A fraudster named Omoghan Igbinosa has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for impersonating Nollywood actor Ninalowo Bolanle. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission announced the verdict on its Twitter account on Monday. Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Warri, Edo State, delivered the judgment on Friday, 17 February 2023.
The charge stated that, between 2021 and 2022, Igbinosa fraudulently assumed the identity of Ninalowo Bolanle in Benin, Edo State. He sent documents over the internet to a person named Newon Quanon, claiming they originated from the actor, with the intention of gaining personal advantage. This conduct violated section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and was punishable under section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.
At arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty. Prosecutor I. M. Elodi requested that the court convict and sentence Igbinosa accordingly. Defence counsel A. J. Onwuanaje and Dickson Egberume appealed for leniency, noting the defendant’s remorse.
Justice Abang convicted Igbinosa and sentenced him to two years in prison or a fine of one million naira. In addition, the defendant must forfeit $2,235 and his mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
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