The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Benin City has successfully convicted 24 internet fraudsters. Justice G. O. Imadegbelo of the Edo State High Court sentenced them to various jail terms.
The fraudsters are:
- Azubuike Godwin
- Ejike Prince
- Ebeli Onyeishi Precious
- Uboh Nelson
- Henry Frank Aizeyosagbov
- Jeremiah Osazuwa Bright
- Aigbovibosa Osarumwense
- Destiny Osagie Monday
- Kindrick Ugochukwu
- Daniel Kenedy Evun
- Orobosa Elvis Nosakhare
- Eleadi Nice Chibueze
- Edidiong Ndifreke
- Stephen Holiness
- Iyamu Edosa David
- Nosakhare Aigbovibosa
- Raymond Clinton Osariemen
- Uhumona Destiny Osayomwenbor
- Amos Godwin
- Odion Victor
- Ayomide Michael
- Elijah Akpan Effiong
- Tive David Enaike
- Ofuma Uche Bright
They were charged with crimes like impersonation, obtaining money by false pretense, and having fake documents. Each one pleaded guilty.
Sentences Given
The judge handed out sentences on different days in July:
July 2, 2024: Godwin, Prince, Precious, and Nelson got three years in prison or a fine of N100,000 each.
July 10, 2024: Aizeyosabor, Bright, Osarumwense, Monday, Nosakhare, Chibueze, and Holiness got three years in prison or a fine of N100,000 each. Ugochukwu, Evun, and Ndifreke got two years in prison or a fine of N100,000 each.
July 11, 2024: David got two years in prison or a fine of N100,000, while Aigbovibosa got five years in prison or a fine of N100,000.
July 17, 2024: Osariemen and Destiny got two years in prison or a fine of N100,000 each.
July 24, 2024: Godwin, Victor, Michael, Effiong, and Bright were sentenced to community service. Enaike got three years in prison or a fine of N200,000.
Extra Penalties
The judge ordered that two Mercedes Benz cars, taken from Osarumwense and Ugochukwu, be given to the Nigerian government. All convicts also lost their phones, laptops, and money in their bank accounts, as these were proceeds of their crimes. They must also promise in writing to behave well in the future.
The EFCC arrested these fraudsters based on good information about their involvement in online fraud. This case shows the EFCC's dedication to fighting cybercrime in Nigeria.
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