8th April, 2022
The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of two internet fraudsters, Ajiboye Ernest Alade and Mike Ederihbhalo.
Alade was arraigned before Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, Benin City while Mike Ederihbhalo was arraigned before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin City.
Alade was accused of having fraudulent/scammed pictures containing pretence, an offence contrary to Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
On his part, Ederihbhalo impersonated the identity of Heike Hartmann, an American citizen with the intent to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The charge against Alade reads: that you Ajiboye Ernest Alade on the 22nd day of February 2021 at Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly have in your possession documents containing pretence to wit: fraudulent/ scammed pictures found in your email account kokeyepes78690 @gmail.com. contrary to section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.
Upon arraignment, Alade pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against him by the EFCC prompting the prosecution counsel, A.A.Ozigbu, to pray the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
However, B.E. Ambrose prayed the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendant has become remorseful.
Justice Shuaibu convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment with an option of Two Hundred Thousand Naira as a fine.
The judge also ruled that his laptop and phone being proceeds of crime be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
On his part, Ederihbnalo upon his arraignment pleaded guilty to the charge, prompting EFCC counsel, K.Y.Bello, to pray the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Ederihbhalo to three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.
Ederihbnalo is also to forfeit his Lexus RX350 SUV and phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.