Eight Internet Fraudsters Bag 16 Years Jail Terms In Benin
Justices Efe Ikponwonba and M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin-City, have convicted and sentenced eight internet fraudsters to sixteen ( 16) years imprisonment.
They were convicted on Monday, September 26, 2022 and Tuesday, September 27, 2022, after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge, bordering on possession of documents containing false pretence, fraudulent misrepresentation and impersonation.
The convicts are: Nosa Osasuyi, Osayande Prosper, Egwabor Jim Uloma, Enofe Macaulay, Ige Damilola Oluwaseun, Omotehinse Joshua Oriade, Rawlings Nnaomi Nwabunwanne and Temitayo TemenuTemitope.
While Justice Ikpomwonba convicted Osasuyi, Prosper and Uloma, Nwabunwanne and Temitope, Macaulay, Oluwaseun and Oriade were convicted by Justice Itsueli.
The charge against Osasuyi reads : “that.you Nosa Osasuyi (a.ka. Aaron Tveit, Carles Willcox and Shawn Ashmore) on or about the 24th day of August 2022 at Agbor by-pass, Benin City, Edo State did with intent to defraud, fraudulently impersonated Aaron Tveit. Charles Willcox and Shawn Ashmore, all while men, by sending fictitious documents and using the following Instagram account [email protected]; Aarontveit39@gmail; [email protected] ; with intent to obtain money from prospective victims to your advantage and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48 Laws of defunct Benin State.of Nigeria ( as applicable in Edo State) 1976 and punishable under the same law”.
Upon arraignment, they all pleaded guilty to their respective charges, when they were read to them.
Based on their pleas, prosecution counsels: I. K. Agwai, I.M Elodi and K.Y Bello prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants, Pascal Ugbome prayed the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Ikpomwonba, thereafter, convicted and sentenced Osasuyi and Uloma to two years imprisonment each, with an option of fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira ( N200, 000) each, while Prosper bagged one year imprisonment or a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira. The judge also convicted and sentenced Nwabunwanne and Temitope to two years imprisonment each, with an option of fine of one Hundred Thousand Naira ( N100, 000).
Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Macaulay and Oluwaseun to two years imprisonment each or a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira and One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira respectively. Oriade bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira
The convicts forfeited Toyota Camry and Lexus ES350 cars, as well as a Mercedes Benz GLK 350 Sports Utility Vehicle to the Federal government. Others are: phones and two laptops.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the balance found in Osasuyi account with Union Bank, United Bank for Africa, UBA and Keystone Bank to the Federal Government while the accounts are to be closed permanently.
All the convicts were arrested by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC, in connection with internet-related offences. They were charged to court and convicted, leading them on a journey to the Correctional Centre.
