The Uyo Directorate of the EFCC has secured a conviction and sentence of an internet fraudster, Shadrach Johnson also known as Johnny Depp for offences bordering on internet fraud on Thursday January 16, 2025.
Justice Maurine Onyetenu of the Federal High Court, Uyo convicted and sentenced him to three months imprisonment after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on identity theft, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
The lone count charge read ‘That you SHADRACH JOHNSON IDISI “M” (aka Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lopez), sometime in 2023 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honorable Court with intent to obtain property and gain advantage for yourself, fraudulently presented yourself as “Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lopez on the Social Media platform (Facebook) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b) () of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(b) (iv) of the Same Act’.
Reviewing the facts of the matter, prosecution counsel Khamis Mahmud told the court that the convict was arrested on November 23, 2024 along Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enon Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
He tendered several incriminating documents printed out from his mobile device as exhibits. Thereafter, Mahmud urged the court to convict the defendant as charged.
In response, the defence counsel, Samson Awuje prayed the court for lighter jail terms for his client.
However, the judge gave the convict an option of fine of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) and ordered the forfeiture of his Techno K.E.5 mobile phone. He also ordered that the phone be auctioned and the proceeds deposited into EFCC’s proceeds account.
