A federal high court in Lagos has sentenced Courage Ipaka, an impersonator of popular Nigerian singer Flavour, to two years in prison for defrauding a US-based woman, Yvelte M. Thompson, of $53,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) led the investigation, with investigator Azibagiri Dan Ekpar revealing that Ipaka used Flavour’s identity to promise Thompson shows in America. Payments were made through Bitcoin wallets, which Ipaka then converted into Naira and deposited into his Access Bank account.
Following a petition from Eyitayo Tolulope Abiodun and others on behalf of Thompson, Flavour was invited and found innocent of the allegations. The investigation pinpointed Ipaka, who admitted to the crime. The EFCC recovered N7.9 million from Ipaka through Zenith and Access Bank manager’s cheques.
Presiding Judge Dehinde Dipeolu sentenced Ipaka to two years imprisonment with an option of a N2 million fine. Additionally, Ipaka was ordered to forfeit the recovered N7.9 million to Thompson.