EFCC Secures Conviction of 32 Internet Fraudsters in Edo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 32 individuals for various internet-related fraud offences in Edo State. The convictions were handed down on Wednesday by Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court, Benin City.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate via its official X handle, the fraudsters were arraigned on separate one-count charges. Their offences included obtaining money by false pretence, advance fee fraud, unlawful retention of criminal proceeds, and possession of fraudulent documents.
Those convicted include Amos Adievugwhare, Kelvin Osakpamwan, Isaac Kelvin, Obanuso Elliot, Ndubisi Emmanuel, Danjuma Godwin, Abraham Abisere, Enang Shedrack, Wiliki Bright, David Dagul, Imooa Michael, Targema Solomon, Henry Davou, Akinluyi Ayoola Cornelinus, Ifeanyi Nelson Pius, and Torkula Henry Luper.
Others are Yahaya Jibrin, Monday Atekha Destiny, Sodiq Ahmad, Anthony Gabriel Onuche, Anyaler Udoka, Seun Ibeg, Dallah Osikadi, Ediwin Asemota, Igbo Aondona, Iyobosa Okoro, Osayande Bright, Isiguzo Chidi Morris, Kadiri Bobby Abdul, Osazee Marvins Osabuohein, Efosa Destiny Omorosa, and Kelvin Adams Aisosa.
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Each defendant pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them.
The EFCC prosecution team, which included I.M. Elodi, I.K. Agwai, K.Y. Bello, Ibrahim Al-Amin, Salihu Ahmed, Bala Rabah, and Faisal Ibrahim, urged the court to convict the defendants in line with their pleas. In contrast, defence counsels appealed for leniency, citing the remorse shown by their clients.
Justice Erhabor sentenced 29 of the convicts to two years imprisonment each or an option of ₦200,000 fine, except for Osazee Osabuohein who received a stiffer sentence of five years or a ₦500,000 fine.
Justice Aziegbemhin sentenced Kelvin and Osakpamwan to two years each with options of ₦300,000 and ₦400,000 fines respectively, while Efosa Omorosa was given two years or a ₦200,000 fine.
In addition to their jail terms, all convicts forfeited mobile phones, computers, and money traced to their bank accounts—identified as proceeds of crime—to the federal government. They also signed undertakings to be of good behaviour going forward.
The EFCC noted that the arrests stemmed from credible intelligence exposing the fraudulent cyber activities of the convicts.
The anti-graft agency reiterated its commitment to tackling internet fraud and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
By PRNigeria
