Henry Nathaniel Ekanem, a final-year student at the University of Port Harcourt, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for internet fraud by Justice A. T. Mohammed. Convicted of obtaining money through pretenses, Ekanem’s sentencing includes fines and the forfeiture of his devices used in fraud.
Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced Henry Nathaniel Ekanem, a final-year student at the University of Port Harcourt, to 14 years in prison for internet fraud. Ekanem was convicted on seven counts, including obtaining funds under pretenses and impersonation, following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
One charge highlighted how Ekanem fraudulently acquired $22 from an American woman, Diana Roskov, by pretending to be Coran Capsha, the manager of the musician Chris Stapleton. When the charges were presented in court, Ekanem pled guilty. Consequently, the EFCC prosecution presented evidence, leading the judge to convict him.
Defense counsel F. T. Fred-Boufini requested leniency, citing Ekanem’s status as a first-time offender. However, Justice Mohammed imposed two-year sentences on each of the seven charges, totaling 14 years, though Ekanem was allowed an option of a fine amounting to ₦200,000 per count.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of Ekanem’s phones to the government, as they were deemed proceeds from his fraudulent activities. Additionally, Ekanem must submit an affidavit pledging good behavior moving forward. This sentencing marks the culmination of Ekanem's legal troubles, which began with his arrest in September 2024 for impersonating through social media to carry out fraud.
