Two internet fraudsters, Humphrey Omosivie and Tony Imalele were on Wednesday May 11, 2022 convicted and sentenced to prison by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.
The duo were arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on separate one count charges of impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
Omosivie and Imalele fraudulently impersonated one Nicole, a Canadian citizen, and Anthony Miller, a citizen of the United States of America, respectively with intent to obtain money from unsuspecting members of the public.
The charge against Omosivie reads: “that you, Humphrey Omosivie (aka Nicole ) between 2020 and 2022 at Igbobadia Street, near Ukwa, Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently personate the identity of Nicole, from Canada with intent to obtain money from unsuspecting public and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 484 and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo state ) 1976”.
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, K.Y. Bello, to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, the defence counsel, M.O. Omozeghie and F.E.Oberabor prayed the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Omosivie to two years imprisonment with an option of Two Hundred Thousand Naira fine, while Imalele bagged two years imprisonment with an option of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira fine.
Justice Ikponmwonba also ordered the forfeiture of Mercedes Benz GLK 350, 2013 model recovered from Omosivie and their phones, being proceeds of crime, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
11 May, 2022
