Internet Fraudster Bags 12 Months Imprisonment For Impersonation

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday convicted and sentenced an internet fraudster, Timi-pere Pere, to 12 months in prison for impersonation and $400 fraud.

Justice Aneke jailed Pere after he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of fraud and impersonation brought against him by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC accused the convict of fraudulently impersonating a United States citizen, Rose Cassandra, by pretending to be her to gain an advantage, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 22(2)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015.

The anti-graft agency also claimed that the convict, in 2026 in Lagos, disguised the source of $400, knowing it was proceeds of crime, an offence punishable under section 18(1)(d) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act, 2004.

During Friday’s proceedings, the Prosecutor, Sulaiman Sulaiman, called an EFCC operative, Nura Adam, who described how Pere was arrested based on credible intelligence.

He also tendered exhibits, including a Blue iPhone 17 Pro Max, an iPhone 13 Pro Max, a White Lenovo laptop, and a Zenith Bank cheque for N300,000, all presented as evidence.

After the review of the evidence, Adam urged the court to convict and sentence the convict in accordance with the relevant laws under which he was charged

However, the defence counsel, Victor Opara (SAN), begged for mercy and asked the court to consider a non-custodial sentence.

After listening to the lawyers, Justice Aneke sentenced Pere to 12 months’ imprisonment, to commence on March 25, 2026, the date of his arrest.

The judge also ordered the convict to pay a N300,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service.

The court further ordered the forfeiture of the recovered exhibits, including the phones, laptop, and cheque, to the federal government.