A federal high court in Warri, Delta state has sentenced Omoghan Destiny Igbinosa, an internet fraudster impersonating Bolanle Ninalowo, the actor, to jail.
In a statement released on Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said the court passed the sentence on February 17.
The court found Igbinosa guilty on a separate one-count charge of impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
Court Sends Fraudster who Impersonated Nollywood Actor, Ninalowo, Two Others, to Jail in Warri
AdvertisementJustice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, on Friday, February 17, 2023, convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters, Onukwugha Favour, Lawrence David… pic.twitter.com/oGSASrFaDy
— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) February 20, 2023
“That you, OMOGHAN DESTINY IGBINOSA sometime between 2021 and 2022 at Benin, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate the Identity of NINALOWO BOLANLE, a Nollywood Actor by fraudulently sending documents to one NEWON QUANON through the internet which documents you claim emanated from the said NINALOWO BOLANLE with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under section 22(2) (b) (IV) of the same Act,” the charge reads.
Upon arraignment, the man pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his plea, I. M.Elodi, the prosecution counsel, prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
A.J. Onwuanaje and Dickson Egberume, the defence counsel, however, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
They added that the defendant has become remorseful for his actions.
In his verdict, Okon Abang, the judge, convicted and sentenced Igbinosa to two years imprisonment or a fine of one million naira.
He is also to forfeit the sum of $2,235 and his mobile phone to the federal government.
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