7th May, 2023
By Isa Isawade
Four internet fraudsters have been convicted and jailed by the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.
The convicts, Edemakhiota Osaretin; Ehiaguina Joel; Desmondehator Osarumwense and Jonathan Ibhazeh (aka Ehis Samson), were on May 4 convicted by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba.
They were arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate one-count charges bordering on possession of fraudulent documents, personation and intent to defraud.
Upon arraignment, according to the EFCC’s official Facebook page, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
In view of their plea, prosecution counsel, I.M. Elodi and I.K. Agwai prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
However, the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first-time offenders and have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Osaretin to three years imprisonment with an option of Five Hundred thousand Naira as fine while Joel bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira.
Osarumwense bagged one year imprisonment or a fine of One Hundred Thousand Naira while Ibhazeh was sentenced to two years imprisonment or a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira.
Justice Ikponmwonba ordered that the sum of N3,922,322.57 N1,008,383.47 in the bank accounts of Ehiaguina and Osaretin be forfeited to the Federal government.
Osaretin is also to pay the sum of N1,000,000 to the Federal Government in lieu of the forfeiture of a Gas Plant named Edema Global Oil and Gas Ltd belonging to him situated at Ahor Community, Benin-Auchi Road, Edo State.
The defendants are to forfeit a Toyota Venza, 2010 model and mobile phones, being proceeds of crime, to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the EFCC.
The judge also ordered the closure of the defendant’s bank accounts.