A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Praise Humphrey Igbo, also known as Jessica Allen, to one year in prison for defrauding an American victim of $115,000 in a cryptocurrency scam. The sentence, handed down by Justice H.L. Abba-Aliyu, came after Igbo pleaded guilty to charges including internet fraud, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretenses.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that Igbo pretended to be a successful U.S.-based cryptocurrency trader named Jessica Allen. Using this fabricated identity, he convinced his victim, Aaron Baker, to invest in a fake crypto scheme on Blockchain.com in 2022. The scam led to Baker transferring 5.26 Bitcoins, valued at $115,000, to the fraudster.
Prosecutors emphasized the scale of the crime, which violated Nigeria’s Penal Code Act. EFCC counsel M.K. Hussain described how Igbo exploited Baker’s trust, presenting a lucrative but false investment opportunity. The court was informed that funds linked to the crime had been partially recovered.
Justice Abba-Aliyu sentenced Igbo to one year in prison but allowed him the option of a N1 million fine. Additionally, the judge ordered restitution to the victim, directing that $16,110 in cash and $67,487.79 in cryptocurrency recovered from Igbo be used to compensate Baker through the American embassy.
