THE Federal High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, has handed down convictions and sentences to seven individuals found guilty of impersonation, money laundering, and cybercrime. Justice M.S. Abubakar presided over the case.
The seven convicts, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), pleaded guilty to the charges. Consequently, they were sentenced to prison terms ranging from one to three years, with options to pay fines instead.
As part of their sentences, CrimesChroniclers learnt that the convicts were ordered to forfeit substantial assets to the federal government. These include a hotel, approximately N232.4 million, and $4,977. The forfeitures are a result of the EFCC’s efforts to crack down on financial crimes.
The EFCC’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate had arrested the seven individuals following credible intelligence on their involvement in fraudulent activities. Their convictions and sentences serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar crimes.
The sentences imposed on the convicts include:
- Tamaraudeinyefa Shedrack Brakekebebe: one year imprisonment or N500,000 fine, with additional forfeitures.
- Godday Conference Brakekebebe: three years imprisonment or N500,000 fine, with additional forfeitures.
- Terhemba Josiah Asagh: one year imprisonment or N1.5 million fine, with additional forfeitures.
- Nyiter Avalumun Elijah: one year imprisonment or N500,000 fine, with additional restitution and forfeitures.
- Ahmed Alabi Akindele: two years imprisonment or N100,000 fine, with additional restitution.
- Kennedy Torbem Ayanger: one year imprisonment or N100,000 fine, with additional restitution.
- Hwande Aondooungwa James: three years imprisonment or N500,000 fine, with additional forfeitures.
