The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of five internet fraudsters before Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the EFCC identified the convicts as Ayo Korede, Ogbemudia Osaretin, Harry Ehimien, Osasumwen Osahenator and Efosa Richard.
They were prosecuted on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.
According to the EFCC, the convicts were arrested by operatives of its Benin Zonal Directorate following credible intelligence linking them to online fraud.
One of the charges, against Ogbemudia Osaretin, read: “That you Ogbemudia Osaretin (m) on or about the 31st of July, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did have in your possession, in your iPhone 14 Pro Max, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 6 and 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
All five defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
Prosecuting counsels I.M. Elodi, I.K. Agwai, K.Y. Bello, A.A. Ibrahim, Ibrahim Faisal and M.S. Dahiru urged the court to convict and sentence them, while defence counsel pleaded for leniency, citing their remorse.
Justice Itsueli sentenced Korede, Osaretin, Osahenator and Richard to two years’ imprisonment each or a fine of N200,000, while Ehimien was given two years’ imprisonment or a N100,000 fine, with the option of community service.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of their mobile phones, laptop computers, and balances in their bank accounts, which were identified as tools and proceeds of the crimes.
