The Federal High Court Makurdi and the Benue State High Court have sentenced thirty-two individuals to various jail terms for their involvement in internet fraud. The convictions were handed down by Justices M.S. Abubakar, A. Onoja, and M.I. Ikpambese.
The suspects were prosecuted by the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after they pled guilty to one-count charges related to internet fraud. The convicted individuals are: Eruka Vandefan Ephraim, Chukwudi Daniel Ifeanyi, Akahar Andrew Tsumga, Ugochukwu Stephen Ikenna, Atu Sunday, Nyior Benjamin Saakula, Atsaregh Terkuma Benedict, Kaun Jeremiah, Ochigbo Cletus, Tule Bemba Joseph, Jude Terhemba, Paul Meraba Torkuma, Mathias Ebute, Terungwa Terna Rapheal, Shaahu Abraham Atuur, Justine Usar Idyekaa, Solomon Adejo, John Kator Wanger, Abubakar Sadiq Adejo, Mohammed Habib Adejo, Ule Francis Terlumun, Nyior David, Cynic Isaac, Adadu Samson Ogaba, Abraham Ombugadu Luka, Onah Oboh Joseph, Joseph Ulayi Akagiaobe, Agennah Franklyn, Ochigo Cletus, Tule Benba Joseph, Hembafan Samuel Tarhembe, and Jude Terhemba.
One notable case involved Atu Sunday, who was charged with dishonestly inducing Intelligent Lab Limited by falsely requesting multiple chargebacks for a transaction on their Point of Sale (POS) system. He was convicted under Section 322 of the Penal Code of Benue State.
The sentences varied based on the severity of the crimes and the defendants' cooperation with authorities. Eruka Vandefan Ephraim, Akaahar Andrew Tsumga, Ugochukwu Stephen Ikenna, and Atu Sunday received one-year imprisonment each, with an option to pay a ₦100,000 fine. Chukwudi Daniel was sentenced to one year with an option of a ₦500,000 fine.
Nyior Benjamin and Atsaregh Terkuma Benedict were each sentenced to two years imprisonment, with fines of ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 respectively. Kaun Jeremiah received a six-month sentence or an option of a ₦20,000 fine.
Several convicts were ordered to forfeit assets and funds obtained through their fraudulent activities. Paul Meraba Torkuma forfeited ₦4,800,000, a Lexus 2010 Model, and an iPhone 13 Pro Max, in addition to his one-year sentence with a ₦500,000 fine. Mathias Ebute forfeited ₦4,000,000 and an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Other notable sentences included Solomon Adejo, Mohammed Habib Adejo, and Abubakar Sadiq Adejo, who each received two-year sentences. Solomon and Abubakar were fined ₦500,000 each, while Mohammed was fined ₦200,000. Abubakar was also ordered to forfeit a Toyota car and additional funds totaling ₦14,500,000 and ₦3,562,750.
The EFCC’s counsel, M. Yusuf, A. S. Idris, and A. Gazali, successfully argued for the convictions, ensuring that the sentences included both imprisonment and financial restitution to the victims of these crimes.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
I'm Building PDP, Not Tearing it Apart - Wike Addresses The Press (Video)
VIDEO: Man Caught While Waiting For a Minor he Had Solicited S£x From Online
Emotional Moment Femi Adebayo Presented His 2025 AMVCA Trophies to His Dad, Adebayo Salami
Rapper, Phyno Unveils His Daughter, Shares Adorable Video to Mark Her Second Birthday
Ex Madrid Player, Xabi Alonso Seals Managerial Move To Real Madrid As Ancelotti Bows Out
Retired Teacher, Mallam Kabiru Killed, Wife Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara School Quarters
Army Busts Gunrunning Syndicate in Plateau, Two Arrested With AK-47 (Photos)
Ringside Rumble? Fans Hype Possible Boxing Showdown Between Small Doctor And Portable