The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Directorate, has secured the conviction of 10 internet fra¥dsters before Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court in Benin City.
The convicts are: Okoro Emmanuel, Billwise James Dikoru, Enoma Osasumwen, Samson Festus, Godspower Afolorunikon, Omonle Godwin Damien, Sunday Uanseoje, Sylvester Iziren Udu, Ani Emmanuel Chucks, and Amilegbe Saviour.
They were arraigned on separate one-count charges ranging from impersonation and obtaining by false pretence to advance fee fra¥d, unlawful retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fra¥dulent documents.
One of the charges against Okoro Emmanuel stated that he was found with fra¥dulent documents on his iPhone 11, contrary to Sections 6 and 8 of the Advance Fee fra¥d and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
All ten defendants pleaded guilty. Prosecution counsel K.Y. Bello and Isa K. Agwai urged the court to convict them, while the defence pleaded for leniency, noting their remorse.
Justice Itsueli sentenced each defendant to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of N200,000. The court also ordered the forfeiture of their phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts to the federal government. Each convict further signed an undertaking to be of good behaviour.
Their arrest followed intelligence reports by EFCC operatives that uncovered their online fra¥d activities.
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