Edo High Court Sentences 15 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court in Benin City on Monday, August 11, 2025, convicted and sentenced 15 individuals involved in internet fraud to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 each. The convicts, identified as Osasere Uyi, Osayande Godstime Edosa, Ewaen Agbonma, Godstime Ehighagwan, Peter Miracle, Ehondor Lucky Etinosa, Ezomo Osamudiamen Desmond, Itobore Divine, Iyase Aisosa, Dominion Idehen, Ejiroghene Theophilus, Destiny Nosakhare, Efosa Imuetintan, Ahmed Aliyui, and Samuel Osakpamwan, pleaded guilty to charges including obtaining property by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.

The prosecution, led by counsel I.K. Agwai, K.Y. Bello, A.S. Bala-Ribah, and M.S. Dahiru, secured convictions based on evidence gathered by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through sting operations targeting fraudulent internet activities. One notable charge cited was against Godstime Ehighagwan for possessing fraudulent documents on an iPhone 15 Pro Max related to advance fee fraud, contrary to Sections 6 and 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

The court ordered that all convicts forfeit their phones, laptops, and bank balances as proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. They also undertook written commitments to maintain good behavior henceforth. Counsel for the defendants appealed for mercy, highlighting their remorse, but Justice Itsueli proceeded with sentencing in line with the law.

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The sentencing is part of continued efforts by the EFCC to curb escalating cybercrime in Edo State, especially in its capital, Benin City, where numerous arrests and convictions have been recorded over the past months involving internet fraudsters. The EFCC has intensified sting operations, leading to multiple arrests and subsequent convictions, reflecting a rigorous crackdown on financial crimes in the region.

This latest judgment underscores the judicial system’s firm stance against cybercrime and the broader national effort to enforce the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, aiming to deter such fraudulent practices and uphold integrity in the digital and financial sectors within Nigeria.