The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday May 20, 2026 secured the conviction and sentence of two internet fraudsters before Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar Cross River State.
They pleaded ‘guilty’ to two- count separate charges preferred against them by the Commission.
One of the charges read: ‘That you, IKE EUSTA-PRINCE EZIOMUME “M” sometime between 2024 and 2026 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of $200 (Two Hundred United States Dollars) and €260 (Two Hundred and Sixty Euros) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit; obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and
punishable under the Section 18(3) of the same Act’.
Another charge reads: ‘That you, VICTOR PIUS NNAEGBO “M” sometime between 2024 and 2026 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of €530 (Five Hundred and Thirty Euros) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and punishable under the Section 18(3) of the same Act’.
In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel Khamis Mahmud , reviewed the facts of the case and prayed the court to convict and sentence them in accordance with the provisions of the law. Defence counsel, Douglas Besong did not object but prayed the court to be lenient in sentencing the defendants.
After listening to both counsel, Justice Oghoghorie convicted and sentenced Ike Eusta-Prince Eziomume to two years jail term with an option of a fine of N500, 000.00 ( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and to restitute $200 (Two Hundred USD), and €260 (Two Hundred and Sixty Euros) to his victims.
While Victor Pius Nnaegbo got two years jail term with a N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) fine option and to restitute the sum of €530 (Five Hundred and Thirty Euros) to his victim.
They both forfeited the gadgets used in committing the said crimes.
The convicts were arrested on May 5 and 12, 2026, at Umuahia and Aba Areas of Abia State. They were subsequently charged to court and convicted.