The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu Zonal Directorate, has arraigned 16 suspected internet fraudsters before the Federal High Court in Enugu......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
The suspects were brought before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on Wednesday, February 12, on charges of fraud, money laundering, and possession of fraudulent documents.
Details of the suspects and charges
The accused individuals include Chidera Nehemiah, Chikamso Nwabuisi, Nnamekwe Jeremiah Chukwu, Chiemerie Christian Nworie, Azubuike Akachukwu, Onah Chisom Promise, and others. They were arraigned on separate charges, with some facing two counts and others three counts of financial crimes.
One of the charges against Chikamso Nwabuisi read:
“That you, Chikamso Nwabuisi, sometime in January 2025 in Awka, Anambra State, did commit a felony by taking possession of $5,000, knowing it to be proceeds of an unlawful act, thereby violating Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Similarly, Nnaemeka Jeremiah Chukwu was charged with a nearly identical offense involving $5,000 (equivalent to ₦7.67 million).
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
All 16 suspects pleaded “not guilty” to their respective charges when they were read in court.
The prosecution counsel, Michael Ikechukwu Ani, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants to the Enugu State Correctional Centre.
Defence lawyers, including Wisdom Ogbonna, E. J. Nwatarali, and B. C. Okeke, argued for bail, but the prosecution opposed the requests, citing insufficient time to respond.
Court Adjourns Bail Hearings, Orders Remand
Justice Umar scheduled bail hearings for February 14, 21, and March 7, 2025, depending on the defendant’s cases.
In the meantime, he ordered all 16 suspects to be held at the Enugu State Correctional Centre.
FCC’s Crackdown on Internet Fraud
The suspects were among 37 individuals arrested on January 17, 2025, in a sting operation at Ifite, Awka, Anambra State.
According to EFCC investigations, the suspects were involved in document forgery, impersonation of foreign nationals, and using fake social media accounts to defraud victims.