A Nigerian court has sentenced Courage Ipaka to two years in prison for impersonating musician Flavour N’abania and scamming a US citizen, Yvelte M. Thompson, out of $53,000. Ipaka pleaded guilty to two counts of false statements and obtaining financial instruments by false pretenses.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ipaka used Flavour’s name and image to promise Thompson that he would organize shows in the US and received payments through his Bitcoin wallets. The EFCC uncovered the scam after receiving a petition from Thompson and others. Flavour denied any involvement, leading the EFCC to Benin City, where they found Ipaka to be the real culprit.
Ipaka admitted to impersonating Flavour and scamming Thompson, converting the funds into naira and depositing them into his Access Bank account. The court ordered Ipaka to forfeit N7.9 million to Thompson as compensation for her financial loss.
The sentence serves as a warning to others who engage in similar fraudulent activities. The EFCC’s efforts demonstrate their commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting victims of financial fraud. Ipaka’s actions not only deceived Thompson but also damaged Flavour’s reputation.
The case highlights the importance of verifying identities and being cautious when making online transactions. The EFCC’s successful prosecution of Ipaka brings justice to Thompson and serves as a deterrent to potential fraudsters. The court’s decision also emphasizes the need for individuals to be aware of the risks of online scams and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
