EFCC Arraigns 16 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Enugu

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Enugu Zonal Directorate has arraigned 16 suspected internet fraudsters before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Enugu.

The defendants, including Chidera Nehemiah, Chikamso Nwabuisi, and Nnamekwe Jeremiah Chukwu, among others, face charges bordering on fraudulent personation, obtaining by false pretence, money laundering, and possession of fraudulent documents.

Some defendants, such as Chukwu, Akachukwu, Promise, Udokaebe, Chibuike, Godwin, and Sixtus, were arraigned on separate two-count charges, while others faced three-count charges.

The charges include using and taking possession of funds known to be proceeds of unlawful acts, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2022.

All defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. Prosecution counsel, Michael Ikechukwu Ani, requested a trial date and remand of the defendants in Enugu State Correctional Centre. Defence counsel informed the court of pending bail applications, which were opposed by the prosecution due to short notice.

Justice Umar adjourned the matter, scheduling hearings for bail applications on February 14, February 21, and March 7, 2025. The defendants were remanded in the Enugu State Correctional Centre.

They were among 37 suspected internet fraudsters arrested in a sting operation on January 17, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State, following actionable intelligence linking them to internet criminal activities.