Two Internet Fraudsters Bag Three Years Imprisonment in Benin

The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 secured the conviction of two internet fraudsters before Justice M.E. Itsueli of Edo State High Court Benin City for fraud.

The defendants, Edebor Francis Tobiola and Okosun Samuel, were arraigned on one count charge each for offences bordering on impersonation.

The duo had represented themselves as foreign nationals on social media platforms in their attempt to defraud unsuspecting victims.

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The charge against Edebor Francis Tobiola reads: “That you, Edebor Francis Tobilola (M) sometime in 2022 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud represent yourself on Facebook to be one Moonsik Kwon, a Korean designer and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo State) 1976”.

Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting prosecution counsel, K.Y. Bello to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Tobilola and Samuel to three years imprisonment with an option of N200,000 fine each.

The judge also ordered the forfeiture of Laptop and phones recovered from the to the Federal government of Nigeria and the closure of their bank accounts.