A Kaduna State High Court has sentenced three men to five years in prison each for their involvement in online fraud schemes.
Justice A. Isiaka delivered the verdict against Aliyu Hassan, Samuel Olamide, and Solomon Joseph Christian after they were found guilty of impersonation and defrauding victims online.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the suspects were arrested in the Agwa and Kudende areas of Kaduna following intelligence linking them to multiple online scams.
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During the trial, the court heard that the trio used social media platforms to trick victims:
Hassan impersonated a Brazilian citizen on Facebook, contacting victims under a fake identity and convincing one to send ₦90,000.
Olamide posed as an American on TikTok, sending messages that misled victims into transferring money to him.
Christian impersonated another individual on Facebook, asking for money under false pretences and obtaining $150.
All three men pleaded guilty.
EFCC counsel, M.U. Gadaka, requested the court to convict and sentence them. Justice Isiaka also gave the convicts the option to pay a ₦300,000 fine instead of serving their full prison term.
The court further ordered the forfeiture of items linked to the crimes, including mobile phones and funds, which were handed over to the federal government.
The case highlights the continued efforts of the EFCC to combat online fraud and protect citizens from internet scams.
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