Twenty individuals involved in internet fraud have been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to charges of obtaining money by false pretenses and possession of fraudulent documents. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted the operation in Benin City, Edo State.
The accused appeared in court on April 17 and 18, 2024, before Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli. Among those convicted were Blessing Daniel, Kingsley Okoroafor, Amos Ohwofa, and Eromosele Victory, among others.
Each defendant faced separate charges related to their fraudulent activities, leading to their guilty pleas in court. The prosecution, represented by F.A. Jirbo, I.K. Agwai, and K.Y. Bello, urged the judges to impose appropriate sentences. Meanwhile, defense counsel requested leniency, citing the defendants’ remorse for their actions.
On April 17, Justice Ikponmwonba sentenced Ohwofa, Daniel, and Julius to three years in prison or a fine of N100,000 each. Akinyemi Seun received two years or a N100,000 fine. Justice Itsueli sentenced Eromosele Victory, Obi Nicholas Destiny, and Lucky Osaro to two years or N100,000 each. Kingsley Okoroafor, Destiny Ajimi, and Edema Emmanuel John received three years or N100,000.
On April 18, Justice Ikponmwonba sentenced ten more defendants, including Precious Obazee and Victor Ufumwen, to three years or a fine of N100,000. The court also ordered the forfeiture of their electronic devices, bank balances, and three vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz and a Toyota Camry, as proceeds of their crimes.
The arrests stemmed from actionable intelligence about their involvement in computer-related fraud, leading to their subsequent convictions. The charges highlighted the serious consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities, reflecting the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat such crimes in Nigeria.