A significant judgment was delivered by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court in Benin City, as 11 individuals, including Ohenhen Victor Ikponwosa, a 26-year-old graduate of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, were found guilty and sentenced to prison for their involvement in internet fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that the Benin Zonal Command apprehended the defendants based on intelligence gathered about their illicit activities.
Following their arrest, the defendants faced separate one-count charges related to the possession of alleged proceeds of crime, false representation, and unlawful possession of fraudulent documents. These charges are in violation of Sections 17(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and punishable under Section 17(b) of the same Act.
During their arraignment, all the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, I.M. Elodi, Salihu Ahmed, and KY Bello, to request the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, the defendants’ legal representatives pleaded for leniency, emphasizing that they were first-time offenders who had turned over a new leaf.
In light of the circumstances, Justice Ikponmwonba delivered the verdict, sentencing Osemudiamen, Ikponwosa, and Ehis to three years imprisonment with the option to pay a fine of N200,000.
Akenuwa, Macdonald, Dickson, and Oghenekohwa were sentenced to two years imprisonment with the option of paying a fine of N100,000, while Eromosele, Oserobo, and Daniel received three years imprisonment with the option of a N100,000 fine.
Junior was sentenced to two years imprisonment with the option of a N200,000 fine.
Additionally, the judge ordered the forfeiture of a Lexus RX 330 car and mobile phones recovered during the investigation, as they were identified as proceeds of the crime, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.