Kaduna, Oct. 24, 2024 (TheGavel) – A Kaduna State High Court has ordered the forfeiture of three exotic cars, N9.5 million in cash, and various electronic devices belonging to convicted internet fraudster Stephen James, to the Federal Government. The ruling, delivered on Thursday by Justice Dairus Khobo, follows James’ guilty plea to charges related to internet fraud.
In his judgment, Justice Khobo sentenced James to 10 months imprisonment, with an option to pay a fine of N300,000. The forfeited items include a Samsung S20 smartphone, three HP laptops, a 2016 Mercedes Benz C1300, a Toyota Lexus E350, and a Lexus E330, in addition to the N9.5 million seized at the time of his arrest.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, P.C. Onyeneho, informed the court that James was apprehended following actionable intelligence regarding the activities of fraud syndicates operating in the Ungwan Sarki area of Kaduna. Investigations revealed that James used a fraudulent Instagram account under the alias “David Richard,” posing as a U.S. Army personnel, to deceive his victims.
One of his victims, identified as Ryan Frank, was defrauded of N8 million between 2023 and 2024. The EFCC investigation confirmed that James used the proceeds of his fraudulent activities to purchase the luxury vehicles and accumulate the N9.5 million found in his possession.
The prosecutor, Onyeneho, explained that the charges against James were in violation of the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act. He also detailed how the EFCC recovered the phones, laptops, and vehicles from James at the time of his arrest.
In his final statement, Onyeneho urged the court to convict the defendant based on his plea and the overwhelming evidence provided, including the exhibits tendered during the trial.
Following the conviction, all items were ordered to be forfeited to the Federal Government as part of efforts to combat cybercrime and recover the proceeds of fraudulent activities.(NAN)
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