A Benin City High Court has convicted twenty-five cybercriminals following prosecutions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justices W.I. Aziegbemhin and A.N. Erhabor delivered the verdicts after the defendants pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges.
The convicts, including Tremendous Eraze and Etinosa Newman, faced charges ranging from advance fee fraud to possessing fraudulent documents.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing their involvement in elaborate online scams targeting unsuspecting victims nationwide.
During sentencing, Justice Erhabor imposed two-year jail terms on most convicts, offering N200,000 fine alternatives.
Notably, Salisu Nurudeen received lighter punishment—one week of community service within court premises for his minor role.
Meanwhile, Justice Aziegbemhin handed stiffer penalties to ringleaders like Justice Amadin, sentencing him to three years imprisonment. The court also ordered forfeiture of all devices and illicit funds recovered during investigations.
Defense lawyers pleaded for leniency, citing their clients’ remorse and first-time offender status.
However, prosecutors emphasized the need for deterrent punishments given Nigeria’s worsening cybercrime epidemic.
The EFCC’s Benin office spearheaded the operation after months of surveillance on the fraud syndicate.
This successful prosecution demonstrates the agency’s strengthened capacity to tackle sophisticated financial crimes.
As authorities intensify anti-graft efforts, this case serves as a stark warning to internet fraudsters nationwide.
The convictions also reassure international partners about Nigeria’s commitment to fighting cyber-enabled crimes.
All convicts signed behavioral bonds while victims await possible restitution.
Legal experts commend the judiciary’s firm stance, noting it aligns with global best practices against economic crimes.
This landmark judgment comes amid rising youth involvement in cybercrime across Edo State.
Community leaders now advocate for vocational programs to steer young people away from criminal enterprises.
The EFCC urges continued public cooperation through its whistleblowing channels.
With improved intelligence sharing, more convictions are expected across Nigeria’s fraud hotspots in coming months.
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