Court Confiscates Fraudster's Wealth: N9.5m, 3 Exotic Cars, Electronics

Kaduna Court Orders Forfeiture of Fraudster's Ill-Gotten Gains

Justice Dairus Khobo delivered the judgment, sentencing James to 10...

A Kaduna court has ordered the forfeiture of N9.5 million, three exotic cars, laptops, phones, and other gadgets belonging to an internet fraudster. The move targets ill-gotten wealth acquired through cybercrime.

A High Court in Kaduna State has ordered the forfeiture of several items belonging to Stephen James, a convicted internet fraudster, to the Federal Government. These items include a Samsung S20, three HP laptops, three exotic cars, and a substantial sum of N9.5 million in cash.

Justice Dairus Khobo delivered the judgment, sentencing James to 10 months imprisonment with an option of a N300,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to internet-related fraud.

According to EFCC Counsel, P.C. Oyeneho, James was arrested following intelligence reports about the activities of fraudster syndicates operating in Ungwan Sarki and surrounding areas. This crackdown on internet fraud is part of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes in Nigeria.

In recent months, the EFCC has made several arrests and seizures related to internet fraud, including the arrest of 29 suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja. The commission's efforts demonstrate its commitment to tackling financial crimes and promoting a safer financial environment in Nigeria.

Stephen James, a convicted internet fraudster, used a fake Instagram page to pose as David Richard, an American Army personnel. He befriended Ryan Frank, one of his victims, and swindled N8 million from him between 2023 and 2024. James lavished his ill-gotten gains on luxury items, including a Mercedes Benz C1300 2016 model, a Toyota Lexus E350, and a Lexus E330.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted James, and he pleaded guilty to internet-related fraud. EFCC Counsel, P.C. Onyeneho, presented evidence, including statements from James' phones, HP laptop, and the seized cars. Onyeneho argued that James' actions were punishable under advance fees fraud provisions.

Justice Dairus Khobo sentenced James to 10 months imprisonment with an option of a N300,000 fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of James' assets, including the luxury cars and N9.5 million in cash, to the Federal Government.

Case Details:

Defendant: Stephen James

Crime: Internet-related fraud and advance fees fraud

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment or N300,000 fine

Forfeited Assets:

    

Mercedes Benz C1300 2016 model

   Toyota Lexus E350

   Lexus E330

    N9.5 million in cash