In a significant ruling, Justice Hauwa'u Bubari of the Federal High Court in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced two individuals, Audu Ishida and Elisha Smith, to a total of six years in prison for their involvement in internet fraud.
The duo was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on multiple counts including impersonation, retention of proceeds of fraud, and money laundering.
Elisha Smith was charged with retaining N808,234.02, knowing it was part of the proceeds from unlawful activities. His offense was committed in May 2024 in Jos South, Plateau State. According to the charges, Smith had the funds in his account at Palmpay Bank Ltd.
Audu Ishida, known as "Baddie Kylemili," was found guilty of retaining $50 from a victim, which he reasonably should have known was also part of proceeds from an unlawful act. This offense took place on June 2, 2024, in Jos.
Both defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them, leading prosecution counsel M.E. Eimonye to request appropriate sentencing. After considering the defense's pleas, Justice Bubari sentenced Smith to four years in prison or a fine of N500,000, while Ishida received a two-year sentence or a fine of N400,000.
In addition to their prison sentences, both convicts forfeited their mobile phones, including a Samsung Galaxy S10e and an Oppo F1s, which were linked to their fraudulent activities. The arrests were made following intelligence reports connecting them to internet fraud in Jos.
This conviction underscores the ongoing efforts of the EFCC to combat cybercrime and uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.
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