Between December 10 and 12, 2024, Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court in Benin City, along with Justice F.A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court in Asaba, convicted and sentenced seven individuals involved in internet fraud.
The convicts, Precious Okeleke, Austine Iwuner, Saint Felix, Ododo Mathias, Idahosa Kelvin, Bankole Adaranijo, and Owie Osasenago Stephen, were prosecuted on separate one count charges including obtaining by false pretenses, retention of proceeds from crime, and possession of fraudulent documents, all brought by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
For instance, the charge against Okeleke reads: “That you, Precious Okeleke, on or about the 30th of October, 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretenses, thereby committing an offense under Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act 2006, punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
Upon the reading of the charges, all the defendants pleaded guilty, prompting prosecution counsel F.A. Jirbo, I.M. Elodi, and K.Y. Bello to request appropriate sentences. The defense lawyers, however, pleaded for leniency, noting that the defendants had shown remorse for their actions.
On December 10, Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin sentenced Precious Okeleke to two years in prison or a fine of N200,000. Austine Iwuner, sentenced by Justice F.A. Olubanjo, received two years or a N500,000 fine.
The following day, December 11, Justice A.N. Erhabor sentenced Saint Felix and Ododo Mathias to three years imprisonment or a N200,000 fine.
On December 12, Justice Aziegbemhin sentenced Idahosa Kelvin and Bankole Adaranijo to two years in prison or a N200,000 fine, while Owie Osasenago Stephen received a sentence of three years or a N200,000 fine.
In addition to their sentences, all convicts forfeited their mobile phones, laptops, and bank account balances to the Federal Government as proceeds of crime. They also undertook in writing to maintain good behavior moving forward.
The convicts were arrested during a sting operation conducted by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following their involvement in fraudulent internet activities.
If the EFCC can expedite similar convictions for Nigerian politicians involved in corruption and fraudulent activities, it would serve as a strong deterrent. As noted by the Commission on its official channels, swift and decisive action against high-profile figures would send a clear message that no one, regardless of status, is above the law, ultimately fostering greater accountability and trust in the nation’s governance.
