In a significant stride against cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of 34 internet fraudsters in Edo State. The convictions, handed down by Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court in Benin City, took place between May 29 and June 4, 2025.
The Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC brought separate one-count charges against each of the convicted individuals, encompassing offenses such as obtaining by false pretense, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents, all of which contravene the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006. Among those convicted are Ogbeide Osayande Bright, George Micheal, Asazobro Kindness, and Emmanuel Chinedu Ariwa, alongside 30 others.
All defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Prosecution counsel from the EFCC, including F.A. Jirbo and I.M. Elodi, urged the court to proceed with conviction and sentencing. While defense lawyers pleaded for leniency, citing the convicts' remorse, the courts proceeded with sentencing.
Justice A.N. Erhabor sentenced 26 of the fraudsters to two years imprisonment each, with an alternative fine of ₦200,000. Similarly, Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin handed down the same sentence to the remaining eight convicts. In addition to their sentences, all convicted individuals were ordered to forfeit their mobile phones, laptops, and any funds held in their bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Each convict also signed an undertaking to maintain good behavior moving forward.
These convictions are the result of a sting operation conducted by EFCC operatives in Benin, initiated based on credible intelligence concerning cybercrime activities. Following thorough investigation, the individuals were formally charged and subsequently convicted.
