Edo Court Jails 10 Young Men for Internet Fraud, Orders Forfeiture of Assets
Story: written by Okafor Joseph September 22,2025
An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City has sentenced ten young men to two years in prison each for offences related to internet fraud. The convicts were, however, given an option of paying a ₦200,000 fine each in place of jail time.
Justice Mary Itsueli delivered the judgement after the accused persons pleaded guilty to separate one-count charges filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Office.
The charges bordered on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, advance fee fraud, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.
The convicted individuals are:
- Okoro Emmanuel
- Billwise Dikoru
- Enoma Osasumwen
- Samson Festus
- Godspower Afolorunikon
- Omonle Damien
- Sunday Uanseoje
- Sylvester Udu
- Ani Chucks
- Amilegbe Saviour
During proceedings, EFCC prosecutors K. Y. Bello and Isa Agwai argued that the crimes contravened Sections 6 and 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006, and were punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
Although defence lawyers pleaded for leniency, citing the remorse shown by their clients, the court maintained that justice must be served.
In addition to the jail terms and fines, the judge ordered the forfeiture of the convicts’ mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices used in committing the crimes. The money found in their bank accounts, identified as proceeds of fraud, was also ordered to be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The ruling is part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on cybercrime and deter young Nigerians from engaging in internet fraud.
