A court in Benin has convicted two internet fraudsters known as “yahoo boys.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Benin Zonal Command announced on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, that it had 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 a single count charge of impersonation.
In an attempt to defraud unsuspecting victims, the duo posed as foreign nationals on social media platforms.
The charge against Edebor Francis Tobiola reads as follows: “That you, Edebor Francis Tobilola (M), sometime in 2022 in Benin City, Edo State, within the year 2022, within the year 2022, within the year 2022, within the year 2022, within the year
with intent to defraud represent yourself on Facebook as one Moonsik Kwon, a Korean designer and thus 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.”
The defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges at their arraignment, prompting prosecution counsel, K.Y. Bello, to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Tobilola and Samuel were convicted and sentenced to three years in prison with a N200,000 fine each by Justice Itsueli.
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the recovered laptop and phones to the Federal Government of Nigeria, as well as the closure of their bank accounts.
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