A total of 32 internet fraudsters have been convicted and sentenced by the Edo State High Courts in Benin City, according to a statement released on Thursday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convictions were secured by the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate before Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin.
Those convicted include Amos Adievugwhare, Kelvin Osakpamwan, Isaac Kelvin, Obanuso Elliot, Ndubisi Emmanuel, Danjuma Godwin, Abraham Abisere, Enang Shedrack, Wiliki Bright, David Dagul, Imooa Michael, Targema Solomon, Henry Davou, Akinluyi Ayoola Cornelinus, Ifeanyi Nelson Pius, and Torkula Henry Luper.
Others are Yahaya Jibrin, Monday Atekha Destiny, Sodiq Ahmad, Anthony Gabriel Onuche, Anyaler Udoka, Seun Ibeg, Dallah Osikadi, Ediwin Asemota, Igbo Aondona, Iyobosa Okoro, Osayande Bright, Isiguzo Chidi Morris, Kadiri Bobby Abdul, Osazee Marvins Osabuohein, Efosa Destiny Omorosa, and Kelvin Adams Aisosa.
According to the EFCC, the individuals were charged with offences ranging from obtaining by false pretence and Advance Fee Fraud to unlawful retention of crime proceeds and possession of fraudulent documents.
One of the charges, brought against Adievugwhare, read:
“That you, Amos Adievugwhare (m), on or about the 15th of April, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretences, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
All 32 individuals pleaded guilty. EFCC prosecutors—including I.M. Elodi, I.K. Agwai, K.Y. Bello, Ibrahim Al-Amin, Salihu Ahmed, Bala Rabah, and Faisal Ibrahim—called for convictions. Defence counsel pleaded for leniency, citing their clients’ remorse.
Justice Erhabor sentenced 29 of the defendants, including Adievugwhare, to two years in prison each, with the option of paying N200,000 in fines. Osazee Marvins Osabuohein received a five-year sentence or a N500,000 fine.
Justice Aziegbemhin sentenced Kelvin and Osakpamwan to two years’ imprisonment each, with the option of N300,000 and N400,000 fines, respectively. Efosa Destiny Omorosa was also sentenced to two years, or a N200,000 fine.
The EFCC confirmed that all convicts forfeited items used in their crimes—including phones, laptops, and funds in their bank accounts—to the Federal Government.
They also signed undertakings to maintain good behaviour.
The convictions followed investigations based on credible intelligence exposing the fraudsters’ online activities.
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The agency also noted a recent crackdown in Lagos, during which 120 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested.
