Court Jails 8 FUTA Undergraduates, 6 Others For Internet Fraud In Benin

The conviction and sentencing of thirteen internet fraudsters by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court in Benin City marks a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime.

Among the convicted individuals, eight were undergraduates of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, reflecting the prevalence of cybercrime among young people, including those pursuing higher education.

The charges against the defendants ranged from impersonation to possession of fraudulent documents, highlighting the diverse tactics employed by cybercriminals to perpetrate their crimes.

Despite pleading guilty to their respective charges, the defence counsel appealed for leniency from the court, while the prosecution urged for appropriate punishment.

In delivering the verdict, Justice Ikponmwonba sentenced the convicts to various terms of imprisonment ranging from two to three years, with the option of fines for some. Additionally, restitution orders were issued for one of the convicts found guilty of retaining proceeds of crime.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the convicts' assets, including mobile phones, bank account balances, and a Mercedes Benz GLA250, deemed as proceeds of crime, to the Federal government of Nigeria.

The convictions underscore the commitment of the judiciary to hold perpetrators of cybercrime accountable and serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar illegal activities.

The arrests and subsequent convictions were the result of thorough investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) based on actionable intelligence, highlighting the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public in combating cybercrime.

Overall, the sentencing of the internet fraudsters reflects the determination of the Nigerian government to curb cybercrime and uphold the rule of law in the country.

Posted: at 23-02-2024 09:51 PM (2 months ago) | Addicted Hero

Cyber crime is a serious crime! Imagine being defrauded of  your life savings

Posted: at 23-02-2024 11:49 PM (2 months ago) | Gistmaniac