Onukwugha Favour, Lawrence David, and Omoghan Destiny Igbinosa were convicted and sentenced to prison by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Warri.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or EFCC, charged them with impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
Igbinosa, who was arraigned in Benin City, Edo State, for impersonating Nollywood actor Ninalowo Bolanle between 2021 and 2022, had fraudulently sent documents to Newon Quanon via the internet with the intent to gain an advantage for himself.
The offense is punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (IV) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, contrary to Section 22(2) (b) I
Favour, the second convict, was found guilty of impersonating Mariah 1812, a United States citizen, and sending documents to unsuspecting victims.
The defendants entered guilty pleas.
While prosecutor I. M. Elodi pleaded with the court to convict and sentence them, defense attorneys A.J. Onwuanaje and Dickson Egberume pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
Justice Abang sentenced Igbinosa to two years in prison or a N1 million fine, with the defendant also forfeiting $2,235 and his phone to the Federal Government.
Favour and David also had their phones confiscated and were sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of N500,000 and N200,000, respectively.
