Praise Humphrey Igbo, alias Jessica Allen, convicted for defrauding an American of $115,000 in Bitcoins. Court orders restitution.

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n Internet fraudster, Praise Humphrey Igbo, also known as Jessica Allen, has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, Abuja, for defrauding an American of $115,000 worth of Bitcoins.

Justice H.L. Abba-Aliyu delivered the judgement on Wednesday after Igbo pleaded guilty to charges of Internet fraud, criminal impersonation, obtaining money under false pretence, and money laundering.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented the case, detailing how Igbo posed as a successful cryptocurrency trader, Jessica Allen, to deceive Aaron Baker, a resident of East Baton Rouge Parish in the United States.

The fraudster lured Baker into a fake investment scheme, convincing him to transfer 5.26 Bitcoins through Blockchain.com in 2022.

EFCC prosecutor M.K. Hussain revealed that the crime violated Section 321 of the Penal Code Act, Abuja, Cap 532 LFN 2004, and is punishable under Section 324 of the same Act.

After Igbo admitted to the crime, Hussain urged the court to convict him.

Justice Abba-Aliyu sentenced Igbo to one year of imprisonment but granted an option of a ₦1 million fine. Additionally, the court ordered the restitution of the victim.

It directed that $16,110 and $67,487.79 worth of cryptocurrency recovered from Igbo, along with funds in his bank account, be transferred to the victim through the American embassy.

The EFCC emphasised that Igbo’s criminal activities came to light after a petition was filed by Baker, who alleged that Igbo, masquerading as Jessica Allen, had stolen $115,000 under the guise of offering a lucrative investment opportunity.