Omoghan Destiny Igbinosa, a con artist, was given a two-year prison term for imitating Ninalowo Bolanle, a well-known Nollywood actor.
On Monday, February 20, 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or EFCC, released a statement announcing this.
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Igbinosa was found guilty and given a prison sentence on a single count of impersonation and acquiring money under false pretense by Judge Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State.
The charge against Igbinosa reads: “That you, OMOGHAN DESTINY IGBINOSA sometime between 2021 and 2022 at Benin, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate the Identity of Ninalowo Bolanle, a Nollywood Actor by fraudulently sending documents to one NEWON QUANON through the internet which documents you claim emanated from the said Ninalowo Bolanle, with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under section 22(2) (b) (IV) of the same Act”.
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, I. M.Elodi prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
The defence counsel, A.J. Onwuanaje, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, saying that the defendant has become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Abang convicted and sentenced Igbinosa to two years imprisonment or a fine of One Million Naira. The defendant is also to forfeit the sum of $2,235.00 and his mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
