Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced Tobi Paul-Augustine to 18 months imprisonment for impersonating an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judgment, delivered on Thursday, came after Paul-Augustine pleaded guilty to the charge of impersonation.

The Offence and Sentencing

Paul-Augustine was convicted under Section 380 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribes a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment for impersonation. Justice Oshodi emphasized the severity of the offence, noting that the convict’s actions undermined public confidence in the EFCC, a critical law enforcement agency.

“Your actions impersonating an EFCC operative severely undermine public confidence in a crucial law enforcement institution,” Oshodi stated.

However, the judge considered mitigating factors, including the convict’s guilty plea at the first opportunity, his cooperation with law enforcement, and the fact that he was a first-time offender. Based on these considerations, the sentence was reduced to 18 months, half of the maximum penalty.

The sentence is to commence from August 10, 2024, the date of the convict’s remand.

Destruction of Exhibits

Justice Oshodi also ordered the destruction of items used in the offence, which included:

• EFCC crested jackets and face caps
• A Nigerian Army Special Force face cap and long-sleeved t-shirt
• An Infinix mobile phone

The court directed the EFCC to oversee the destruction of these items to prevent their future misuse.

Prosecution’s Case

During the trial, EFCC counsel Fanen Anun presented the case, calling Mr. Umar Abdulkariri as a witness. Abdulkariri testified that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) handed over Paul-Augustine to the EFCC on August 16, 2024.

Recovered items presented as evidence included:

• Two EFCC jackets
• A Nigerian Army Special Force face cap and long-sleeved t-shirt
• An EFCC face cap
• An Infinix mobile phone

The prosecution argued that Paul-Augustine impersonated an EFCC officer in an attempt to confer financial advantages upon himself.

A Warning Against Impersonation

The conviction highlights the consequences of impersonating law enforcement officers, particularly institutions like the EFCC, which play a vital role in combating financial crimes in Nigeria. The judgment serves as a deterrent to others who might consider similar acts, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its institutions.