UNIPORT Final-Year Student Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Internet Fraud
Henry Nathaniel Ekanem, a final-year student at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for internet fraud. The Federal High Court in Rivers State convicted him on multiple charges, including obtaining money under false pretenses and impersonation.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
A final-year student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Henry Nathaniel Ekanem, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for internet fraud by the Federal High Court in Rivers State. The presiding judge, A. T. Mohammed, delivered the verdict on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
Ekanem faced a seven-count charge brought against him by the Port Harcourt zonal directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges included obtaining money under false pretenses and impersonation.
One of the counts detailed that Ekanem fraudulently obtained $22 from a victim, Diana Roskov, by misrepresenting himself as Coran Capsha, the manager of renowned singer Chris Stapleton. The incident occurred on September 17, 2024, in Choba, Port Harcourt.
During the proceedings, Ekanem pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecution, led by A. Abubakar, presented documentary evidence that the court accepted as exhibits. They urged the court to impose a fitting sentence based on Ekanem's admissions.
The defendant's counsel, F. T. Fred-Boufini, did not contest the prosecution's request but appealed for leniency, citing Ekanem's status as a first-time offender with no prior criminal record.
Following the guilty plea, Judge Mohammed sentenced Ekanem to two years imprisonment for each of the seven counts, totaling 14 years. Alternatively, the court offered an option of a fine amounting to N200,000, payable into the consolidated revenue account of the federal government. Additionally, the judge ordered the confiscation of all mobile phones recovered from Ekanem during his arrest and mandated him to submit an affidavit of good behavior to the court.
Ekanem's arrest by the EFCC occurred in September, as investigations uncovered his involvement in various internet fraud activities. The case serves as a stern warning against cybercrime and its severe legal consequences.
