Ayobamiji Komolafe 
Justice M.A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has convicted Moses Emmanuel Elemi for internet fraud.
Justice Oyetenu delivered the judgment following Elemi’s arraignment by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Elemi faced a two-count charge of criminal impersonation and intent to defraud.
One of the charges revealed that he had posed as “Ariana Marie” on Instagram with the intention of deceiving unsuspecting victims to gain property and personal advantage.
His actions violated Section 22 (2)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Amendment Act 2024.
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Elemi pleaded guilty to the charges.
During the hearing, prosecution counsel Enobong Ubokudom presented key evidence, including the defendant’s statement, his iPhone 11 Pro, and fraudulent documents retrieved from the device.
The prosecution urged the court to convict him, while Elemi’s defence counsel, M. Ette Udo, pleaded for leniency, citing the defendant’s remorse and status as a first-time offender.
Justice Oyetenu, after considering the submissions, convicted Elemi but chose to caution and discharge him.
Elemi was arrested on June 27, 2024, in the Shelter Afrik area of Uyo, following intelligence linking him to online fraudulent activities.
The EFCC’s efforts in securing the conviction underscore the agency’s commitment to combating cybercrime in Nigeria.
