EFCC arraigns man for $1,500 internet fraud in Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Command, has arraigned Omereonye Solomon Chigozie, also known as “Kolor Cabiek Ye,” for alleged internet fraud amounting to $1,500.

Chigozie was brought before Justice Maurine A. Onyetenu of the Federal High Court, Uyo, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. He faced a two-count charge of impersonation, possession of fictitious messages, and obtaining money under false pretence through a fake Facebook account.

One of the charges read: “That you, Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye), sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to obtain property and gain advantage fraudulently, presented yourself as Kolor Cabiek Ye on the social media platform (Facebook) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.”*

The second charge alleged that Chigozie received $1,500 while impersonating “Kolor Cabiek Ye” on Facebook, which the EFCC claims he knew to be proceeds of an unlawful act. This offence violates Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

Chigozie pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Following his plea, EFCC counsel Enobong Ubokudom requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant at the Uyo Correctional Centre. The defence counsel, Ikwere Davies, did not oppose the application.

Justice Onyetenu adjourned the case until May 22, 2025, for trial and ordered that Chigozie be remanded in custody.

According to the EFCC, Chigozie was arrested on October 3, 2024, in Uyo following credible intelligence regarding his online activities. Investigations revealed that he allegedly impersonated foreigners to defraud victims worldwide.