The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted Courage Ikpaka to a 2-year prison sentence for defrauding a US citizen, Yvelte M.Thompson, of $53,000.
Ikpaka impersonated Nigerian musician Flavour N’abania (Chinedu Okoli) to commit the fraud.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu delivered the verdict on September 3, after Ikpaka pleaded guilty to a 2-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the trial, EFCC investigator Azibagiri Dan Ekpar testified that Ikpaka posed as Flavour, promising to organize shows in the US and receiving payments through his Bitcoin wallets.
Prosecution counsel Suleiman Suleiman presented the case against Ikpaka.
According to Azibagiri Dan Ekpar, the EFCC’s investigation began with a petition filed by Eyitayo Tolulope Abiodun and others on behalf of the victim.
The commission invited Flavour N’abania for questioning, and he cooperated, denying any involvement in the fraud.
Further investigation revealed that Courage Ikpaka, residing in Benin City, was the mastermind behind the scam.
Upon confrontation, Ikpaka confessed to impersonating Flavour and defrauding the US citizen of $53,000 in 2021.
He transferred the funds through Bitcoin wallets and converted them into Naira, which he received in his bank account.
The EFCC recovered N7.9 million from Ikpaka through manager’s cheques from Zenith and Access Bank.
After the defendant entered a guilty plea, Justice Dipeolu reviewed the evidence presented by the prosecution and sentenced Courage Ikpaka to two years imprisonment, with an option to pay a fine of N2 million.
Additionally, the judge ordered the forfeiture of the N7.9 million recovered from Ikpaka to be returned to the victim, Mrs. Yvelte M. Thompson, as restitution.
