By Miriam Humbe, Abuja
Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court, Benin City on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 convicted and sentenced four internet fraudsters to various jail terms for fraud.
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 ES 300, 2004 model, Mercedes Benz GLA 250, 2019 model and phones which are proceeds and instruments of crime.
They are Anuge Micheal Usiahon, Ehis Francis Inegbinebor, David Jatto Osemudiamen and Itoghomhen Moses Osemudamen.
They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on fraudulent personation, illegal possession of proceeds of crime and intent to defraud, by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).
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 Two Hundred Thousand Naira as fine, while Osemudamen bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of Three Hundred Thousand Naira.
The duo of Inegbinebor and Osemudiamen bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira each.
Justice Ikponmwonba ordered the forfeiture of $5,000 recovered from Osamudamen to the victim of crime, Christine Brown, a British national.
Additionally, the judge ordered the closure of the defendants’ bank accounts.
