By Daniel Igboekwe
The Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced Courage Ipaka to two years in prison for defrauding a United States citizen, Mrs. Yvelte M. Thompson, of $53,000 by impersonating popular Nigerian musician Chinedu Okoli, known as Flavour N’abania.
Justice Dehinde Isaac Dipeolu handed down the sentence after Ipaka pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of fraud brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The case was prosecuted by Suleiman Suleiman, who presented evidence from EFCC investigator Azibagiri Dan Ekpar. Ekpar testified that Ipaka impersonated Flavour N’abania and promised to organize shows in the United States, receiving payments through his Bitcoin wallets.
The fraud came to light after a petition was filed by Eyitayo Tolulope Abiodun and others on behalf of the victim. The EFCC subsequently invited Flavour, who cooperated with the investigation and denied any involvement in the scam. The investigation revealed that Ipaka, residing in Benin City, was the actual perpetrator.
In his statement, Ipaka admitted to impersonating Flavour and obtaining $53,000 from Mrs. Thompson in 2021. He converted the funds through Bitcoin wallets into Naira, receiving the value in his Access Bank account.
The EFCC recovered N7.9 million from the defendant through Zenith and Access Bank manager’s cheques. Upon reviewing the evidence and Ipaka’s guilty plea, Justice Dipeolu sentenced him to two years imprisonment with an option of a N2 million fine. Additionally, the judge ordered the forfeiture of N7.9 million to Mrs. Thompson.
The charges against Ipaka stated that in April 2021, within the jurisdiction of the court, he falsely presented himself as Flavour N’abania on his Telegram account to obtain financial benefits, thereby violating Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention etc.) Act, 2015. Furthermore, he was charged with retaining the sum of $53,000, which was part of the proceeds of his unlawful activity, in his Access Bank account, contrary to Section 18(2)(G) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.