EFCC Convicts Uyo Cybercrime Training Centre Owner for Impersonation and Fraud

The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully prosecuted and sentenced the owner of the Uyo Cybercrime Training Centre, Ikemesit Edet, also known as Hustle Kingdom HK. Edet was convicted on charges related to impersonation, love scams, hacking/editing social media accounts, and providing criminal tutoring.

Edet pleaded guilty to the charges, which included operating a cybercrime academy where he recruited and taught young Nigerians cybercrime techniques. He was also found guilty of possessing proceeds from unlawful activities related to cybercrime.

Prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin requested the court to convict and sentence Edet, while defense counsel Francis Ezike asked for leniency. Ultimately, Justice Ojukwu sentenced Edet to five years in prison on each count, with a fine option.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of all exhibits recovered from Edet, including laptops, vehicles, and land. Edet’s arrest followed an investigation by the EFCC, leading to the arrest and conviction of other suspects connected to the Cybercrime Training Centre.

In a separate case, Michael Melvin Onyekachi, also known as ‘Raisa Pedroso,’ was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison for possession of fraudulent documents. Onyekachi presented himself as ‘Raisa Pedroso’ on social media with fraudulent intent, leading to his arrest and conviction for internet-related fraud.

These cases highlight the EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. The convictions serve as a warning to those engaged in fraudulent activities and demonstrate the consequences of participating in cybercrime.