Nine internet fraudsters were on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 23 & 24, 2024, convicted and sentenced to various prison terms by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.
The convicts are Andrew Ayakanmi Joshua, Obazee Glorious, Osiobe Joshua, Osariemen Victor, Edosa Ovbokhan, Emmanuel Eramiokhare, Cyril Osagie, Stephen Okiosi Osaiwe, and Muhammed Mudesiru Hussein.
Conviction and Sentencing
They were jailed after pleading guilty to a one-count separate charge bordering on obtaining by false pretense, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charge against Eramiokhare reads:
“That you, Emmanuel Eiramiokhae (m), sometime between January 1, 2019 and April 4, 2024, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did retain the aggregate sum of N97,392,707.75 (Ninety-seven million, three hundred and ninety-two thousand, seven hundred and seven naira, and seventy-five kobo), knowing that the same represents proceeds of Godstime (your boss) criminal conduct to wit: cybercrime, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under Section 17(b) of the same Act.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them in court, prompting the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Faisal and Salihu Ahmed, to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as they have become remorseful for their actions.
Sentencing Details
Justice Ikponmwonba sentenced the trio of Eramiokhae, Joshua, and Victor to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (one hundred thousand naira) each, while the duo of Ayakanmi Joshua and Obazee Glorious bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each.
On Wednesday, April 23, 2024, the judge convicted and sentenced Ovbokhan to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000; Hussein bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000; and the duo of Osaiwe and Osagie were sentenced to community service.
The judges ordered the convicts to forfeit their phones, laptops, and balances in their various bank accounts, being instrumentalities and proceeds of crime, to the Federal Government of Nigeria. All the convicts are to undertake, in writing, to be of good behavior henceforth.
The Road to Prison
The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Center began following their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on credible intelligence regarding their involvement in computer-related fraud. They were charged to court and convicted.
The conviction and sentencing of these nine internet fraudsters is a significant victory for the EFCC in its fight against cybercrime and other related offenses. It sends a strong message to other individuals engaged in such criminal activities that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them.
The Menace of Internet Fraud
Internet fraud, also known as cybercrime, has become a major problem in Nigeria and other parts of the world. It involves the use of the internet and other digital technologies to defraud unsuspecting victims of their money and other valuable assets.
The perpetrators of these crimes are mostly young individuals who use their computer skills to create fake profiles, websites, and email addresses to deceive their victims. They often pose as businessmen, investors, or romantic partners to gain the trust of their victims before defrauding them.
The impact of internet fraud on the Nigerian economy and society cannot be overstated. It has led to the loss of billions of naira and has damaged the country’s reputation in the international community. It has also led to the loss of lives, as some victims have committed suicide after losing their life savings to these fraudsters.
The Role of the EFCC
The EFCC has been at the forefront of the fight against internet fraud and other related crimes in Nigeria. The Commission has made significant progress in recent years, with the arrest and prosecution of several high-profile individuals involved in these crimes.
However, the fight against internet fraud is far from over. The EFCC needs to continue to strengthen its capacity to investigate and prosecute these crimes. It also needs to work closely with other law enforcement agencies, both within and outside Nigeria, to effectively combat this menace.
Conclusion
The conviction and sentencing of these nine internet fraudsters is a step in the right direction in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria. It demonstrates the commitment of the EFCC and the judiciary to bring perpetrators of these crimes to justice.
However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of internet fraud in Nigeria. The government needs to create an enabling environment for legitimate businesses to thrive and provide employment opportunities for youth. It also needs to invest in education and awareness campaigns to sensitize the public about the dangers of internet fraud.
Finally, individuals need to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudsters. They should be wary of unsolicited emails, messages, and calls from unknown persons and should never disclose their personal and financial information to strangers.
