Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arrested 34 suspected internet fraudsters in Oghara, Delta State.

The suspects, according to EFCC, were arrested in a sting operation based on actionable intelligence.

EFCC listed the suspects to include Ese Collins, Benjamin A. Ifeanyi, Akparoboke Oghenero, Uti Jerry, Otega John, Joshua Broka, Jethro Saapila, Goodluck Ottwowatiohwo, Adilike Precious, Uvbierimi Raphael, Oyadan Clinton, Isusu Chukwuemeka, Esajini Fidelis, Monday Justice, Godwin Micheal, Osagie Igbe Uwa, Fidelis Goodluck, Emmanuel Jeremiah, Omokoro Omonefe, Emakpor Efetobore, Atunu Ewomaghea, Kingsley Onwudegiru and Esegbue Stephen.

Others are Ewomazino Odidi, Ishaka Samson, Chukwuyem Marven, Jephthah Eromosele, Ese Ozumu, Adelike Ifakachukwu and Osadolor Louis, Oghenemharho Prosper, Onoyeyan Daniel, Clement Ogiaide and Peter Ekepoburu.

Items recovered include a GLE 350; Lexus RX350; Toyota Venza; Lexus ES330, and mobile phones.

According to EFCC, the suspects have made useful statements and would be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.

Meanwhile, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court, Benin City on Tuesday convicted and sentenced four internet fraudsters to various jail terms for fraud.

They were arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC on separate charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation, illegal possession of proceeds of crime and intent to defraud.

Related News

The convicted internet fraudsters are Anuge Micheal Usiahon, Ehis Francis Inegbinebor, David Jatto Osemudiamen and Itoghomhen Moses Osemudamen.

According to EFCC, the charge against Osemudamen reads: “That you, David Jatto Osemudamen (m) sometimes in December, 2022 in Benin, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain the aggregate sum of N41,808,715.00 (Forty-one Million, Eight Hundred and Eight Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifteen Naira) only in your bank account number: 6024775760 domiciled in Keystone Bank knowing the same represents the proceeds of IREDIA ENDURANCE EDDY’s criminal conduct to wit: cybercrime and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 17(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( Establishment) 2004 and punishable under section 17(b) of the same Act.”

Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges prompting the prosecution counsel, I. M. Elodi and K. U. Udus, to ask the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.

However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first-time offenders who had become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Oshiahon to three years imprisonment with an option of N200,000 as fine, while Osemudamen bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of N300,000.

The duo of Inegbinebor and Osemudiamen bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 each.

Justice Ikponmwonba ordered the forfeiture of $5,000 recovered from Osemudamen to the victim of crime, Christine Brown, a British national. The judge also ordered that the aggregate sum of N6,894,397.18 recovered from Inegbinebor and Osemudiamen be forfeited to the Federal Government along with a Lexus ES300, 2004 model, Mercedes Benz GLA250, 2019 model, and phones which are proceeds and instruments of crime.

In addition, the judge ordered the closure of the defendants’ bank accounts.