The Edo State High Court sitting in Benin has convicted and sentenced two internet fraudsters, Osemudiamen Aganjile and Ekoh Godswill, to six years imprisonment for fraud.
This followed their arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate one count charge of personation and intent to defraud.
The charge against Aganjile read: “That you Osemudiamen Aganjile (m) sometime between 2021 to 1st September 2022 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud represent yourself to be Lucas Scott from United State of America and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap. 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (As Applicable in Edo State), 1976.”
The charge against Godswill read: That you Ekoh Godswill (m) sometime between 2021 to 9th September 2022 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud represent yourself to be Martha FX, a verified and legitimate Bitcoin Trader and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap. 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (As Applicable in Edo State), 1976.”
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The internet fraudsters, however, pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
Following their pleas, the prosecution counsel, I.K. Agwa, prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, the defence counsel, S.A. Aichienede, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, saying the defendants were first-time offenders who have become remorseful for their actions.
The presiding judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, therefore, convicted and sentenced the duo to three years imprisonment each with an option of N200,000 fine.
The convicts are to forfeit their phones and the balance of N3.6 million found in Aganjile’s UBA and First Bank account; and the sum of N767,677 in Godswill’s Sterling Bank account, being proceeds of crime to the Federal Government through the EFCC.
The defendants are to also undertake in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.
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