The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 10 internet fraudsters before Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.
The convicts are Okoro Emmanuel, Billwise James Dikoru, Enoma Osasumwen, Samson Festus, Godspower Afolorunikon, Omonle Godwin Damien, Sunday Uanseoje, Sylvester Iziren Udu, Ani Emmanuel Chucks, and Amilegbe Saviour.
They were prosecuted on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.
All 10 defendants pleaded guilty. Prosecution counsel, K.Y. Bello and Isa K. Agwai, urged the court to convict them, while defence counsel pleaded for leniency.
Justice Itsueli sentenced each of them to two years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦200,000 fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of their mobile phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts to the federal government as proceeds of crime.
The EFCC said the convicts’ arrest followed credible intelligence on their fraudulent online activities. All have signed undertakings to be of good behaviour.
