The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of five internet fraudsters before Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.
The convicts — Ayo Korede, Ogbemudia Osaretin, Harry Ehimien, Osasumwen Osahenator and Efosa Richard — were prosecuted on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.
They pleaded guilty to their respective charges. While the prosecution counsel urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, defence counsel appealed for leniency, citing remorse.
Justice Itsueli sentenced Korede, Osaretin, Osahenator, and Richard to two years’ imprisonment each or a fine of ₦200,000, while Ehimien received a two-year sentence with an option of ₦100,000 fine or community service.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of their mobile phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts — all linked to the crimes — to the Federal Government. Each convict signed a written undertaking to be of good behaviour.
The EFCC said the men were arrested following credible intelligence exposing their involvement in internet fraud.
