A major crackdown on cybercrime has led to the conviction and sentencing of 11 internet fraudsters by Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City. The ruling, delivered on February 21, 2025, has reinforced the government’s commitment to curbing financial crimes and protecting unsuspecting victims from online scams.
The convicted fraudsters—Izomor Samuel Efe, Nosakhare Bright, Emovon Destiny, Vincent Arogbo, Osarentin Morgan Aduwa, Osagiede Destiny Oghosa, Nosakhare Ernest Theophilus, Junior Emmanuel Efe, Osimen Princewill, Obamedo Clinton, and David Iyobor—were all found guilty of charges relating to obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents. The prosecution was handled by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which presented irrefutable evidence linking the individuals to various fraudulent activities.
The court heard how these fraudsters operated sophisticated scams, deceiving victims through fake online schemes. Among the charges, Justice Samuel Efe was found in possession of fraudulent documents containing false pretenses, an offence in direct violation of Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, punishable under Section 1(3) of the same law.
Following their guilty pleas, the EFCC prosecutors, F.A Jirbo, I.K Agwai, and Salihu Ahmed, urged the court to impose appropriate sentences, while the defence counsel pleaded for leniency, arguing that the accused had shown remorse for their crimes. Justice Aziegbemhin, considering both arguments, sentenced Izomor Samuel Efe and Nosakhare Bright to two years imprisonment with an option of a N200,000 fine each. Emovon Destiny and Vincent Arogbo received similar sentences but with a fine set at N400,000 each. The remaining convicts, including Aduwa, Oghosa, Theophilus, Junior Efe, Princewill, Clinton, and Iyobor, were handed three-year jail terms or the option to pay a N200,000 fine each.
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Beyond imprisonment and fines, the court also ordered the forfeiture of all assets acquired through fraudulent means, including mobile phones, laptop computers, and substantial sums of money traced to their bank accounts, to the federal government. Additionally, the convicts signed undertakings to maintain good conduct and abstain from further criminal activities.
The EFCC revealed that these fraudsters were apprehended following a well-coordinated sting operation by its Benin Zonal Directorate. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives traced and arrested the individuals, uncovering their involvement in large-scale internet fraud schemes. This latest wave of convictions sends a strong warning to cybercriminals across Nigeria, affirming that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and ready to bring fraudsters to justice.
