Justice S.M Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City on Monday, April 4, 2022, convicted and sentenced two internet fraudsters to three years imprisonment for fraud.
The fraudsters Kazeem Akeem (aka Rose Tinda) and Akinbisodun Opeyemi were arraigned on one count charge by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC for fraudulent impersonation.
The charge against Akeem reads: “That you Kazeem Akeem (aka Rose Tinda) on or about the 26th day of April 2021 at Housing Estate, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Rose Tinda, a white woman by using email tindalerose@gmail.com with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under section 22(2) (b)(iv) of the same Act”.
Upon arraignment the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of their plea, the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly. However, the defence counsel, Eric Ewierhoma pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants have become remorseful for his action.
Justice Shuaibu convicted and sentenced the defendants to three years imprisonment each with an option of N300,000 fine.
In addition, the defendants shall forfeit their mobile phones to the Federal Government of Nigeria and undertake in writing to be of good behavior henceforth.