Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 arrested 33 suspected internet fraudsters at their hideout in Benin City.
Those arrested are Timothy Odion, Destiny Otokhune, Bright Akhabue, Isaac Eghosa, Philip Anderson, Kennedy Osagie, Kabiru Mohammed, Erharuyi Osaigbovo, Amalawa Kingsĺey, Obasohen Kelvin, Emmanuel Imuentinyan, Eghosa Osadebamwen, Akhere Destiny, Evans Jesse, Kazeem Samson, Luma Kayode, Festus Iyenfunmwena, Osagie Emmanuel, Chinoso Okoye, Michael Okoh, Yadina Chukwudi, Kelvin Amenze, Aikorogie Osarenmweda and Samuyi Ajayi.
Others are Sylvester Anointed, Ekhator Osamudiamwen, Oneh Endurance, Etinosa Ogieva, Marvellous Osawaru, Akhere Jeffrey, Oweka Augustine, George Festus and Lucky Junior.
Items recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest include six exotic cars (Two Lexus 330, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Venza, Toyota Camry, Lexus ES350), mobile phones and laptops.
The suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
4 internet fraudsters jailed in Benin
Meanwhile, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, convicted and sentenced 22-year-old Prince Belebi Koko and three others to jail for internet fraud.
The others are Igwe Favour, 22, Destiny Nonso Igwe, 24 and Ojo Jolly, 25. Their journey to prison began following their arrest for involvement in internet fraud. The defendants admitted to the crime and were subsequently arraigned on one count charge of unlawful possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Upon arraignment the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges prompting prosecution counsel, A.S.Bala- Ribah and Al-Amin Abdul Ibrahim to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Favour, Igwe , Koko and Jolly to three years imprisonment with an option of Two Hundred Thousand Naira as fine
The court ordered the convicts to forfeit one Lexus Rx 350, one Lexus RX 350 and mobile phones, being proceeds of crime, to the Federal Government of Nigeria
