EFCC Secures Conviction Of 34 Internet Fraudsters In Edo
Nigerian anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of 34 internet fraudsters before Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court in Benin City.
The convictions, which occurred between May 29 and June 4, 2025, mark a significant success in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against cybercrime.
The convicted individuals were arraigned by Benin Zonal Directorate, on separate one-count charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents — all violations of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.
The convicts include: Ogbeide Osayande Bright, George Micheal, Asazobro Kindness, Asamonye Davis Chibudion, Efosa Imasuen, Fortune Innocent, Owah Eloho, Osifo Bright, Oselunosen Ojeh Oziegbe, Igbinogie Esemude Eloghosa, Abijade Jeffery, Godwin Osayowanbor, Okon Bassey Benjamin, Owie Success Etinosa, Emmanuel Chinedu Ariwa,
Others are: Ogbonna Precious, Agboniroho Promise, Ogbonna Michael, Sunday Onyekachi, Igbinogie Esenuede Amos, Favour Abdul, Efe Louis Ediyeri, Benson Odion Kelly, Benson Ovbokhan Kelly, Oliver Collins Chijoke, Odia Aisosa, Arinze Michael, Brainson Joseph Bassey, Paul Eghosa Oreavbiere, Marvelous Imasuen, Adams Maxwell Eloghosa, Omorodion Ayomide, Owenaze Efe Wealth, and Nathaniel Ihaza.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their charges.
Prosecution counsel from the EFCC — including F.A. Jirbo, I.M. Elodi, I.K. Agwai, K.Y. Bello, Ibrahim Al-Amin, M.S. Dahiru, Salihu Ahmed, Bala Rabah, and Faisal Ibrahim — urged the court to convict and sentence the fraudsters accordingly. Defence lawyers pleaded for leniency, citing the remorse shown by the convicts.
Justice A.N. Erhabor sentenced 26 of the fraudsters to two years imprisonment each or an alternative fine of ₦200,000.
Similarly, Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin sentenced the remaining eight to two years imprisonment each or the same fine.
In addition to their sentences, all convicts forfeited their mobile phones, laptops, and funds found in their bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Each convict also signed a written undertaking to be of good behaviour henceforth.
The convictions followed a sting operation by EFCC operatives in Benin, prompted by credible intelligence linking the individuals to cybercrime activities.
After thorough investigation, they were charged to court and convicted.
