EFCC Secures Convictions and Arraignments in Cybercrime, Money Laundering, and Illegal Forex Dealings
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has secured multiple convictions and arraigned suspects for cybercrime and financial offenses. Ogagarojo Godstime, alias Alex Gonzalex, was sentenced for impersonating a U.S. national online and defrauding victims of $400. Three others, including Kassim Mohammed, who was caught dealing in foreign currencies illegally, also faced court proceedings. The Commission’s efforts highlight its ongoing crackdown on internet fraud, cyber-related impersonation, and unlicensed forex operations across Nigeria.
The EFCC's Uyo Zonal Directorate has intensified its crackdown on financial crimes with multiple convictions and high-profile arraignments this week.
Internet Fraudster Convicted
Ogagarojo Godstime, who posed as “Alex Gonzalex” online, was convicted by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Calabar. He was found guilty of defrauding victims of $400 through impersonation under false identity as "Marc Labelle" on social media in 2024.
Godstime pleaded guilty and had already refunded the defrauded sum. The court sentenced him to 12 months' imprisonment on each count (running concurrently) or a fine of ₦800,000. The iPhone 11 used in committing the crime was forfeited to the Federal Government.
Four Others Arraigned
On the same day, Justice Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court in Uyo heard separate arraignments involving:
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Kassim Mohammed – Charged with operating an illegal Bureau de Change without a CBN license.
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Arrested in Aba, Abia State, with multiple foreign currencies (USD, Yen, Yuan, Dalasi, etc.)
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Pleaded guilty.
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Judgment was adjourned, and he was remanded in custody.
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Inemesit Asuquo Bassey – Pleaded guilty to defrauding a Hungarian national of €150 using fake identities on social media.
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Awaiting judgment on May 22, 2025.
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Franklin Edet – Pleaded not guilty to two-count charges of internet fraud.
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Trial to commence on June 2, 2025.
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Chukwudi Patrick Ahiahwo – Also pleaded not guilty to three-count charges of cyber-related offenses.
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Bail hearing set for May 15, 2025.
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All suspects are being held at the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre in Uyo.
EFCC’s Message on Transparency and Enforcement
The EFCC, through its ongoing operations, continues to reinforce its commitment to rooting out cybercrime, digital fraud, and unlicensed financial operations, especially in the wake of increasing digital scam cases in Nigeria.
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