THE Edo State High Court in Benin City has convicted and sentenced 11 individuals to varying jail terms for offences related to obtaining by false pretences, advance fee fraud, and possession of fraudulent documents.
In a statement released today via X, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin delivered the verdict after the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate prosecuted the defendants on separate one-count charges.
The convicted individuals are Izomor Samuel Efe, Nosakhare Bright, Emovon Destiny, Vincent Arogbo, Osarentin Morgan Aduwa, Osagiede Destiny Oghosa, Nosakhare Ernest Theophilus, Junior Emmanuel Efe, Osimen Princewill, Obamedo Clinton, and David Iyobor.
According to the EFCC, they were apprehended in a sting operation based on credible intelligence linking them to fraudulent online activities.
One of the charges against Efe stated: “That you, Justice Samuel Efe (m), on or about the 8th of February 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession documents containing false pretence, which you knew or ought to have known, thereby committing an offence contrary to Sections 6 and 8(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
All 11 defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. Following their pleas, prosecution counsels F.A. Jirbo, I.K. Agwai, and Salihu Ahmed urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
In response, the defence counsel pleaded for leniency, citing the defendants’ remorse.
Justice Aziegbemhin sentenced Izomor Efe and Nosakhare Bright to two years in prison, with an option of a ₦200,000 fine each. Emovon Destiny and Vincent Arogbo received similar two-year sentences but with a ₦400,000 fine each.
Meanwhile, Aduwa, Oghosa, Theophilus, Junior Efe, Princewill, Clinton, and Iyobor were sentenced to three years in prison, with an option of a ₦200,000 fine each.
Additionally, all convicted individuals forfeited their phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts to the federal government. They also signed undertakings to maintain good behaviour going forward.
“Their journey to the correctional centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by EFCC operatives from the Benin Zonal Directorate, following credible intelligence linking them to internet fraud,” the EFCC stated.
