A federal high court in Lagos has sentenced Courage Ipaka, an impersonator of popular Nigerian singer, Flavour, to two years imprisonment for defrauding a United States-based lady, Yvelte M. Thompson, of $53,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) led the investigation against Ipaka, with Azibagiri Dan Ekpar, an EFCC investigator, testifying in court. Ekpar revealed that Ipaka promised to organise shows in America and received payment from the victim through his Bitcoin wallets.
According to Ekpar, the EFCC received a petition from Eyitayo Tolulope Abiodun and others on behalf of the victim, which led to the investigation. Flavour was initially invited for questioning, but he denied any involvement. Further investigation revealed that Ipaka was the perpetrator, and he admitted to impersonating Flavour in his statement.
The EFCC recovered N7.9 million from Ipaka through Zenith and Access Bank manager’s cheques. The presiding judge, Dehinde Dipeolu, ordered that the recovered funds be forfeited to Thompson.
Ipaka was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of a fine of N2 million. The judge also ordered that the N7.9 million recovered from Ipaka be forfeited to Thompson. The judgment serves as a warning to individuals who engage in fraudulent activities using the identities of others.
