See the Names of Ten Fraudsters Sentenced in Gombe
The Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully convicted ten individuals for various internet fraud offenses, including impersonation and employment scams.
A statement released by the EFCC on Friday identified the convicts as Emmanuel Cyriacus, Nelson Yustus, Gabriel Victor Shindu, Daniel Gambo, Miracle Bukar, Mighty Awarri, Jonathan James, Mathias Adams, Sani Safiyanu, and Muazu Shira.
On October 16, 2024, Shindu, Awarri, Gambo, Bukar, Adams, Yustus, Cyriacus, and James appeared before Justices Hammed Isha and Benjamin Lawal of the Gombe State High Court, sitting in Yola, Adamawa State. Safiyanu faced charges on October 14, 2024, for fraud and possession of counterfeit documents before Justice Mushkur Salisu at the Federal High Court in Jalingo, Taraba State. Additionally, Muazu Shira was arraigned for fraudulent intent on October 8, 2024, before Justice Muazu Abubakar at the Bauchi State High Court.
Yustus was found guilty of impersonating “Jake” from Philadelphia to swindle a foreign victim, Art–huff, out of $150. Safiyanu was convicted for possessing fake job offer letters intended to deceive individuals into believing they had been hired by various government agencies.
Upon their arraignment, all defendants admitted their guilt, leading prosecution counsel Saad H. Saad to request appropriate sentences. The defense counsel appealed for leniency, noting the defendants’ remorse.
Justice Isha sentenced Shindu, Awarri, Bukar, and Gambo to ten years in prison or a fine of N300,000 each. Justice Lawal handed ten-year sentences with an option of a N200,000 fine to Yustus, James, and Cyriacus. Justice Salisu imposed a six-year prison term or a N250,000 fine on Safiyanu, while Adams received a five-year sentence or a N200,000 fine. Finally, Justice Abubakar sentenced Muazu Shira to two years in prison with an option for a N200,000 fine.
