Fake Italian engineer jailed six months for €20,000 scam in Abuja

Glory Ebomah

An internet fraudster who defrauded his victim of €20,000 whilst posing as an Italian Engineer has been convicted upon arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The Abuja Zonal Command of the anti-graft agency on Thursday, December 1, 2022, docked Areh Ikenna Christian before Justice Aliyu Yunusa Shafa of the High Court of the FCT Gwagwalada Abuja on a count of fraudulent impersonation.

Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the Italian pleaded guilty to the charge.

Areh alias Chris Hakikiene used the social media Apps, Facebook and WhatsApp with an international number +971504720129 and posed as an Italian engineer working at sea. With the false identity, he induced an unsuspecting Anna Bushare to deliver €20, 000 (Twenty Thousand Euros) to him to maintain his health and working machines, after he made her believe he was in love with her.

The offence is contrary to Section 320(a) of the Penal Code Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) and punishable under Section 322 of the same Laws.

Following his plea, Justice Shafa convicted and sentenced Areh to 6 months imprisonment or a fine of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira only). He is also to sign a 2-year bond with the court to be of good behaviour.