The High Court in Jikwoyi, Abuja, found two men guilty on Thursday for pretending to be officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to scam people. Their sentencing is scheduled for 22 July.
The judge, M. Zubairu, convicted Haruna Mamuda and Sadiq Umar after they admitted to five charges. These charges included criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and unlawful representation.
The case started when the two men allegedly acted as EFCC operatives in March. They used these fake identities to trick unsuspecting individuals.
The prosecution stated that the two men, along with Salifu Mustapha, who is facing a separate trial in an FCT High Court in Kubwa, conspired to pretend to be public officials. This action goes against Section 96 of the Penal Code Act and is punishable under Section 132 of the same Act.
One of the charges claimed that Mr Umar, also known as Abubakar Hashimu Umar, falsely claimed to be an EFCC officer. He used this false identity to defraud the public, which also violates Section 132 of the Penal Code Act.
When the charges were read out, both men pleaded guilty.
After their guilty plea, the prosecution lawyer, R. U. Adagba, asked the court to convict them as per the law.
The lawyer for the first defendant, Anamegbumam Innocent, requested leniency. He told the court that his client showed remorse, cooperated with investigators, and is a married man with children.
The lawyer for the second defendant, Bemdo Asan, also asked the court to show mercy. He pointed out that his client had no prior criminal record.
In response, Ms Adagba urged the court to give a sentence that would deter others from impersonating law enforcement officers.
She said, "My lord, the first defendant is a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army. His sentence will serve as a deterrent to society at large. I also want the court to factor in the judgment that they were brought in from the Department of State Services (DSS), where they are facing separate charges relating to alleged terrorism financing and kidnapping."
After hearing from both sides, Mr Zubairu convicted the men and postponed the case until 22 July for sentencing.
The judge also ordered that both men stay in the EFCC's custody until the sentencing hearing.
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