A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced Courage Ikpaka to 2 years in prison for impersonating Nigerian musician Flavour N’abania and duping a US citizen, Mrs. Yvelte M. Thompson, of $53,000.
Ikpaka pleaded guilty to the charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was convicted by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu.
The EFCC investigator, Azibagiri Dan Ekpar, testified that Ikpaka used Flavour’s name to promise shows in the US and received payment through his Bitcoin wallets.
The court recovered N7.9 million from Ikpaka’s bank accounts and ordered the sum to be forfeited to the victim, Mrs. Thompson. Ikpaka was given an option of a fine of N2 million.
This case highlights the growing concern of online impersonation and fraud, and the need for vigilance in online transactions.
