Seven individuals have been sentenced to prison by a court in Edo State for involvement in internet fraud. Discover the details of the case and the efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria.
The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission successfully obtained the conviction and sentencing of seven internet fraudsters in front of Justice AN Erhabor at Edo State High Court, located in Benin City.
The EFCC announced on its X.com handle on Friday that the individuals prosecuted between November 6 and 7 were Matthew Ebosa, Marvelous Osayenma, Imoniwe Joshua, Michael San, Alvin Osareni, Precious Imoniwe, and Mike Ajufo.
The seven convicts were apprehended by operatives from the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in a sting operation due to their participation in internet fraud activities.
The allegations against them are close to obtaining by deception, retaining the proceeds of criminal activity, and possessing forged documents.
The accusation against Ebosa stated, “Johnson Matthew Ebosa (male), on or about October 30th, 2024, within the jurisdiction of this court, possessed documents that you knew or should have known contained false pretenses. This act constitutes an offense under Section 6 and Section 8(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offenses Act of 2006 and is punishable as per Section 1(3) of said Act.”
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All the defendants admitted guilt to their charges upon hearing them, leading the prosecution counsel — FA Jirbo, KY Bello, and Isa Agwai — to request that the court convict and sentence them accordingly.
Nevertheless, the defendants’ counsel urged the court to show leniency, arguing that they have shown genuine remorse for their actions.
On Thursday, Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced San and Osareni to two years in prison or a fine of N200,000 each. Meanwhile, Ebosa, Osayenma, and Joshua were given three-year prison terms but could also opt for a fine of N200,000 each.
On Wednesday, Justice Erhabor sentenced Imoniwe to either three years in prison or a fine of N200,000. Meanwhile, Ajufo received a sentence of two years imprisonment or an alternative option to pay a N200,000 fine.
All the convicts surrendered their phones, laptops, and bank account funds to the Federal Government as they were deemed proceeds of crime.
