Seven internet fraudsters popularly known as ‘yahoo boys’ have been convicted and sentenced by the Edo State High Court in Benin City for crimes relating to fraudulent internet activities.
This ruling follows a series of arrests and investigations led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an intensified crackdown on cybercrime in the region.
Justice A.N Erhabor handed down the sentences between November 6 and 7, 2024, at the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, marking a significant legal victory against cybercriminals operating within the jurisdiction.
The convicted individuals, identified as Johnson Matthew Ebosa, Marvelous Osayenma, Imoniwe Joshua, Michael Agbowemeh San, Alvin Nosakhare Osareni, Precious Imoniwe, and Mike Ajufo, each faced charges related to obtaining by false pretense, possession of fraudulent documents, and retaining proceeds of crime.
Each defendant pleaded guilty, prompting the EFCC’s prosecuting team, represented by F.A Jirbo, K.Y Bello, and Isa K. Agwai, to urge the court to deliver appropriate sentences. Defense counsels pleaded for leniency, claiming their clients were remorseful and had resolved to reform.
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Justice Erhabor issued varied sentences: Agbowemeh and Osareni received two years imprisonment or an option of a N200,000 fine, while Ebosa, Osayenma, and Joshua were each sentenced to three years in prison with a similar fine option. Imoniwe was sentenced to three years, and Ajufo to two years, with all convicts offered the alternative of a N200,000 fine.
In addition to imprisonment, the court ordered the forfeiture of all assets connected to the fraudulent activities, including phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts, to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Each convict must also sign an undertaking to exhibit good behavior moving forward.
The convictions are the latest in the EFCC’s efforts to combat internet fraud, with sting operations targeting individuals engaging in fraudulent activities that harm Nigeria’s digital and financial integrity.
This sentencing underscores the EFCC’s commitment to enforcing Nigeria’s laws on cybercrime and serves as a cautionary example for potential offenders.
