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The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of an internet fraudster, Michael Jackson, a.k.a. Ella-Ellywood, before Justice Tijani G. Ringim of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Justice Ringim sentenced the convict to three months imprisonment on March 21, 2022 who was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on impersonation contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) Of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act 2015.
He pleaded guilty to the offence.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, A. R. Alabi, reviewed the facts before of the case. Alabi told the court that Michael Jackson, was arrested on January 25, 2022, following credible intelligence received by the commission on the illegal activities of some individuals allegedly involved in computer fraud.
“Jackson poses as Ella, a transgender woman, and defrauded unsuspecting victims of millions of Naira. The convict who is also a DJ had in his possession fetish items which he claimed was for success”, he said.
He also tendered the following ; One iPhone 11 Pro; one Mack Book; one Hp Laptop; One 4Runner Toyota Jeep; one Honda Accord, the defendant’s extra-judicial statements and several fraudulent documents printed out of the defendant’s device. These exhibits were admitted by the court.
Alabi further prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
Justice Ringim pronounced him guilty as charged and convicted him accordingly. The Judge also ordered the forfeiture of the items recovered from the convict to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In a related development, Justice Abimbola O. Awogboro of the Federal High court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos sentenced Sodiq Muraina to 300 hours of community service.
Muraina was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on possession of document containing false pretence contrary to Section 6 and 5(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 under section 1(3) of the same Act.
He pleaded guilty to the offence.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari Bala reviewed the facts of the case and urged the court to find them guilty of the offence and sentence accordingly.
Justice Awogboro convicted and sentenced him as charged.
