EFCC secures conviction of two fraudsters in Calabar
Two Internet Fraudsters Convicted in Calabar
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Uyo Zonal Directorate announced the conviction of two individuals for internet fraud on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The rulings were made by Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Calabar.
According to Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, both defendants entered guilty pleas to separate charges brought against them by the commission.
One of the charges involved Ike Eusta-Prince Eziomume, who, from 2024 to 2026, was found to have possessed $200 and €260, knowing the funds were derived from unlawful activities, specifically, obtaining money by false pretenses. This act was in violation of Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, punishable under Section 18(3).
Victor Pius Nnaegbo faced a similar charge, having possessed €530 during the same period and under analogous circumstances, also violating the Money Laundering Act.
Following the guilty pleas, prosecution counsel Khamis Mahmud presented the facts of the case and requested appropriate sentencing. Defense attorney Douglas Besong did not contest the evidence but urged the court to consider leniency in sentencing.
Justice Oghoghorie sentenced both individuals to two years in prison. Eziomume was given the option to pay a fine of N500,000 and ordered to make restitution of $200 and €260 to his victims. Nnaegbo received a more substantial fine option of N1,000,000, along with an order to repay €530 to his victim.
Additionally, both convicts forfeited the devices used in the commission of their crimes. Eziomume and Nnaegbo were apprehended on May 5 and May 12, respectively, in the Umuahia and Aba areas of Abia State before being charged and convicted.
