By Sunshine Ofoelue
17 individuals involved in cyber fraud have been sentenced to jail by Justice Igho Braimoh of the Edo State High Court, Benin City.
According to EFCC, the defendants were prosecuted on charges of obtaining by false pretence and possession of fraudulent documents.
Justice Braimoh noted, “While it is important to mete out justice, this court has considered the remorse shown by the convicts. However, the forfeiture of assets is necessary to send a clear message that crime does not pay.”
The convicted individuals are:
Oserei John Vianny
Osaro Moses
Desmond Okoduwa
Obi Isaac
Joshua Omoruyi
Iyabosa Omoruyi
Jeffery Omoruyi
Odion Alex Idada
Aisosa Aiyeki
Prosper Aimiomwona
Cherish Omoruyi
Kelly Omoruyi
Victor Osaze
Obobor Moses
Timothy Ogie
Osemuahu Godspower
Bonny Stephen
All pleaded guilty to their charges.
Counsel for the EFCC, I.K. Agwai, Ibrahim Faisal, and Ahmed Salihu, asked the court to convict the accused, while their legal representatives to urge leniency from the court, highlighting the remorse they had shown.
An EFCC representative said, “This judgment sends a strong message that the law will catch up with those engaging in fraudulent internet activities. We remain committed to our fight against cybercrime.”
Justice Braimoh sentenced seven of the defendants, to two years imprisonment with an option to pay a fine of N200,000 each.
Meanwhile, Iyabosa Omoruyi, Joshua Omoruyi, Prosper Aimiomwona, and others were handed three years imprisonment, also with an option of paying N200,000 each.
Desmond Okoduwa received a heavier penalty of three years or a fine of N500,000.
Additionally the court seized all of the assets they had including luxury cars—Toyota Camry, Mercedes Benz 350, Toyota RAV4, and Mercedes Benz C300—seized from Okoduwa, Isaac, and Aiyeki to the federal government. Other possessions they had including laptops, phones, and funds in their bank accounts, were also seized
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been intensifying its efforts to combat fraud across Nigeria.
High Court Jails 17 Fraudsters, Seizes Cars Other Assets In Edo
