How Fake Italian Engineer Was Punished To Six Months In Prison In Abuja For €20,000 Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission announced that a fraudster who pretended to be an Italian engineer on the internet and stole €20,000 from his victim was found guilty at his arraignment in court. 

Areh Ikenna Christian was brought before Justice Aliyu Yunusa Shafa of the High Court of the FCT Gwagwalada Abuja on a single count of fraudulent impersonation on December 1, 2022, by the Abuja Zonal Command of the anti-graft agency. 

He pleaded guilty to the charge.

Areh alias Chris Hakikiene pretended to be an Italian engineer working at sea on Facebook and WhatsApp using the international number +971504720129.

He used the false identity to trick Anna Bushare into giving him €20,000 (Twenty Thousand Euros) so he could keep his health and his machines in working order. 

He did this by convincing her that he was in love with her.

According to Section 320(a) of the Penal Code Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja), the offence is unlawful and is punishable in accordance with Section 322 of the same Laws.

After hearing his plea, Justice Shafa found Areh guilty and sentenced him to six months in prison or a N300,000 (three hundred thousand naira only) fine. 

A two-year court-issued bond for good behaviour is also required of him.