Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Online Fraud in Akwa Ibom

The Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sentenced Oguzie Chima Joseph, also known as Sergeant Flores Nguyen, to two years in prison for online fraud.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Sergius Onah, followed Joseph’s guilty plea to two cybercrime-related charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s spokesperson, Joseph was convicted for:

1. Impersonating a U.S. Army officer—posing as Sergeant Flores Nguyen on Facebook to fraudulently obtain money and benefits. This violates Section 22 (2) (b)(0) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.

2. Possessing proceeds of cybercrime—holding $100, which he “reasonably ought to have known” was gained through fraud. This violates Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Joseph was arraigned on March 10, 2025, where he pleaded guilty. The prosecution, led by Khamis Mamud, presented evidence through EFCC investigator ASEII Musa Yahaya, including:

• Joseph’s written statement

• An iPhone XR used for fraudulent activities

• Printouts of fraudulent messages from his device

On March 24, 2025, Justice Onah sentenced Joseph to:

• One year in prison for each charge, with an option of a ₦200,000 fine.

• Forfeiture of the $100 fraudulently obtained.

• Confiscation of his iPhone XR, deemed as proceeds of crime.

Joseph was arrested on December 6, 2024, after an EFCC intelligence operation linked him to online fraud. Investigators revealed that he used fake social media accounts to deceive and defraud victims.