The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 17 internet fraudsters before Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court in Benin City.
Those convicted are Ekene Ezerioha, Ayeleso Richard, Prince Unity Igbinekaro, Marvelous Adebor, Osayande Oseh, Chukwuebuka Edozie, Clinton Okojie, Chinedu Kingsley, Emmanuel Ezeala, and Isioma Christopher.
Others include, Adebayo Ayomide, Ubaro Best, Junior Oboh, Chieye Goodluck, Lucky Isioma, Jeremiah Nwadiashi, and Destiny Grace.
They all pleaded guilty to charges related to obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.
Justice Erhabor sentenced Igbinekaro, Adebor, Oseh, Edozie, Okojie, Christopher, Best, Nwadiashi, and Grace to two years in prison or a fine of ₦200,000 each.
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Also, the judge sentenced Richard, Kingsley, Ezeala, Goodluck, and Isioma to three years in prison with the option of a ₦200,000 fine each.
Similarly, Justice Aziegbemhin sentenced Oboh, Ayomide, and Ezerioha to two years in prison or a ₦400,000 fine each.
Additionally, all the convicts forfeited their mobile phones, computers, and funds in their bank accounts to the federal government.
They also signed written undertakings to maintain good behaviour going forward.
Their arrests followed a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, acting on intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.
