The Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has convicted and sentenced two internet fraudsters following their prosecution by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicts, Ike Eusta-Prince Eziomume and Victor Pius Nnaegbo, were sentenced on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, by Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie after pleading guilty to separate charges bordering on money laundering and obtaining money under false pretence.
According to the EFCC, the two defendants were arraigned on separate two-count charges related to the possession of funds suspected to be proceeds of internet fraud activities committed between 2024 and 2026.
One of the charges against Eziomume stated that he knowingly took possession of $200 and €260 believed to have been generated through fraudulent activities. The offence was said to contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Similarly, Nnaegbo was accused of knowingly possessing €530 suspected to be proceeds obtained through false pretence, an offence punishable under the same law.
During the court proceedings, prosecution counsel Khamis Mahmud reviewed the facts of the case and urged the court to convict the defendants based on their guilty pleas. Defence counsel Douglas Besong, however, appealed for leniency in sentencing.
After considering the submissions from both parties, Justice Oghoghorie sentenced Ike Eusta-Prince Eziomume to two years imprisonment with an option of a ₦500,000 fine. The court also ordered him to restitute $200 and €260 to his victims.
Victor Pius Nnaegbo was also sentenced to two years imprisonment but with an option of a ₦1 million fine. In addition, he was directed to refund €530 to his victim.
The court further ordered the forfeiture of all gadgets used in carrying out the fraudulent activities.
The EFCC disclosed that the convicts were arrested on May 5 and May 12, 2026, during operations carried out in Umuahia and Aba areas of Abia State. Following investigations, they were charged to court and subsequently convicted.
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The anti-graft agency reiterated its commitment to tackling cybercrime and prosecuting individuals involved in internet fraud across the country.
