Destiny Maikarfi, better known as “TudTech,” received a two-year prison sentence for his role in online fraud from Justice A.A. Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court in a landmark ruling.
After Maikarfi entered a guilty plea to a single cybercrime count, the verdict was rendered on October 30, 2023.
The only count in the case charged Maikarfi with impersonating TudTech, a fictitious professional tech expert who was able to spy on mobile devices. In contravention of Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017, Maikarfi willfully engaged in this misleading behavior over the period of January to October 2023 in Kaduna.
In court, Destiny Maikarfi acknowledged his guilt after learning of the charges. The prosecution’s attorney, K.S. Ogunlade, then asked the court to find the defendant guilty and sentence him appropriately.
Judge Isiaka decided to sentence Maikarfi to two years in jail after taking into account the nature of the offense and the guilty plea. The offender was also given an opportunity by the court to forgo serving his sentence in prison in exchange for paying a fine of N150,000.00 (one hundred and fifty thousand naira only).
In addition, the judge’s ruling stipulated that one Samsung Galaxy S8 gadget, which Maikarfi had utilized in committing the cybercrime, had to be forfeited. Through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the gadget is to be given to the Federal Government of Nigeria (EFCC).
Destiny Maikarfi’s conviction and incarceration resulted from his arrest by EFCC agents in Malali Unguwan Gado, Kaduna State, where he was found with other people engaged in online fraud conspiracy. After a comprehensive investigation, Maikarfi was prosecuted and appeared in court, which resulted in his conviction.
As a reminder to those who conduct online fraud, this decision serves as a warning and reinforces the legal system’s resolve to hold offenders responsible for their acts. It ensures a safer online environment for everyone by sending a clear message that such behaviors will not be accepted and that those involved will pay a price for their conduct.
