The Edo State High Court has convicted and sentenced 11 individuals for internet fraud-related offences, including obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, and possession of fraudulent documents.
Presiding over the cases in Benin City, Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin handed down various jail terms after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission prosecuted the convicts on separate one-count charges.
The convicted individuals are 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, and David Iyobor.
According to the EFCC’s statement released on Friday via X, the individuals were apprehended in a sting operation following intelligence reports linking them to fraudulent online activities.
One of the charges brought against Efe stated: “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.”
Upon arraignment, all 11 defendants pleaded guilty. The prosecution team, comprising F.A. Jirbo, I.K. Agwai, and Salihu Ahmed, urged the court to convict them accordingly. Meanwhile, the defence counsel pleaded for leniency, emphasizing that the defendants had shown remorse.
Justice Aziegbemhin sentenced Izomor Efe and Nosakhare Bright to two years imprisonment, offering them the option of a N200,000 fine each. Emovon Destiny and Vincent Arogbo received two-year sentences with an option of N400,000 fines each.
The remaining convicts—Aduwa, Oghosa, Theophilus, Junior Efe, Princewill, Clinton, and Iyobor—were sentenced to three years imprisonment, with the option of a N200,000 fine each.
Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of their mobile phones, laptop computers, and funds in their bank accounts to the federal government. The convicts also signed undertakings to maintain good behavior moving forward.
“Their journey to the correctional centre began when EFCC operatives arrested them during a sting operation based on credible intelligence linking them to internet fraud,” the EFCC stated.
The commission reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and warned the public against engaging in fraudulent activities.
