The Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City, has convicted and sentenced 11 individuals to various jail terms for internet-related fraud, including obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, and possession of fraudulent documents.
According to a statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday via X (formerly Twitter), Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin delivered the verdicts after the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate prosecuted the convicts on separate one-count charges.
Convicted Fraudsters
The individuals sentenced include:
•Izomor Samuel Efe
•Nosakhare Bright
•Emovon Destiny
•Vincent Arogbo
•Osarentin Morgan Aduwa
•Osagiede Destiny Oghosa
•Nosakhare Ernest Theophilus
•Junior Emmanuel Efe
•Osimen Princewill
•Obamedo Clinton
•David Iyobor
The EFCC stated that the convicts were arrested in a sting operation following credible intelligence linking them to fraudulent online activities.
Details of the Charges
One of the charges presented against Justice Samuel Efe read:
“That you, Justice Samuel Efe (m), on or about the 8th of February 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
When the charges were read, all 11 defendants pleaded guilty. Prosecuting counsels F.A. Jirbo, I.K. Agwai, and Salihu Ahmed then urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
In response, the defence counsel pleaded for leniency, arguing that the convicts had shown remorse for their actions.
Court Sentences and Asset Forfeiture
Justice Aziegbemhin delivered the following sentences:
•Izomor Efe and Nosakhare Bright – Two years imprisonment or a ₦200,000 fine each.
•Emovon Destiny and Vincent Arogbo – Two years imprisonment or a ₦400,000 fine each.
•Aduwa, Oghosa, Theophilus, Junior Efe, Princewill, Clinton, and Iyobor – Three years imprisonment or a ₦200,000 fine each.
In addition to their sentences, the court ordered the forfeiture of their phones, laptops, and funds found in their bank accounts to the federal government. The convicts also signed written undertakings to be of good behavior going forward.
The EFCC reiterated that the convictions were the result of a sting operation by its Benin Zonal Directorate, following intelligence reports linking the defendants to internet fraud. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring justice is served.
