A fraudster, Omoghan Igbinosa, has bagged two years imprisonment for impersonating Nollywood actor Ninalowo Bolanle.
This was disclosed via the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s Twitter handle on Monday.
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Edo State, gave the verdict on Friday, February 17, 2023.
The charge reads: ” That you, Omoghan Destiny Igbinosa sometime between 2021 and 2022 at Benin, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate the Identity of Ninalowo Bolanle, a Nollywood Actor by fraudulently sending documents to one Newon Quanon through the internet which documents you claim emanated from the said Ninalowo Bolanle with the intent to gain advantage for yourself.
“ And thereby committed an offence contrary to section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under section 22(2) (b) (IV) of the same Act.
“ Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charge. In view of their plea, the prosecution counsel, I. M.Elodi prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
“ The defence counsel, A.J. Onwuanaje and Dickson Egberume pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, saying that the defendants have become remorseful for their actions.
“ Justice Abang convicted and sentenced Igbinosa to two years imprisonment or a fine of One Million Naira. The defendant is also to forfeit the sum of $2,235.00 and his mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”