By Sunday Apah
Justice A.N. Erhabor of the Edo State High Court has sentenced eight individuals to prison for their roles in internet fraud in Benin City.
Sources report that the defendants received varying prison terms for offenses including impersonation, fraud, and possession of fraudulent documents.
The individuals convicted are Akhigbe Andrew Okhaifoh, Collins Osagie, Wisdom Imaduerehie, Imade Destiny, Chibueze Onyeji, Edubi Favour, David Precious, and Michael Osas Iguma.
They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Each convict faced a distinct charge related to impersonation, obtaining by false pretenses, retaining proceeds from crime, and possessing fraudulent documents.
One notable charge against Collins Osagie stated: “On or about September 30, 2024, you had in your possession documents containing false pretenses that you knew or should have known were fraudulent.”
This violates Sections 6 and 8(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act 2006, punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
All defendants admitted guilt to the charges. The prosecution, represented by I.M. Elodi, K.Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, A.A. Ibrahim Faisal, A.S. Bala-Ribah, and Ahmed Salihu, urged the court to impose a sentence.
In response, the defense requested leniency, citing the defendants’ remorse for their actions.
Justice Erhabor subsequently sentenced Okhaifoh, Imaduerehie, Osagie, Onyeji, Favour, Precious, and Destiny to two years in prison, each with an option to pay a ₦200,000 fine.
Michael Osas Iguma received a three-year sentence, also with a ₦200,000 fine option.
In addition, the convicts were ordered to forfeit their phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts to the federal government.
Collins Osagie additionally forfeited a 2007 Lexus RX 350, identified as a proceeding from his criminal activities.
These individuals were apprehended by the EFCC Benin Zonal Directorate due to their involvement in internet fraud.
They have since committed to exhibiting better behavior in the future.
