Five Internet Fraudsters Sentenced in Benin

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of five individuals involved in internet fraud, following a trial before Justice M. Itsueli at the Edo State High Court in Benin City on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

The convicts—Ayo Korede, Ogbemudia Osaretin, Harry Ehimien, Osasumwen Osahenator, and Efosa Richard—were each charged separately with offenses including impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.

Notably, Osaretin faced charges for possessing fraudulent documents on his iPhone 14 Pro Max on July 31, 2025, violating sections of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006.

All defendants pleaded guilty, prompting the prosecution team led by counsel I. M. Elodi, along with I.K. Agwai, K.Y. Bello, A. A. Ibrahim, Ibrahim Faisal, and M.S. Dahiru, to seek appropriate convictions and sentencing.

Defense lawyers appealed for leniency, citing their clients’ remorseful attitudes.

Justice Itsueli sentenced Korede, Osaretin, Osahenator, and Richard to two years imprisonment or an option to pay a fine of ₦200,000 each. Ehimien was sentenced similarly but given the option of a ₦100,000 fine or community service.

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In addition, all five offenders forfeited their gadgets—including phones and laptops—and funds in their bank accounts, which were identified as tools and proceeds of the crimes, to the federal government. They also provided written undertakings to uphold good behavior moving forward.

The convicts were apprehended by EFCC operatives following credible intelligence on their fraudulent online activities.

This decisive ruling underscores Nigeria’s continued commitment to tackling internet fraud and protecting its digital space.