Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a directive for the mother of a 19-year-old painter, Chinonso Udeh, to appear in court following her son’s involvement in a cybercrime case.
Chinonso Udeh was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with one count related to cybercrime. During the court proceedings, the young defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
Following his plea, the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. S.I. Suleiman, called a witness—Mr. Abdulraman Mohammed, an operative of the commission—to present the facts of the case. According to Mr. Mohammed, the EFCC had received intelligence about a cybercrime syndicate operating in the Lekki area of Lagos. A surveillance operation was carried out, leading to a sting operation during which Udeh and several others were arrested.
An iPhone XR was seized from Udeh at the time of his arrest. Upon analysis of the device, investigators uncovered incriminating documents, which were printed and presented as evidence. Udeh also provided a statement under caution.
With the evidence submitted and the defendant’s guilty plea, the EFCC urged the court to convict him based on the facts presented.
Following the review of the case, Justice Ayokunle Faji discharged the EFCC witness and turned his attention to the young defendant, Chinonso Udeh. The judge ordered Udeh, who had been seated, to stand in the dock and tell the court more about himself.
Speaking in a low tone and struggling at times to express himself clearly, the 19-year-old explained that he was currently learning painting and living with a church member. When asked about his family, Udeh said he hails from Onitsha in Anambra State and that his mother, Mrs. Marther Ude, resides in the Achaputa layout of the city.
The court then inquired if anyone was present in court to support him. Udeh pointed to a young man sitting in the courtroom, identifiable by his braided hair. Justice Faji asked the individual to stand and introduce himself, along with his connection to the defendant.
In a surprising revelation, the young man told the court he had no familial ties to Udeh but had simply come as a friend, noting that no one else had shown up to accompany the defendant.
Taken aback by what he described as the apparent abandonment of a teenager, Justice Faji expressed concern over the lack of parental supervision.
“So, at 19, you are not with your parents? Nobody followed you to court but only your ‘friend’ with plaited hair. Should I consider this defendant responsible?” the judge asked rhetorically, clearly troubled by the situation.
In response, the court issued a firm order: Udeh must ensure that his mother is present in court at the next hearing. Failure to comply, the judge warned, could lead to the defendant being remanded in prison custody.
