The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently secured the conviction of 17 internet fraudsters in Edo State.
Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Courts delivered the verdicts in Benin City after thorough legal proceedings.
Among the convicted individuals are Ekene Ezerioha, Ayeleso Ayodeji Richard, Prince Unity Igbinekaro, Marvelous Adebor, and Osayande Oseh, alongside 12 others implicated in similar crimes.
Prosecutors charged the defendants with obtaining property by false pretenses, retaining proceeds of crime, and possessing fraudulent documents. Court documents revealed the charges stemmed from violations of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006. For instance, authorities accused Ekene Ezerioha of possessing false pretence documents in March 2025, breaching Sections 6 and 8(b) of the Act.
All 17 defendants admitted guilt during court hearings. Following their pleas, the prosecution team—led by F.A. Jirbo, K.Y. Bello, and Isa K. Agwai—pushed for convictions and appropriate sentencing. Defense counsel, however, appealed for leniency, emphasizing their clients’ remorse and commitment to reform.
Justice Erhabor sentenced nine convicts, including Igbinekaro, Adebor, and Oseh, to two years imprisonment or a N200,000 fine. Similarly, Richard, Kingsley, and three others received three-year terms with identical fine options. Meanwhile, Justice Aziegbemhin handed Oboh, Ayomide, and Ezerioha two-year sentences or steeper N400,000 fines.
Additionally, the court ordered all convicts to forfeit phones, computers, and bank funds to the federal government. They also submitted written pledges to uphold lawful conduct henceforth. These penalties followed a coordinated EFCC operation triggered by intelligence reports exposing the group’s fraudulent online activities.
This outcome reinforces the EFCC’s resolve to curb cybercrime and uphold justice under Nigerian law. By securing these convictions, the agency signals its vigilance in prosecuting financial crimes and safeguarding public trust. The case further highlights the judiciary’s role in deterring illicit activities through stringent legal consequences.
Ultimately, the collaborative efforts of investigators, prosecutors, and judicial officers ensured accountability for the offenders. As cybercrime evolves, such enforcement actions remain critical to protecting citizens and maintaining Nigeria’s integrity in the digital age. The EFCC continues to prioritize intelligence-driven operations to dismantle fraud networks and uphold ethical standards nationwide.
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