The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully convicted and sentenced 24 individuals involved in internet fraud in Benin City. The convicts were prosecuted by the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate before Justice G. O. Imadegbelo of the Edo State High Court. The accused, including Azubuike Godwin, Ejike Prince, Ebeli Onyeishi Precious, Uboh Nelson, Henry Frank Aizeyosagbov, Jeremiah Osazuwa Bright, and others, faced charges ranging from impersonation to obtaining by false pretenses and possession of fraudulent documents.
The legal proceedings, held on various days throughout July 2024, resulted in a range of sentences. On July 2, Justice Imadegbelo sentenced Godwin, Prince, Precious, and Nelson to three years in prison or a fine of N100,000 each. The court convicted and sentenced Aizeyosagbov, Bright, Osarumwense, Monday, Nosakhare, Chibueze, and Holiness on July 10 to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000. Ugochukwu, Evun, and Ndifreke were sentenced to two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each. On July 11, David received a two-year sentence or a N100,000 fine, while Aigbovibosa was sentenced to five years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000.
The legal actions continued with the sentencing of Osariemen and Destiny on July 17 to two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each. On July 24, Godwin, Victor, Michael, Effiong, and Bright were sentenced to community service, while Enaike received a three-year prison term or a fine of N200,000.
In addition to the prison sentences and fines, Justice Imadegbelo ordered the forfeiture of two Mercedes Benz GLK350 vehicles, which were seized from Osarumwense and Ugochukwu as proceeds of crime. The court also mandated the forfeiture of the convicts’ phones, laptops, and balances in their bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria. These assets were determined to be instruments and proceeds of their criminal activities.
The convictions followed a series of arrests made by the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Command, which acted on actionable intelligence regarding the suspects’ involvement in computer-related fraud. The EFCC’s successful prosecution serves as a warning to other potential fraudsters and underscores the commission’s commitment to combating cybercrime. The convicts are also required to sign a written undertaking pledging to exhibit good behavior following their sentences.
The EFCC’s efforts in this case reflect the agency’s broader initiative to curb internet fraud and related offenses, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice and that the proceeds of crime are recovered for the state.
