The Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced Courage Ikpaka to two years imprisonment for defrauding an American citizen, Mrs. Yvelte M. Thompson, of $53,000 by impersonating Nigerian musician Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour N’abania.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu delivered the verdict on Tuesday after Ikpaka pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The prosecution, led by counsel Suleiman Suleiman, presented evidence from EFCC investigator Azibagiri Dan Ekpar.
Ekpar explained that the EFCC learned of the fraud through a petition by Eyitayo Tolulope Abiodun and others. Ikpaka, who had impersonated Flavour on social media, claimed he would organize shows in the U.S. and received payments through Bitcoin. The funds, converted to Naira, were transferred to his Access Bank account. The EFCC recovered N7.9 million from Ikpaka via Zenith and Access Bank cheques.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced Ikpaka to two years imprisonment with an option of a N2 million fine. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of the recovered N7.9 million to Mrs. Thompson. The charges against Ikpaka were based on violations of the Cybercrimes Act and the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act.
