By Abigail Philip David
An Edo State High Court in Benin City has convicted and sentenced 11 individuals for internet fraud-related offences, including obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, and possession of fraudulent documents.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the verdict on Friday via its official X handle, stating that Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin delivered the sentences after the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate prosecuted the offenders 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, the defendants were arrested in a sting operation based on credible intelligence linking them to online fraud activities.
One of the charges against Efe stated: “That you, Justice Samuel Efe (m), on or about February 8, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, were found in possession of documents containing false pretence, thereby committing an offence contrary to Sections 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.”
All 11 defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecution, represented by F.A. Jirbo, I.K. Agwai, and Salihu Ahmed, urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. The defence pleaded for leniency, citing the defendants’ remorse.
Justice Aziegbemhin sentenced Izomor Efe and Nosakhare Bright to two years imprisonment, with the option of a N200,000 fine each. Emovon Destiny and Vincent Arogbo received two-year sentences with an option of a N400,000 fine each.
Meanwhile, Aduwa, Oghosa, Theophilus, Junior Efe, Princewill, Clinton, and Iyobor were sentenced to three years imprisonment, with an option of a N200,000 fine each.
In addition to their sentences, all convicts forfeited their mobile phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts to the federal government. They also signed undertakings to maintain good behaviour moving forward.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to combating cybercrime, noting that the convicts’ arrests followed credible intelligence and proactive enforcement operations.
