● Kefas Akase
Danji-Fari Ubadallah
Justice A.I. Kutigi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Jabi, Abuja, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Danji-Fari Ubadallah to two months imprisonment for internet fraud. Ubadallah was prosecuted on a one-count charge of cheating by personation, to which he pleaded guilty.
According to the charge, Ubadallah impersonated a United States citizen named Precious Rashel on Facebook in 2024 and deceived one Rueben GI into believing they were in a romantic relationship. Under the false identity, he obtained a $50 gift card from the victim, which he traded with a Chinese citizen, Zhang Jie, and received the naira equivalent into his Opay account. The offence contravenes Section 321 of the Penal Code Act and is punishable under Section 324.
Prosecution counsel, S.N. Robert, urged the court to convict the defendant based on his plea. “My Lord, the defendant has admitted guilt without wasting the time of the court. We pray for his conviction and sentencing in line with the provisions of the law,” Robert submitted.
In delivering judgment, Justice Kutigi sentenced Ubadallah to two months in a correctional centre with an option of N90,000 fine. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the iPhone used to commit the offence to the Federal Government. “This court finds the defendant guilty as charged. Accordingly, he is sentenced to two months imprisonment with an option of a N90,000 fine,” the judge ruled.
Ubadallah’s conviction followed his arrest and prosecution by law enforcement authorities for engaging in internet-related criminal activities. His case underscores the continuing efforts by the judiciary to clamp down on cybercrime and enforce accountability in digital transactions. GMTNewsng
