A Nigerian man, posing as a fake Nigerian senator, has been sentenced to two years in prison for defrauding a foreigner of €47,082. Tom Makwe was brought to justice by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after they received credible intelligence about his fraudulent internet activities.
On Wednesday, June 26, a high court in Gwagwalada, Abuja, presided over by Justice Aliyu Shafa, delivered the verdict. In addition to the prison sentence, the convict was given an option to pay a fine of N5 million.
Conviction and Restitution
Justice Shafa ordered Makwe to return the stolen N30 million and $1,300 to the victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose Garces, via the Spanish embassy in Nigeria.
The court mandated that evidence of the restitution be filed with the registrar within two weeks. Additionally, the convict’s possessions, including a 2017 black Camry, a Samsung S23, an Apple iPhone 13, and an HP EliteBook, were to be forfeited to the government. The proceeds from the sale of these items are to be remitted to the victim through the Spanish embassy.
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Makwe, who pleaded guilty and asked for leniency, expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I am a changed person and plead with the court to temper justice with mercy. I will never have anything to do with internet fraud again.”
Additional Cases of Fraud
In a related case, two individuals, Ugwu Chijioke and Ibrahim Adekunle, were sentenced to a combined 46 years in prison for impersonating EFCC operatives and carrying out fraudulent activities.
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The duo was arrested in May 2021 at New Horizon Estate in Lekki, Lagos, while conducting an illegal operation. The EFCC disclosed this on June 16 via their social media platform, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to curb fraudulent activities.
Sources: Ejes Gist Naija News, The Guardian, Vanguard, Daily Trust.
