Justice M. S. Sifawa of the Sokoto State High Court, Sokoto has convicted and sentenced six internet fraudsters to prison for fraud.
The fraudsters who were prosecuted on one-count separate charge of conspiracy and cheating by the Sokoto Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are: Henry Chukwuma Uche (a.k.a Andrew Tucker James), Okereke Ifeayi Daniel, Iyiola Elvis Azuka, Onyeiwu Stanley Chibuike (a.k.a Jonathan Stavidris), Nwanaforo Wilfred Chukwuka (a.k.a Manfred) and Nwanaforo Chibuike Shedrack.
They all pleaded guilty to the charges, following which the prosecution team, comprising S. H. Sa’ad, Musa Mela Gwani and Habila Jonathan asked the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while defense counsel, Shamsu A. Dauda, pleaded with the court to tamper justice with mercy as his clients have become remorseful.
Justice Sifawa convicted and sentenced Uche (a.k.a Andrew Tucker James) to 10 years imprisonment with N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) option of fine.
He is also to restitute the sum of €3,934 and $17,691.25 to his victim through the EFCC and the FBI liaison at USA Consulate, Lagos.
Daniel was sentenced to five years and six months in prison following his conviction on count one and two with N100,000.00 option of fine for each of the counts.
He is also to restitute his victim €300 proceeds of his crime.
Azuka bagged 10 years with N1,000,000 option of fine and to restitute his victim €1,545 proceeds of his crime.
Chibuike (a.k.a Jonathan Stavidris) and Chukwuka (a.k.a Manfred) got 10 years imprisonment each with N1,000,000.00 option of fine each.
In addition, each of them will restitute the sum of €5,000 or its Naira equivalent to their victims through the EFCC.
Lastly, Shedrack and his brother, Chukwuka (a.k.a Manfred), were sentenced to six months imprisonment each, with N100,000 option of fine.
It could be recalled that Chukwuka had earlier bagged 10 years.
