In a significant ruling against cybercrime, an internet fraudster named Ipaka Courage has been sentenced to two years in prison by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu for impersonating Nigerian music star Flavour and defrauding an American citizen, Yvelte M. Thompson, of $53,000. The sentencing took place on Tuesday after Ipaka pleaded guilty to charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The elaborate scam involved Ipaka posing as Flavour, a popular Nigerian musician, to deceive Mrs. Thompson into believing that he would organize shows in the United States. Using this false identity, Ipaka managed to convince her to send payments through his Bitcoin wallets, amounting to a substantial sum of $53,000.
The fraud came to light after the EFCC received a petition from Eyitayo Abiodun and others on behalf of Mrs. Thompson. Following the petition, the EFCC launched an investigation, which was led by investigator Azibagiri Ekpar. During the trial, Ekpar presented detailed evidence on how Ipaka executed the fraudulent scheme.
As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that Ipaka had converted the stolen funds into naira and deposited them into his Access Bank account. The EFCC's efforts led to the recovery of ₦7.9 million from Ipaka’s accounts through manager’s cheques from Zenith and Access banks.
One of the critical points in the investigation was when Flavour himself was contacted regarding the allegations. The musician denied any involvement, which led investigators to focus on Benin City. There, they uncovered that Ipaka Courage was the true perpetrator behind the fraud.
After considering the overwhelming evidence presented by the EFCC, Justice Dipeolu delivered the sentence. Ipaka was handed a two-year prison term but was also given the option to pay a fine of ₦2 million. Additionally, the court ordered Ipaka to forfeit the recovered sum of ₦7.9 million to Mrs. Thompson as part of the restitution for the defrauded amount.
This case highlights the increasing prevalence of internet fraud, particularly in Nigeria, where cybercriminals often exploit the reputation of celebrities to scam unsuspecting victims, especially from overseas. The ruling serves as a warning to those engaged in cybercrime that the law will catch up with them, and justice will be served.
The EFCC’s successful prosecution of Ipaka Courage demonstrates the agency’s commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s digital space. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in fighting online fraud, as the victim in this case was a foreign national.
The sentencing of Ipaka Courage is a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of internet fraud. As cybercrime continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and for law enforcement agencies to keep up with the sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters. The case also highlights the need for stricter laws and penalties to deter future offenders and protect victims from falling prey to similar scams.