- Each gets 2 years jail or ₦200k fine. Phones, laptops & bank balances forfeited to FG
Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court, Benin City, on Monday, August 11, 2025, convicted and sentenced 15 individuals for offences related to internet fraud.
The convicts — Osasere Uyi, Osayande Godstime Edosa, Ewaen Agbonma, Godstime Ehighagwan, Peter Miracle, Ehondor Lucky Etinosa, Ezomo Osamudiamen Desmond, Itobore Divine, Iyase Aisosa, Dominion Idehen, Ejiroghene Theophilus, Destiny Nosakhare, Efosa Imuetintan, Ahmed Aliyui, and Samuel Osakpamwan — faced one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.
Prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, all defendants pleaded guilty. While defence counsel sought leniency, Justice Itsueli sentenced each to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000.
In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of their mobile phones, laptops, and bank account balances to the Federal Government as proceeds of crime. The convicts also signed undertakings to be of good behaviour.
Their arrests followed sting operations by EFCC operatives targeting fraudulent internet activities in Benin City.
