In a recent court case in Kaduna State, one Miracle Ezeochia has been convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for cheating by impersonation.
The case was brought against him by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Miracle Ezeochia came under scrutiny when the EFCC received intelligence about suspicious activities related to internet fraud in Kaduna. He was subsequently arrested in a sting operation.
Upon his arrest, an analysis of his devices revealed that he had opened Facebook and Instagram accounts using the profile pictures and names of individuals named Muhammed Malik from Qatar and Lucas James Williams. He used these fake identities to engage in fraudulent activities and cheated one of his victims out of $150 USD.
The charge against Ezeochia stated that he had committed the offense of cheating by impersonation by falsely presenting himself as Muhammed Malik on Facebook and cheating one Malik Abdul Haseed out of $150 USD. This offense is contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017, and is punishable under Section 309 of the same law.
Ezeochia pleaded guilty to the charge, and in light of his plea, the prosecuting counsel, M.U Gadaka, requested that the court convict him accordingly.
Justice N.U. Sadiq subsequently convicted and sentenced Miracle Ezeochia to two years in prison, with an option of a fine of N150,000. Additionally, Ezeochia is required to forfeit a Techno POP 7 PRO device and the sum of $150 USD to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the EFCC. This verdict serves as a stern warning against fraudulent activities and impersonation on social media platforms.
