The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday May 26, 2022, secured the conviction of two internet fraudsters, Aigbe Joseph and Adefulire Abiodun before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court, Benin City.

Joseph and Abiodun were arraigned on one count each of fraudulently representing themselves in order to defraud unsuspecting victims.

The charge against Aigbe Joseph reads: “that you, Aigbe Joseph sometime between 2019 and 21st February, 2022 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud represent yourself to be Jeannette Provencal, a lady based in the United States of America, 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 defendants pleaded guilty to the charges when they were arraigned prompting the prosecution counsel, A.A. Ozigbu to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, counsel to the defendants, A.S. Adeshina and A.S. Akinfolarin pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Ikponmwonba sentenced Joseph to three years imprisonment with an option of Two Hundred Thousand Naira fine while Adefulire Abiodun bagged two years imprisonment with an option of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira fine.

The judge also ordered that the Mercedes Benz C300 car recovered from Joseph at the point of arrest and the balances in his bank accounts be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The convicts also forfeit their phones to the Federal Government of Nigeria being proceeds and instrument of fraud.

Media & Publicity
26 May, 2022