BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Two justices of the Edo State High Court, Nigeria, have sentenced 34 internet fraudsters to prison terms following their conviction on cybercrime charges, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission announced Friday.
Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin, presiding over separate court sessions between May 29 and June 4, 2025, handed down sentences of two years imprisonment each to the convicted cybercriminals, who were alternatively given the option to pay N200,000 fines.
The convicted internet fraudsters were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on charges including obtaining money by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents. Among those sentenced were Ogbeide Bright, George Micheal, Asazobro Kindness, Asamonye Chibudion, and Efosa Imasuen.
Additional convicts identified in the EFCC statement included Fortune Innocent, Owah Eloho, Osifo Bright, Oselunosen Oziegbe, Igbinogie Eloghosa, Abijade Jeffery, Godwin Osayowanbor, Okon Benjamin, Owie Etinosa, Emmanuel Ariwa, Ogbonna Precious, and Agboniroho Promise.
The comprehensive list of sentenced cybercriminals also encompassed Ogbonna Michael, Sunday Onyekachi, Igbinogie Amos, Favour Abdul, Efe Ediyeri, Benson Kelly, Oliver Chijioke, Odia Aisosa, Arinze Michael, Brainson Bassey, Paul Oreavbiere, Marvelous Imasuen, Adams Eloghosa, Omorodion Ayomide, Owenaze Wealth and Nathaniel Ihaza.
Each defendant faced individual charges under the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006. The specific charge against Ogbeide Osayande Bright stated that he possessed documents containing false pretence on May 15, 2025, violating Sections 6 and 8(b) of the Act and punishable under Section 1(3).
All 34 defendants entered guilty pleas when their charges were read in court, prompting prosecution counsel 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 to request conviction and sentencing. Defense counsel appealed for leniency, noting their clients’ remorse for their criminal activities.
Justice Erhabor delivered the first set of convictions and sentences on May 29, while Justice Aziegbemhin concluded the remaining cases on June 4. Both justices imposed identical sentences of two years imprisonment or N200,000 fines for each convicted internet fraudster.
Beyond the prison sentences, the court ordered comprehensive asset forfeiture as part of the cybercrime penalties. All convicted fraudsters forfeited their mobile phones, computers and money discovered in their bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The defendants also provided written undertakings to maintain good behavior going forward.
The EFCC revealed that the cybercriminals’ path to conviction began with their arrest during a coordinated sting operation conducted by operatives from the Benin Zonal Directorate. The law enforcement action followed intelligence reports linking the suspects to fraudulent internet activities and online scam operations.
The mass sentencing represents a significant victory for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat internet fraud and cybercrime, demonstrating the country’s commitment to prosecuting online scammers who damage its international reputation. The EFCC’s systematic approach to investigating and prosecuting internet fraudsters continues to yield substantial results in courts across the nation.
The Edo State High Court’s decisive action against these cybercriminals sends a strong message to potential internet fraudsters about the serious legal consequences awaiting those who engage in online scam activities within Nigeria’s jurisdiction.
Punchng
