In a decisive move against internet fraud, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction and sentencing of seven internet fraudsters before Justice A.N. Erhabor at the Edo State High Court in Benin City.
The convicts, prosecuted on November 6 and 7, were identified as Matthew Ebosa, Marvelous Osayenma, Imoniwe Joshua, Michael San, Alvin Osareni, Precious Imoniwe, and Mike Ajufo.
According to an official statement by the EFCC shared on its X (formerly Twitter) account, the seven individuals were apprehended in a sting operation conducted by the Benin Zonal Directorate for their involvement in fraudulent online activities.
Charges against them included obtaining by false pretenses, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.
One of the primary charges, brought against Ebosa, alleged that on or around October 30, 2024, he knowingly possessed documents containing false information.
This offense, violating Sections 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offenses Act 2006, carries a punishment under Section 1(3) of the same law. Each defendant, upon hearing their respective charges, pleaded guilty.
The prosecution, represented by counsel F.A. Jirbo, K.Y. Bello, and Isa Agwai, requested that the court issue convictions and appropriate sentences.
Defense attorneys, on the other hand, appealed for leniency, arguing that their clients had shown remorse and were prepared to face the consequences of their actions.
After considering the arguments, Justice Erhabor proceeded to convict and sentence the defendants over two sessions. On Thursday, he sentenced San and Osareni to two years in prison, with the option of a N200,000 fine each.
Ebosa, Osayenma, and Joshua received three-year prison sentences, also with the option of a N200,000 fine.
Imoniwe was sentenced on Wednesday to three years in prison or the alternative of a N200,000 fine, while Ajufo received a two-year prison sentence or a N200,000 fine.
In addition to their sentences, the court mandated that each convict forfeit assets linked to their crimes, including mobile phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts.
These items will be surrendered to the Federal Government as proceeds of crime, a measure the EFCC has emphasized in its mission to curb cybercrime and hold offenders accountable.
The EFCC has faced increasing challenges with the rise of internet-based fraud schemes and is intensifying its operations across Nigeria, with many such cases emerging from the country’s southern regions.
The convictions serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of cybercrime and underscore the EFCC’s commitment to addressing financial fraud and protecting victims from such schemes.
This case highlights the judiciary’s role in combating internet fraud and the growing cooperation between law enforcement and judicial bodies to deliver justice swiftly and visibly.
As cybercrime remains a persistent issue, authorities are expected to continue similar operations, with both preventive and punitive measures to deter fraudulent activities and protect citizens.
