NaijWeb Keeping you informed…
Nigerian singer Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour N’abania, has expressed his outrage following the sentencing of Courage Ikpaka, who impersonated him to defraud an American woman of $53,000.
The Federal High Court in Lagos handed down a two-year prison sentence to Ikpaka after he pleaded guilty to charges of impersonation and fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Flavour, visibly angered by the incident, took to his X handle to share a photo of the impersonator, commenting, “One down. Ndi uchu!”
During the court proceedings, the EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, presented evidence showing that Ikpaka had posed as Flavour to promise fake shows in the United States and received payment through Bitcoin wallets.
An investigation revealed that Ikpaka, residing in Benin City, converted the funds into Naira, receiving N7.9 million in his bank account.
The fraud was uncovered after a petition was filed on behalf of the victim, Yvelte M. Thompson.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, after reviewing the evidence, sentenced Ikpaka to two years imprisonment but offered an option of a N2 million fine, with the recovered sum of N7.9 million forfeited to the victim.
Read Also: Flavor’s Bold Concert Outfit Sparks Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Flavour’s reaction highlights the growing concern among celebrities over the rising cases of impersonation and fraud.
This incident highlights the lengths to which individuals may go to secure money, a reflection of the broader economic challenges facing the country.
The singer’s response serves as a warning to others who might consider such illegal activities.
As Flavour noted, it is essential that these crimes are addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the reputation of public figures and to deter potential fraudsters in the future.
