A scammer identified as Omoghan Destiny Igbinosa has been sentenced to two years in prison for impersonating popular Nollywood actress Ninalowo Bolanle.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, announced this on Monday, February 20, 2023.
On one count of impersonation and obtaining by false pretense, Judge Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, convicted and sentenced Igbinosa to jail.
The charge against Igbinosa 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”.
The defendant pled guilty to the allegation during his arraignment.
In light of his plea, the prosecution’s attorney, I. M. Elodi, asked the court to convict and sentence him.
A.J. Onwuanaje, the defense attorney, appealed with the court to temper justice with mercy, claiming that the defendant has become contrite for their acts.
Igbinosa was convicted and sentenced to two years in jail or a fine of one million Naira by Judge Abang. The offender must also forfeit $2,235.00 and his nobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
