A High Court in Kaduna State has ordered the forfeiture of N9.5 million, three exotic cars, a Samsung S20, and three HP laptops belonging to Stephen James, a convicted internet fraudster, to the federal government.
Justice Dairus Khobo, presiding over the case on Thursday, sentenced James to 10 months imprisonment with an option to pay a N300,000 fine, after he pleaded guilty to charges of internet-related fraud.
According to P.C. Onyeneho, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), James was arrested following intelligence reports on a syndicate of fraudsters operating in Ungwan Sarki and its surroundings. Investigations revealed that James posed as “David Richard,” an American Army officer, using a fraudulent Instagram account to defraud a victim, Ryan Frank, of N8 million between 2023 and 2024.
James used part of the fraudulent gains to purchase a Mercedes Benz C1300 (2016 model), a Toyota Lexus E350, and a Lexus E330, while N9.5 million in cash was found in his possession at the time of arrest.
The court also reviewed evidence presented by the prosecution, which included statements and exhibits of the recovered items. Following the presentation, the court delivered its judgment in line with the convict’s plea.
