The EFCC has convicted 34 internet fraudsters in Edo State following a sting operation.
Sentenced to prison or fined ₦200,000 each, the convicts also forfeited assets and pledged good conduct.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria, securing the conviction and sentencing of 34 internet fraudsters in Benin City, Edo State. The verdicts were delivered between May 29 and June 4, 2025, by Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court.
The fraudsters, who were arraigned by the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate, faced separate one-count charges involving obtaining money under false pretense, retaining proceeds of unlawful activities, and possessing fraudulent documents. These offenses are in direct violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006.
Among those convicted are Ogbeide Osayande Bright, George Micheal, Asazobro Kindness, Asamonye Davis Chibudion, Efosa Imasuen, Fortune Innocent, Owah Eloho, Osifo Bright, Oselunosen Ojeh Oziegbe, and Igbinogie Esemude Eloghosa. Others include Abijade Jeffery, Godwin Osayowanbor, Okon Bassey Benjamin, Owie Success Etinosa, Emmanuel Chinedu Ariwa, Ogbonna Precious, Agboniroho Promise, Ogbonna Michael, and Sunday Onyekachi.
Also sentenced were 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 accused individuals pleaded guilty to their respective charges. EFCC prosecutors, 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 issue appropriate sentences. Meanwhile, defense counsels appealed for leniency on the grounds that the convicts had expressed remorse.
Justice Erhabor sentenced 26 of the convicts to two years in prison or, alternatively, a fine of ₦200,000. Justice Aziegbemhin handed down similar sentences to the remaining eight convicts.
In addition to their prison terms or fines, the court ordered the forfeiture of all items used in the commission of the crimes. This includes mobile phones, laptops, and funds in the convicts’ bank accounts. The seized assets were transferred to the Federal Government. Each convict also signed a formal pledge to maintain good conduct in the future.
The convictions stemmed from a sting operation executed by the EFCC in Benin, based on credible intelligence that linked the individuals to fraudulent online activities. Following detailed investigations, charges were filed, resulting in swift convictions.
The development highlights the EFCC’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and holding perpetrators accountable through the legal system.
