PBA Reporter
Justice Aliyu Yunusa Shafa of the FCT, Abuja High Court has convicted an Internet fraudster who defrauded his victim of €20,000 while posing as an Italian Engineer.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, December 1, 2022, arraigned before the FCT High Court, the fraudster whose real name is Areh Ikenna Christian, on one count charge of fraudulent impersonation.
He pleaded guilty to the charge.
According to a statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, Areh, also known as Chris Hakikiene used the social media Apps – Facebook and WhatsApp- with an international number – +971504720129, and posed as an Italian engineer working at sea. With the false identity, he induced an unsuspecting Anna Bushare to send €20, 000 (Twenty Thousand Euros) to him to maintain his health and working machines, after he made her believe he was in love with her.
The offence is contrary to Section 320(a) of Penal Code Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) and punishable under Section 322 of the same Laws.
Following his plea, Justice Shafa convicted and sentenced Areh to six months imprisonment or a fine of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira only). He is also to sign a two-year bond with the court to be of good behaviour.
