Eight Internet Fraudsters Convicted, Jailed in Benin Following EFCC Operation

A Federal High Court in Benin, Edo State, under the jurisdiction of Justice Efe Isoken Ikponmwonba, has handed down varying jail sentences to eight individuals found guilty of internet fraud. The convictions came after the accused pleaded guilty to one-count separate charges related to obtaining under false pretense and unlawful possession of fraudulent documents.

The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the accused individuals to court, leading to their arraignment and subsequent sentencing on November 6, 2023.

The convicted individuals, naely Pele Osai Wisdom, Olise Godspower, Iknna Okeke Benjamin Chinazor, Macdonald Iriaremhen Onajasike, Prince Joshua, Jethro Saapila, Gilbert Nelson Onyeka, and Ojo Osatohhanmwen Favour, were apprehended by EFCC operatives on October 6, 2023, based on actionable intelligence regarding their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

Upon pleading guilty, the EFCC counsels urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. In her judgment, Justice Ikponmwonba sentenced Pele Ossai Wisdom to 12 months imprisonment with an option of a N200,000 fine. Additionally, he forfeited the sum of N3,374.96.53 to be refunded to Dawn Aschenbrenner, a Canadian national.

Onyeka, Iknna, Chinazor, and Favour received three years imprisonment with an option of a N200,000 fine, while Joshua and Onajasike were sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of a N100,000 fine. Saapila received a two-year sentence with an option of a N300,000 fine.

In a significant move, the convicted individuals also forfeited their mobile phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts—proceeds identified as stemming from their criminal activities—to the Federal government of Nigeria.

One of the charges highlighted the fraudulent activities of Pele Ossai Wisdom, who allegedly obtained N3,374,96.53 from a Canadian national under false pretenses. The court found him guilty under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The sentencing marks another stride in the EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime and hold individuals accountable for fraudulent activities.