Thirteen internet fraudsters received combined sentences totaling 30 years in prison from an Edo State High Court, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced Sunday, highlighting Nigeria’s intensifying crackdown on cybercrime.
The convictions, delivered between November 11 and 14, targeted individuals involved in various cybercrime activities, including false pretenses, retention of criminal proceeds, and possession of fraudulent documents. Defendants included Evbayakha Daniel, Goodness Esiuke, Joshua Edobor, and ten others prosecuted by the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate.
“All the defendants pleaded guilty to their charges,” the EFCC statement noted, leading prosecutors F.A Jirbo, K.Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, and Salihu Ahmed to seek immediate sentencing. Defense attorneys requested leniency, citing their clients’ remorse.
Justice A.N. Erhabor handed down varying sentences on November 11, with five defendants receiving two-year prison terms or N200,000 ($250) fines. Justice Aziegbemhin followed with additional sentences through November 14, including three-year terms for some offenders, all with similar fine options.
The court ordered the forfeiture of evidence retrieved from the convicts, including phones, laptops, and bank account balances, to the Federal Government of Nigeria as proceeds of crime. All convicted individuals must provide written pledges of future good behavior.
The case represents part of Nigeria’s broader effort to combat cybercrime, which has damaged the country’s international reputation and financial sector. The EFCC’s successful prosecution demonstrates increased effectiveness in targeting internet-based financial crimes that have plagued West Africa’s largest economy.
Each defendant faced charges under Section 6 and 8(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, legislation specifically designed to combat Nigeria’s notorious cybercrime operations. The convictions signal strengthened enforcement of anti-fraud measures in a country working to shed its reputation as a hub for internet scams.
