Fraudster sentenced to 2 years imprisonment for impersonating Flavour

The Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced Courage Ipaka to two years imprisonment for impersonating Nigerian musician Chinedu Okoli (Flavour N’abania) and defrauding a US citizen, Mrs. Yvelte M. Thompson, of $53,000.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down the sentence after Ipaka pleaded guilty to two counts brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ipaka impersonated Flavour, claiming he would organize shows in the US and received payments through his Bitcoin wallets. The EFCC uncovered the scam after receiving a petition from Mrs. Thompson and found Ipaka guilty after an investigation.

The court gave Ipaka the option of a N2m fine and ordered the forfeiture of N7.9m to the victim. Justice Dipeolu reviewed the evidence and sentenced Ipaka to two years imprisonment, also ordering the forfeiture of N7.9m to compensate Mrs. Thompson for her financial loss.