The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 secured the conviction of two internet fraudsters before Justice M.E. Itsueli of Edo State High Court Benin City, for fraud.

The Commission made this known on Wednesday via its Twitter handle.

According to the EFCC, the defendants, Edebor Francis Tobiola and Okosun Samuel, were arraigned on one count charge each for offences bordering on impersonation. The duo had represented themselves as foreign nationals on social media platforms in their attempt to defraud unsuspecting victims.

The charge against Edebor Francis Tobiola reads: “That you, Edebor Francis Tobilola (M) sometime in 2022 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud represent yourself on Facebook to be one Moonsik Kwon, a Korean designer and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo State) 1976”.

Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting prosecution counsel, K.Y. Bello to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Tobilola and Samuel to three years imprisonment with an option of N200,000 fine each.

The judge also ordered the forfeiture of Laptop and phones recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the closure of their bank accounts.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abuja Zonal Command said it has arrested seven suspected internet fraudsters. The suspects, according to EFCC, were arrested in Gwarimpa, Abuja following credible intelligence on their alleged criminal activities.

The arrested suspects are Peter Omega Awupri, Philip Okonkwo, Emeka Okonkwo and Williams Chukwu. Others include Stephen Anthony, Edobor Osas, and Adetola Sunday.

Items seized from the suspects during the arrest include eight phones, four laptops, three international passports, smartwatch, a Lexus, and Toyota cars.

The Commission said the suspects will be charged to court as soon as the investigations are concluded.