Following his conviction on a two-count amended charge of cybercrime and other internet-related fraud brought against him by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, Kaduna, sentenced one Mesheal Luka to six months imprisonment on Wednesday, October 20.
While purporting to be in a love relationship with his victims, the defendant pretended to be an American citizen and induced them to send him money.
Count one of the charge reads: |”that you, Mesheal Luka, (M) between January and August, 2021 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did pretend to be one Mesheal ( a woman) based in America when you knew you were not and in such assumed character cheated one Samuel of the sum of $100(One Hundred USD) when you claimed that you were in love with him and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code of 2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law”.
The second count amended charge reads: that you, Mesheal Luka, (M) between January and August, 2021 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did pretend to be one Jessica (a woman) based in America when you knew you were not and in such assumed character cheated one James Partridge of the sum of €30.00(Thirty Euros), when you claimed that you were in love with him and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law”.
When the amended accusations were read to him, he pleaded guilty.
In light of his guilty plea, the prosecution’s lawyer, M.A. Jamil, sought the court to condemn him based on the provisions of a plea bargain agreement between the parties.
However, the defendant’s lawyer, Usman Idris, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, claiming that the defendant had expressed regret and committed never to do another illegal act.
As a result, Justice Khobo found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to six months in prison, as well as ordering him to pay $50.00 to his victims Samuel and James Partridge, American citizens through the United States Embassy, Nigeria.
The defendant is also to forfeit one Infinix smart 5 phone and the sum of N48,720.89 to the Federal Government.
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