Last Thursday, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwagwalada handed down a one-year prison sentence to an individual named Smart Luter, who engaged in internet fraud by impersonation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged the defendant with cheating through impersonation, alleging that he pretended to be a Chinese military member.
Despite pleading guilty to the offense and appealing for leniency, Justice Aliyu Shafa sentenced Luter to one year in prison and also imposed a fine of N100,000 or the option of paying the fine.
The court ruled that the Tecno smartphone used in the fraudulent activities be seized and forfeited to the government, with proceeds from its sale deposited into public coffers by the EFCC.
Justice Shafa cautioned the convict to refrain from criminal activities, emphasizing that the verdict aimed to deter others from following a similar path.
Prior to the judgment, Luter, who did not have legal representation, implored the court for mercy, expressing remorse for his actions and attributing his involvement in internet fraud to being led astray by a friend.
He explained that he initially came to Abuja in search of employment but was introduced to online fraud by an acquaintance, motivated by a desire to assist his family financially.
The Prosecution Counsel, Gabrielle Ushie, requested that the cellphone used by Luter in perpetrating the crime be forfeited to the government, detailing how he impersonated a Chinese military officer, Zhang Yola, to defraud a victim named Muriel Reit of $105.
Ushie highlighted that Luter’s actions violated the Penal Code’s Section 321 and were punishable under Section 324 of the same code.