and digital surveillance across states.
As the Commission intensifies its efforts, more arrests and convictions are expected in the coming months.
