26 Cybercrime Suspects Plead Guilty, Sentenced in Benin City

In Benin City, Edo State, twenty-six suspects were sentenced to various prison terms after pleading guilty to cybercrime charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The suspects, apprehended by EFCC operatives, were arraigned before Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court between Friday, March 22, 2024, and Tuesday, March 26, 2024. They faced charges including obtaining by false pretense and possession of fraudulent documents.

Among the convicted individuals are Balogun Oladipupo, Ehigiamusoe Desmond, Jeffery Enogieru, and others who were found guilty of various cybercrimes. For instance, one of the defendants, Endurance Osahon Ilevba, impersonated American actor Jason Statham in a fraudulent scheme, according to the charge brought against him.

All defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, leading the prosecution counsel to request the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Despite pleas for leniency from defense counsel, the judges delivered sentences ranging from two to three years imprisonment or fines.

As part of the judgment, the court ordered the forfeiture of the suspects’ electronic devices, three Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and funds in their bank accounts, totaling over Four Million Naira. Additionally, one of the convicts, Abdullahi, was ordered to refund N480,000 to his victim.

Furthermore, all convicts were required to undertake written commitments to maintain good behavior following their release.