The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has secured the conviction of 21 internet fraudsters in Benin City, Edo State.
The verdicts were delivered by Justices A.N. Erhabor, and W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Courts.
The convicted individuals include Eimuen Nathaniel, Ighagbon Anderson Andy, Precious Aigbokhai, Divine Ebosetale Okhitie, Ekpekurede Valour, Akuson Sunday, Oshoikpor Joshua, Onumegu Chukwuebuka Emmanuel, Sylvester Oseokoedion, Osifor Kenneth, Abraham Eromosele, Aliu Sanusi Aliu, and others.
They were prosecuted on separate one-count charge, related to obtaining by false pretenses, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their charges.
Justice Erhabor sentenced seven of the convicts, including Love, Valour, Sunday, Oriarewoh Eromosele, Okoedion, Omokhoa, and Kenneth, to two years imprisonment each, with an option of a ₦200,000 fine.
Obhanoghor, Okhitie, and Paul received three-year sentences or a ₦200,000 fine.
Justice Aziegbemhin handed down two-year jail terms to Owoyele, and Essence, with fine options of ₦300,000 and ₦600,000, respectively.
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Andy, Aigbokhai, Joshua, and Emmanuel were given two years imprisonment or a ₦200,000 fine each.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel, Abraham Eromonsele, Aliu, and Paris were sentenced to two years in jail or a ₦400,000 fine, while Emuen received three years imprisonment or a ₦600,000 fine.
In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones, computers, and funds found in their bank accounts to the federal government.
They also signed written undertakings to maintain good behaviour.
Their convictions followed a sting operation by EFCC operatives in the Benin Zonal Directorate, acting on intelligence linking them to internet fraud.
