Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City, has convicted and sentenced six internet fraudsters brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicts — Idemudia Destiny, Osifo Destiny, Nomanidobo Favour, Dauda Ahmed, David Samuel, and Wisdom John — were arraigned on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime.
They all pleaded guilty to the charges. Prosecution counsel K.Y. Bello urged the court to convict and sentence them, while their defence counsel pleaded for leniency, citing remorse.
Justice Itsueli sentenced each of them to two years imprisonment, with an option of a ₦200,000 fine.
In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of their phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts — identified as proceeds and tools of their crimes — to the federal government. The convicts also signed undertakings to be of good behaviour going forward.
Their arrest and prosecution by the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate followed credible intelligence that uncovered their fraudulent online activities.
