A man has been sent to prison for impersonating popular Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo aka Nino B, months after the thespian cried out over fraudster.
On Friday, February 17, 2023, Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, convicted and sentenced the man, Omoghan Destiny Igbinosa, to prison on separate one count charge of impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
WITHIN NIGERIA recalls Bolanle Ninalowo had recently called out an impersonator, urging his fans to beware.
The charge against Igbinosa reads:
“That you, OMOGHAN DESTINY IGBINOSA sometime between 2021 and 2022 at Benin, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate the Identity of NINALOWO BOLANLE, a Nollywood Actor by fraudulently sending documents to one NEWON QUANON through the internet which documents you claim emanated from the said NINALOWO BOLANLE with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 22
(2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under section 22(2) (b) (IV) of the same Act.”
Upon arraignment, he pleaded guilty to the charge. In view of their plea, the prosecution counsel, I. M.Elodi prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
The defence counsel, A.J. Onwuanaje and Dickson Egberume pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, saying that the defendant has become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Abang convicted and sentenced Igbinosa to two years imprisonment or a fine of One Million Naira. The defendant is also to forfeit the sum of $2,235.00 and his mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
