🚨⚡UNUSUAL
— RussiaNews 🇷🇺 (@mog_russEN) June 27, 2025
Many Ukrainian Jews took advantage of the Israeli-Iranian conflict and scammed $80 million from Israelis through phone fraud. 😅
Over the course of 12 days, these scammers, posing as Israeli officials, solicited donations for the maintenance of the Iron Dome against… pic.twitter.com/ajLstOxna2
🚨⚡UNUSUAL
— RussiaNews 🇷🇺 (@mog_russEN) June 27, 2025
Many Ukrainian Jews took advantage of the Israeli-Iranian conflict and scammed $80 million from Israelis through phone fraud. 😅
Over the course of 12 days, these scammers, posing as Israeli officials, solicited donations for the maintenance of the Iron Dome against… pic.twitter.com/ajLstOxna2
Godspower was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents.
One of the counts reads; “That you, Tobor Efeturi Godspower, on or about the 24th day of October, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one 'Stephen Townsend', purporting to be a military man stationed in Syria, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.
The second count reads: “That you, Tobor Efeturi Godspower, on or about the 24th day of October, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held yourself out as the manager of crypto account bearing the name 'Rosemarie Altez', with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.”
He pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, S.I.Suleiman, tendered the defendant’s statements dated October 28 and 30, 2024 and November 1, 4 and 6, 2024; a Toshiba laptop computer; iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 11 Pro Max; a casio wristwatch; fraudulent documents printed from his device as well as the sum of $300 restitution made by the defendant.
Suleiman, therefore, urged the court to convict him as charged and sentence him accordingly.
He also prayed that the exhibits recovered from the defendant be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Justice Aluko found the defendant guilty of the offences and sentenced him to four years imprisonment on each of the two counts.
The Judge also gave him an option of fine of N600,000( Six Hundred Thousand Naira only) on each of the counts.
The exhibits were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The convict bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested for fraudulently impersonating one 'Stephen Townsend', purporting to be a military man stationed in Syria and defrauded innocent victims in the process.
Source: EFCC
Godspower was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents.
One of the counts reads; “That you, Tobor Efeturi Godspower, on or about the 24th day of October, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one 'Stephen Townsend', purporting to be a military man stationed in Syria, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.
The second count reads: “That you, Tobor Efeturi Godspower, on or about the 24th day of October, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently held yourself out as the manager of crypto account bearing the name 'Rosemarie Altez', with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.”
He pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, S.I.Suleiman, tendered the defendant’s statements dated October 28 and 30, 2024 and November 1, 4 and 6, 2024; a Toshiba laptop computer; iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 11 Pro Max; a casio wristwatch; fraudulent documents printed from his device as well as the sum of $300 restitution made by the defendant.
Suleiman, therefore, urged the court to convict him as charged and sentence him accordingly.
He also prayed that the exhibits recovered from the defendant be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Justice Aluko found the defendant guilty of the offences and sentenced him to four years imprisonment on each of the two counts.
The Judge also gave him an option of fine of N600,000( Six Hundred Thousand Naira only) on each of the counts.
The exhibits were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The convict bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested for fraudulently impersonating one 'Stephen Townsend', purporting to be a military man stationed in Syria and defrauded innocent victims in the process.
Source: EFCC
The convicts are: Uzorchukwu Peace Udoka, Erubasa Oghenetega, David Ogwunu, Jude Okólie, Lucky Ehizojie, Chineye Isioma Christian, Obadiunor Josoph Ikechukwu, Ugochukwu Adingwu, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Patrick Chinedu Chukwujekwe, Ugboh Chibuzor, Monday Shedrack, Udochukwu Onuka, Uzodion Luke and Ehighola Emmanuel Akhere.
Others are Godstime Osunde Oskpolor, Promise Onyugboh, Onuka Patrick, Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu, Ajayi Aisosa, Aiwansoba Prince, Goddey Jeremiah and Ojimah John Oseni
They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission .
The charge against Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu reads: "That you Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu (m) on or about the 12th of April, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
All the defendants pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, I.M Elodi, K Y. Bello, to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly while counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Uzorchukwu Peace Udoka, Erubasa Oghenetega, Ajayi Aisosa to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. The duo of David Ogwunu, Lucky Ehizojie were convicted and sentenced to Three Years Imprisonment each or to pay N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively
computers and money found in their respective bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria, being proceeds of crime. They also undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.
The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.
Source: EFCC
The convicts are: Uzorchukwu Peace Udoka, Erubasa Oghenetega, David Ogwunu, Jude Okólie, Lucky Ehizojie, Chineye Isioma Christian, Obadiunor Josoph Ikechukwu, Ugochukwu Adingwu, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Patrick Chinedu Chukwujekwe, Ugboh Chibuzor, Monday Shedrack, Udochukwu Onuka, Uzodion Luke and Ehighola Emmanuel Akhere.
Others are Godstime Osunde Oskpolor, Promise Onyugboh, Onuka Patrick, Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu, Ajayi Aisosa, Aiwansoba Prince, Goddey Jeremiah and Ojimah John Oseni
They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission .
The charge against Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu reads: "That you Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu (m) on or about the 12th of April, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
All the defendants pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, I.M Elodi, K Y. Bello, to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly while counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Uzorchukwu Peace Udoka, Erubasa Oghenetega, Ajayi Aisosa to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively. The duo of David Ogwunu, Lucky Ehizojie were convicted and sentenced to Three Years Imprisonment each or to pay N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively
computers and money found in their respective bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria, being proceeds of crime. They also undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.
The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.
Source: EFCC
They were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to suspected fraudulent internet activities.
Items recovered from them include three cars, eight power generating sets, one Hisense air conditioner, two power stabilizers, 10 motorcycles, eight laptop computers, four bluetooth speakers and 60 android phones.
Also recovered were fetish items that included three calabashes, adorned with feathers, traditionally made soap and sponge, a bottle of hot drink, 20 cowries, a waist bead and four lady’s underwears.
They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Source: EFCC
They were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to suspected fraudulent internet activities.
Items recovered from them include three cars, eight power generating sets, one Hisense air conditioner, two power stabilizers, 10 motorcycles, eight laptop computers, four bluetooth speakers and 60 android phones.
Also recovered were fetish items that included three calabashes, adorned with feathers, traditionally made soap and sponge, a bottle of hot drink, 20 cowries, a waist bead and four lady’s underwears.
They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Source: EFCC
The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.
Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included five exotic cars, smartphones and laptop computers.
They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Source: EFCC
The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.
Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included five exotic cars, smartphones and laptop computers.
They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Source: EFCC
Olanrewaju is facing trial for alleged possession of 98 pieces of $50 USD, totaling $4,350 USD
One of the counts reads: “That you, Moshood Mustapha Olanrewaju (Male), adult, sometime in January, 2025, in Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession 21 pieces of counterfeit $50 USD (Fifty United States Dollars) bank note, totaling $1,050 (One Thousand and Fifty United States Dollars), with serial numbers MB61754676C, MB61754979C, MB61754988C, MB61754449C, MB61753319C, MB61753235C, MB61753885C, MB61754732C, MB61754432C, MB61754435C, MB61753868C, MB61753216C, MB61753103C, MB61753126C, MB61753124C, MB61754037C, MB61753352C, MB61753866C, MB641753346C, MB61753352C and MB61753363C, knowing the same to be counterfeit and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 5 (2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Cap C35, Laws of the Federation Of Nigeria, 2024.”
Another count reads: “That you, Moshood Mustapha Olanrewaju (Male), adult, sometime in January, 2025 in Lagos State, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession 26 pieces of counterfeit $50 USD (Fifty United States Dollars) bank note totaling $1,300 (One Thousand Three Hundred United States Dollars), with serial numbers MB61753344C, MB61753471C, MB61753133C, MB61753302C, MB61753228C, MB61753812C, MB61754665C, MB61 753138C, MB61753851C, MB61753272C, MB61753782C, MB61753115C, MB61753470C, MB61753888C, MB61753898C, MB61754441C, MB61753833C, MB61753872C, MB61754437C, MB61753367C and MB61754675C knowing the same to be counterfeit and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 5 (2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Cap C35, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024.”
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Zeenat Atiku, asked for a trial date and also urged the court to remand him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS. pending the commencement of trial.
The defence counsel, in his response, asked the court for a short date to enable him file a bail application on behalf of his client
Justice Bogoro adjourned the matter till June 9, 2025 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Correctional Service.
Source: EFCC
Olanrewaju is facing trial for alleged possession of 98 pieces of $50 USD, totaling $4,350 USD
One of the counts reads: “That you, Moshood Mustapha Olanrewaju (Male), adult, sometime in January, 2025, in Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession 21 pieces of counterfeit $50 USD (Fifty United States Dollars) bank note, totaling $1,050 (One Thousand and Fifty United States Dollars), with serial numbers MB61754676C, MB61754979C, MB61754988C, MB61754449C, MB61753319C, MB61753235C, MB61753885C, MB61754732C, MB61754432C, MB61754435C, MB61753868C, MB61753216C, MB61753103C, MB61753126C, MB61753124C, MB61754037C, MB61753352C, MB61753866C, MB641753346C, MB61753352C and MB61753363C, knowing the same to be counterfeit and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 5 (2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Cap C35, Laws of the Federation Of Nigeria, 2024.”
Another count reads: “That you, Moshood Mustapha Olanrewaju (Male), adult, sometime in January, 2025 in Lagos State, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession 26 pieces of counterfeit $50 USD (Fifty United States Dollars) bank note totaling $1,300 (One Thousand Three Hundred United States Dollars), with serial numbers MB61753344C, MB61753471C, MB61753133C, MB61753302C, MB61753228C, MB61753812C, MB61754665C, MB61 753138C, MB61753851C, MB61753272C, MB61753782C, MB61753115C, MB61753470C, MB61753888C, MB61753898C, MB61754441C, MB61753833C, MB61753872C, MB61754437C, MB61753367C and MB61754675C knowing the same to be counterfeit and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 5 (2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Cap C35, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024.”
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Zeenat Atiku, asked for a trial date and also urged the court to remand him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS. pending the commencement of trial.
The defence counsel, in his response, asked the court for a short date to enable him file a bail application on behalf of his client
Justice Bogoro adjourned the matter till June 9, 2025 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Correctional Service.
Source: EFCC
Officers of the Directorate had earlier on Friday, March 22, 2025 arrested 22 suspected internet fraudsters in Tanke, Alao Farm Estate, Yidi Road, and Irewolede areas of Ilorin.
The arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included eight luxury cars, smartphones and high-end laptop computers.
Both arrests brought to 37, the number of suspected internet fraudsters, rounded up in Ilorin by the anti-graft in a space of one week.
The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Source: EFCC
Officers of the Directorate had earlier on Friday, March 22, 2025 arrested 22 suspected internet fraudsters in Tanke, Alao Farm Estate, Yidi Road, and Irewolede areas of Ilorin.
The arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included eight luxury cars, smartphones and high-end laptop computers.
Both arrests brought to 37, the number of suspected internet fraudsters, rounded up in Ilorin by the anti-graft in a space of one week.
The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Source: EFCC
Similarly, he sentenced one Akinwale Olamilekan from Owena Ijesha in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State to 300 (Three Hundred) hours of community service, also at the rate of five hours of work daily for commiting internet fraud. The sentence is without an option of a fine.
Both convicts were arraigned on March 20, 2025 by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on illegal operation of BDC services and fraudulent impersonation, respectively.
The charge against Buba reads: "That you, Musa Buba, sometime in July 2024 at Chikanda Market, Yashikira District, Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did carry on the business of another financial institution, to wit: Bureau de Change Business, without a valid license issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, contrary to Section 57 (1) & (2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, and punishable under Section 57(5)(b) of the same Act."
The charge against Olamilekan reads: "That you, Akinwale Olamilekan (Alias: Mary Williams), sometime in November 2024, within the judicial division of the Federal High Court, did fraudulently impersonate one Mary Williams via your iMessage account to obtain the sum of $950 (Nine Hundred and Fifty US Dollars) from one Mark Durham, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act and punishable under Section 22 (2)(b)(iv) of the same Act."
They pleaded “guilty” to their respective charge.
Convinced by the facts of the case and the uncontroverted evidence, presented by prosecution counsel, Andrew Akoja, Justice Awogboro convicted and sentenced them accordingly.
In addition to his sentence, Buba forfeited to the federal government the sum of 409,500 CFA and N1,973,200 (One Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Two Hundred Naira Only), recovered from him at the point of arrest, while Akinwale restituted his victim with the sum of $450 (Four Hundred and Fifty US Dollars), being proceeds of his crime. He also forfeited iPhone 12 Pro Max, being the instrument of his crime to the federal government.
Source: EFCC
Similarly, he sentenced one Akinwale Olamilekan from Owena Ijesha in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State to 300 (Three Hundred) hours of community service, also at the rate of five hours of work daily for commiting internet fraud. The sentence is without an option of a fine.
Both convicts were arraigned on March 20, 2025 by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on illegal operation of BDC services and fraudulent impersonation, respectively.
The charge against Buba reads: "That you, Musa Buba, sometime in July 2024 at Chikanda Market, Yashikira District, Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did carry on the business of another financial institution, to wit: Bureau de Change Business, without a valid license issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, contrary to Section 57 (1) & (2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, and punishable under Section 57(5)(b) of the same Act."
The charge against Olamilekan reads: "That you, Akinwale Olamilekan (Alias: Mary Williams), sometime in November 2024, within the judicial division of the Federal High Court, did fraudulently impersonate one Mary Williams via your iMessage account to obtain the sum of $950 (Nine Hundred and Fifty US Dollars) from one Mark Durham, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act and punishable under Section 22 (2)(b)(iv) of the same Act."
They pleaded “guilty” to their respective charge.
Convinced by the facts of the case and the uncontroverted evidence, presented by prosecution counsel, Andrew Akoja, Justice Awogboro convicted and sentenced them accordingly.
In addition to his sentence, Buba forfeited to the federal government the sum of 409,500 CFA and N1,973,200 (One Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Two Hundred Naira Only), recovered from him at the point of arrest, while Akinwale restituted his victim with the sum of $450 (Four Hundred and Fifty US Dollars), being proceeds of his crime. He also forfeited iPhone 12 Pro Max, being the instrument of his crime to the federal government.
Source: EFCC
The defendant was arraigned on a four -count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation and cheating by impersonation to the tune of N6, 815,300.00 (Six Million Eight Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Three Hundred Naira only).
Count one reads: “That you Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu between the period of June, 2023 to August, 2024 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the aggregate sum of N6, 710,300.00 (Six Million Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Three Hundred Naira) from Emmanuel Ani into your bank account: 1778806195 domiciled with Access Bank plc. under the pretence that same is meant for the upkeep of his purported fiancee, one Miss Chinansa, which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud related Offences Act, 2006.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her.
Counsel to the prosecution S.O Saka and Faruku Muhammad prayed the court for a trial date and for the remand of the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Justice Kumaliya thereafter adjourned the matter till April 8, 2025 for commencement of trial and remanded the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Ugwu’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when she obtained the sum of N6.8million by impersonating and pretending to be the fiancée of the petitioner. When contacted by the petitioner, the defendant can neither account for or return the money she collected.
Source: EFCC
The defendant was arraigned on a four -count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation and cheating by impersonation to the tune of N6, 815,300.00 (Six Million Eight Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Three Hundred Naira only).
Count one reads: “That you Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu between the period of June, 2023 to August, 2024 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the aggregate sum of N6, 710,300.00 (Six Million Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Three Hundred Naira) from Emmanuel Ani into your bank account: 1778806195 domiciled with Access Bank plc. under the pretence that same is meant for the upkeep of his purported fiancee, one Miss Chinansa, which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud related Offences Act, 2006.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her.
Counsel to the prosecution S.O Saka and Faruku Muhammad prayed the court for a trial date and for the remand of the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Justice Kumaliya thereafter adjourned the matter till April 8, 2025 for commencement of trial and remanded the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Ugwu’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when she obtained the sum of N6.8million by impersonating and pretending to be the fiancée of the petitioner. When contacted by the petitioner, the defendant can neither account for or return the money she collected.
Source: EFCC
 |
| Eseoghene |
Nelson, arraigned on February 11, 2025 is facing prosecution by the EFCC on 11 count-charges bordering on advance fee fraud, impersonation, conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence to the tune of $968,000 (Nine Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand Dollars), allegedly obtained from two US victims, Sharp and Holly Stamm.
Count one of his charge reads: “That you, Wawe Esoghene Nelson (a.k.a James Andrew Smith) sometime in 2023 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($155,000) from one Kathleen Sharp, living in the United States of America with Telephone Number +13025983826 through Chase Bank with account name Pearl and Allison Llc, account number 952177670, Routing 021000021, account address 35 Knollwood Dr Aptos CA 95003 with bank address at 1990 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010 under the false pretence that you are James Andrew Smith, a Petroleum Engineer from United States of America that is into engineering project, relating to petroleum project which pretence you knew was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
Count 11 reads: “That you Wawe Esoghene Nelson (a.k.a Philip Bradley) sometime in 2022 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000.00) from one Holly Stamm, a Citizen of United States of America with email address stammus2012@gmail.com through Bitcoin and under the false pretence that you are James Andrew Shmit a Petroleum Engineer from United States of America that is into engineering project relating to petroleum exploration and that the said sum will be used to secure a petroleum project which pretence you knew was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a)of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting his trial.
Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Maryam Aminu Ahmed, the witness narrated how the defendant lured her via the social media into sending him money in the guise of financing a project and would repay her when the project yielded dividends upon completion.
“I was contacted by the Commission that they discovered that I was defrauded by one James Andrew Shmit via social media platform. We communicated over social media where he presented himself as an engineer working at BP Oil in the Gulf of Mexico. He started by asking for funds because he did not have access to his personal funds and the credit situation in connection with the project required a large amount of funds with the promise that it will be returned and he will avail the funds to me. The total funds are $183,000 (One Hundred and Eighty-three Thousand Dollars) through three instalments, one by wired certificate cheque, two instalments by wired transfer. The first one was for $45,500, (Forty-five Thousand Dollars), the second one was $131,000 (One Hundred and Thirty-one Dollars) and the third was $7000 (Seven Thousand Dollars) I wired. I have not been paid my money. After the third instalment, he pushed me to pay another $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars), but I did not pay. There was a picture on his profile, he has brown hair and white. I will like the refund of the investment and funds and he should be persecuted for his actions,” she said.
Justice Halilu adjourned to April 16, 2025 for cross examination of the witness.
Source: EFCC
|
| Eseoghene |
Nelson, arraigned on February 11, 2025 is facing prosecution by the EFCC on 11 count-charges bordering on advance fee fraud, impersonation, conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence to the tune of $968,000 (Nine Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand Dollars), allegedly obtained from two US victims, Sharp and Holly Stamm.
Count one of his charge reads: “That you, Wawe Esoghene Nelson (a.k.a James Andrew Smith) sometime in 2023 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($155,000) from one Kathleen Sharp, living in the United States of America with Telephone Number +13025983826 through Chase Bank with account name Pearl and Allison Llc, account number 952177670, Routing 021000021, account address 35 Knollwood Dr Aptos CA 95003 with bank address at 1990 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010 under the false pretence that you are James Andrew Smith, a Petroleum Engineer from United States of America that is into engineering project, relating to petroleum project which pretence you knew was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
Count 11 reads: “That you Wawe Esoghene Nelson (a.k.a Philip Bradley) sometime in 2022 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000.00) from one Holly Stamm, a Citizen of United States of America with email address stammus2012@gmail.com through Bitcoin and under the false pretence that you are James Andrew Shmit a Petroleum Engineer from United States of America that is into engineering project relating to petroleum exploration and that the said sum will be used to secure a petroleum project which pretence you knew was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a)of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting his trial.
Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Maryam Aminu Ahmed, the witness narrated how the defendant lured her via the social media into sending him money in the guise of financing a project and would repay her when the project yielded dividends upon completion.
“I was contacted by the Commission that they discovered that I was defrauded by one James Andrew Shmit via social media platform. We communicated over social media where he presented himself as an engineer working at BP Oil in the Gulf of Mexico. He started by asking for funds because he did not have access to his personal funds and the credit situation in connection with the project required a large amount of funds with the promise that it will be returned and he will avail the funds to me. The total funds are $183,000 (One Hundred and Eighty-three Thousand Dollars) through three instalments, one by wired certificate cheque, two instalments by wired transfer. The first one was for $45,500, (Forty-five Thousand Dollars), the second one was $131,000 (One Hundred and Thirty-one Dollars) and the third was $7000 (Seven Thousand Dollars) I wired. I have not been paid my money. After the third instalment, he pushed me to pay another $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars), but I did not pay. There was a picture on his profile, he has brown hair and white. I will like the refund of the investment and funds and he should be persecuted for his actions,” she said.
Justice Halilu adjourned to April 16, 2025 for cross examination of the witness.
Source: EFCC
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The incident began when Olapitan Sola.transferred the transport fare to Rhoda, who subsequently switched off her phone and failed to show up. Feeling defrauded and emotionally distressed, Sola reported the matter to the Ayeso Police Station. Rhoda was later arrested and brought to court.
During the trial, Sola presented evidence, including the mobile money transfer and WhatsApp messages exchanged between him and Rhoda.
In her ruling, Magistrate Akogun Oludare ordered Rhoda to refund the ₦3,000, pay an additional ₦100,000 for breach of agreement, and another ₦50,000 as special damages for emotional distress. The court emphasized that the ruling was intended to deter others from similar behaviour..
Source: Social media
The incident began when Olapitan Sola.transferred the transport fare to Rhoda, who subsequently switched off her phone and failed to show up. Feeling defrauded and emotionally distressed, Sola reported the matter to the Ayeso Police Station. Rhoda was later arrested and brought to court.
During the trial, Sola presented evidence, including the mobile money transfer and WhatsApp messages exchanged between him and Rhoda.
In her ruling, Magistrate Akogun Oludare ordered Rhoda to refund the ₦3,000, pay an additional ₦100,000 for breach of agreement, and another ₦50,000 as special damages for emotional distress. The court emphasized that the ruling was intended to deter others from similar behaviour..
Source: Social media
TrustCoin Africa Limited is out scamming across many countries in Africa and beyond. Notably the so called company is operating and receiving investments from unsuspecting citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa among others.
The company is registered in South Africa with number SA83377770, according to the website ( https://trustcoinafrica.com/about )
Aside receiving payments in a cryptocurrency Bitcoin, in Nigeria the scam TrustCoin Africa Limited is also receiving cash through a Sterling Bank account number: 8511001179. The Account Name is EDIRI VIGHOR.
For BTC, the company is using an account with Luno. It has three levels of investment circles: three days, seven days and thirty days.
TrustCoin Africa Limited claimed it's offices are located in South Africa and United States:
South Africa — 47 Openview Drive, Hogsfront, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
US — 8145 Beechwood Lane, Plymouth, MA 02360, Massachusetts, United States.
Phone: +1 5143124165
Name of the Principal Officer: Francisco David.
Reliably gathered, the site has not been paying any investors for the past 4 weeks and still counting whatever current payment claims are just computer manipulations via algorithm.
All other online reviews by the Scam Alerts clearly revealed the organisation to be a scam as it offers unrealistic returns on investments .
The Nigeria's anti corruption agencies especially the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC ) should look into how to halt the activities of TrustCoin Africa Limited in Nigeria and through interpol bring the perpetrator (s) to book.
Latest News Plus
TrustCoin Africa Limited is out scamming across many countries in Africa and beyond. Notably the so called company is operating and receiving investments from unsuspecting citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa among others.
The company is registered in South Africa with number SA83377770, according to the website ( https://trustcoinafrica.com/about )
Aside receiving payments in a cryptocurrency Bitcoin, in Nigeria the scam TrustCoin Africa Limited is also receiving cash through a Sterling Bank account number: 8511001179. The Account Name is EDIRI VIGHOR.
For BTC, the company is using an account with Luno. It has three levels of investment circles: three days, seven days and thirty days.
TrustCoin Africa Limited claimed it's offices are located in South Africa and United States:
South Africa — 47 Openview Drive, Hogsfront, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
US — 8145 Beechwood Lane, Plymouth, MA 02360, Massachusetts, United States.
Phone: +1 5143124165
Name of the Principal Officer: Francisco David.
Reliably gathered, the site has not been paying any investors for the past 4 weeks and still counting whatever current payment claims are just computer manipulations via algorithm.
All other online reviews by the Scam Alerts clearly revealed the organisation to be a scam as it offers unrealistic returns on investments .
The Nigeria's anti corruption agencies especially the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC ) should look into how to halt the activities of TrustCoin Africa Limited in Nigeria and through interpol bring the perpetrator (s) to book.
Latest News Plus
