12th February, 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dragged 16 suspected internet fraudsters to court in a major crackdown on cybercrime in Enugu State.
The suspects, arrested in a sting operation in Anambra, were arraigned before Justice Folashade O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu.
The accused—identified as Ibemere Gerald Ifechukwu, Ngwu Chidozie Henry, Onwugbolu Charles, Okeke Emmanuel Ebubechukwu, Ikechukwu Augustine Ibeanu, Samuel Obi Chidera, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Chinsed, Onoja Sampson Kingsley, and eight others—are facing multiple charges of fraudulent impersonation, possession of fake documents, and money laundering.
According to the EFCC, these suspects operated an elaborate scam network, posing as foreign nationals on social media to swindle unsuspecting victims.
Some allegedly forged documents to aid their fraudulent schemes, while others laundered proceeds of their crimes.
One of the suspects, Samuel Obi Chidera, was charged with laundering $3,000, while Okonkwo Nonso Chijioke was accused of handling $500 in illicit funds.
During the court session, the defendants pleaded “not guilty,” but the EFCC pushed for their detention, arguing they posed a flight risk.
Defence lawyers fought to secure bail, but Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo adjourned the case to February 17, 2025, for the hearing of bail applications and ordered the suspects to be remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Centre.
The EFCC had swooped on the suspects on January 17, 2025, at Commissioners Quarters, Ifite, Awka, following a tip-off about their online fraud activities.
The agency vowed to pursue the case to the fullest, warning that cybercriminals have nowhere to hide.
