Justices A.N. Erhabor and W. I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Courts have convicted and sentenced 29 individuals involved in internet fraud to various jail terms.

The sentencing was carried out in Benin City, following their prosecution by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The convicted fraudsters include Edeyibo Rukewe Hope, Igbafe David, Emakhu Bonfrey, Genesis Ndujifor, Okolosie Godstime, Chukwu David, Ebuka Emmanuel, Akhere Akahomhen, Odiniru Emeka Vet, Obiora Mike Kelvin, Stephen Eghosa, Osagioduwa Samuel Aivihenyor, Lucky Ekhator, Ekechukwu Chima Stanley, Lucky Moses, David Odiniru, Christopher Alex, Orovirie Sunny, Abraham Ifeanyi, and Aisosa Vincent.

Others convicted are; Agbede Shola Harrison, Endurance Ebalukpe, Igbiniken Osarvmwense, Okonoboh Senator Odiegie, Joseph Imhangbegbe, Orion Aigbona, Godstime Adebor, Ambrose Otsemeuno, and Mattew Obayuywana.

The defendants faced separate one-count charges, including obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.

All defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.

Justice Erhabor sentenced several of the convicts to two years in prison or a fine of N200,000 each.

Justice Aziegbemhin also issued two-year sentences or N200,000 fines to others, while some convicts were fined N400,000.

Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of a red Mercedes Benz C300 with registration number BEN258CM, along with other items such as mobile phones, computers, and money, all linked to the fraudulent activities.

The convictions followed a sting operation by EFCC operatives, acting on credible intelligence linking the individuals to fraudulent internet activities.

Similarly, in a separate ruling, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ilorin, Kwara State, sentenced Musa Buba to 300 hours of community service for operating a Bureau de Change without a valid licence.

His sentence, issued without the option of a fine, also included the forfeiture of N1,973,200 and 409,500 CFA, recovered at his arrest.

Similarly, Akinwale Olamilekan from Owena Ijesha, Osun State, was sentenced to 300 hours of community service for internet fraud.

Olamilekan, who impersonated “Mary Williams” to defraud a victim of $950, was also ordered to forfeit an iPhone 12 Pro Max and restitute $450 to his victim.

Both individuals were prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC and pleaded guilty to their charges.

Justice Awogboro sentenced them based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.

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