Victor Oche Odeh, a 7-year-old Nigerian boy has been infamously recognized as the youngest fraudster in the world.
This disconcerting acknowledgment follows his recent conviction by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 26.
Victor, alongside four other undergraduates, Chidebere Stanley Opara, Manasseh Sefa Ephraim, Chukwukere Obinna Paul, and Enyogu Etim Ekpo has been found guilty on separate one-count charges related to internet fraud.
The convictions were secured by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC, and Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court presided over the sentencing.
The charges stemmed from a sting operation conducted in Kaduna, revealing the group’s elaborate scheme of creating false identities on various social networking sites to defraud unsuspecting victims, particularly foreigners.
Specifically, the 7-year-old was accused of defrauding by impersonation – presenting himself on Facebook as Christopher Anderson, a Whiteman from Denver, Colorado, USA.
The fraudulent activities occurred between January and July 2023.
His conviction, under Section 57 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017, is punishable under Section 309 of the same provision.
The arrest and subsequent conviction of the 7-year-old fraudster have ignited a wave of controversy and discussions surrounding the involvement of young individuals in cybercrimes.
However, people are grappling with the comparison of Victor’s age and his participation in such criminal activities.
While some expressed concern over systems’ failure to guide and mentor young minds like Victor, others commended EFCC for its proactive efforts in apprehending and bringing to justice individuals engaged in fraudulent activities, regardless of age.