Onyeanu, KWASU student Anthony convicted for identity theft

Justice Mohammed Sani of the Federal High Court in Ilorin has convicted two internet fraudsters for cyber fraud and identity theft.

The two convicts, Onyeanu Chukwuemeka David and Anthony Anyadiora Obumneme were prosecuted on one count charge each by the EFCC.

The Ilorin-based Imo-born Onyeanu was a POS operator, who specialized in identity theft of unsuspecting victims to perpetrate fraud through the internet.

Anthony was one of the 30 ‘Yahoo Boys’ arrested on September 19, 2021 by operatives of the EFCC during a sting operation on selected hostels at Kwara State University, KWASU, Malete.

Upon arraignment today, the two defendants pleaded guilty as charged.

Sesan Ola and Rashidat Alao, who prosecuted for the Commission, drew the attention of the Court to the plea bargain entered by the defendants.

They urged the Court to consider the extra-judicial statements of the defendants and exhibits tendered as well as the provisions of the law to convict the defendants.

Justice Sani in his judgment said the Court had carefully considered the plea of the defendants, their statements and plea bargain agreements.

He held that the defendants were guilty of their respective charge.

The judge sentenced Anthony to one year imprisonment with N200, 000 option of fine.

The Court also ordered that he forfeit to the government $150 and iPhone 11.

Similarly, Justice Sani sentenced Onyeanu to six months imprisonment with N300,000 option of fine.

According to the judge, the convict will forfeit to the Federal Government, $300 which he benefited from the criminal activity and iPhone 12 Pro used to perpetrate the crime.