A man identified as Anana Emeka has been slammed 16 years jail term by Justice I.O. Ijelu at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, for engaging in internet fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Friday.
The statement said the case was related to the alleged criminal activities of Osondu Victor Igwilo, a leader of a criminal network known as “catcher.”
Emeka was arraigned on three count charges but subsequently re-arraigned on eight amended charges which include, possession of fraudulent documents, forgery, giving false information, and impersonation.
He, however, pleaded “not guilty” to these charges.
During the trial, the prosecution presented witnesses, including an FBI representative, EFCC investigation officers, and an EFCC forensic expert who analyzed the defendant’s mobile device. Several documents were also presented as evidence, that Emeka was found guilty on all eight counts or an option to pay a fine within 30 days or serve prison time.
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of Emeka’s possessions and property, which include a Samsung Galaxy mobile device and a house located at 567 Road 21, Mayfair Garden Estate, Awoyaya, Lagos, to the Federal Government of Nigeria on behalf of his victims.
