17 Internet Fraudsters Sentenced To Prison Terms In Benin

SEVENTEEN internet fraudsters have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to three years by the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.

The convicts were found guilty of obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.

The charges against the convicts were brought by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The convicts are: Ekene Ezerioha, Ayeleso Ayodeji Richard, Prince Unity Igbinekaro, Marvelous Adebor, Osayande Oseh, Chukwuebuka James Edozie, Clinton Osayi Okojie, Chinedu Ugwu Kingsley, Emmanuel Ezeala, Isioma Christopher, Adebayo Ayomide, Ubaro Best, Junior Oboh, Chieye Goodluck, Lucky James Isioma, Jeremiah Okwuezuru Nwadiashi, and Destiny Grace.

Each convict pleaded guilty to their charge, prompting the prosecution counsel to request conviction and sentencing.

The defense counsel, on the other hand, pleaded for mercy, citing the convicts’ remorsefulness.

Justice Erhabor sentenced nine of the convicts to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000, while Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin sentenced three others to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦400,000.

Additionally, five convicts received three years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000.

As part of their sentences, CrimesChroniclers reports that the convicts forfeited their phones, computers, and money in their bank accounts to the federal government.

They also undertook to behave well henceforth.

The EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate arrested the convicts in a sting operation following intelligence on their fraudulent internet activities.