From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Federal and State High Courts sitting in Uyo, Calabar, Benin City, and Maiduguri have secured the conviction and sentencing of 45 internet fraudsters in coordinated crackdowns across Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Borno States.
Head of Media and Publicity, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, said in separate statements that the convictions were handed down following separate charges bordering on cybercrime, impersonation, money laundering, and obtaining by false pretences.
The EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, pushed for the conviction of 11 cybercriminals before Justices Maurine Adaobi Onyetenu, Ijeoma Ojukwu, and Rosemary Dugbo-Oghoghorie of the Federal High Courts sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Calabar, Cross River State, respectively.
The convicts, including Nsukak Iko-Edem Effiong, Shadrack Eliayere Aburu, and John Uduak Isiodon, were found guilty of defrauding unsuspecting victims through impersonation and fake online personas. Sentences ranged from three months to two years imprisonment, with various fine and restitution options. All devices used in perpetrating the crimes were ordered forfeited to the federal government.
In Benin City, Edo State, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC pushed for the conviction of 32 internet fraudsters before Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court. The convicted individuals were prosecuted on charges including advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and unlawful retention of crime proceeds.
Among the convicts were Amos Adievugwhare, Kelvin Osakpamwan, Isaac Kelvin, and Ifeanyi Nelson Pius. Most were sentenced to two years imprisonment or fines ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000, with additional forfeitures of digital devices and illicit funds. The convicts also signed undertakings to be of good behaviour.
In Borno State, the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the EFCC pushed for the conviction of two individuals, Ijudigal Saleh and Ishaku John Aliyu, on charges of money laundering and cyber-enabled impersonation.
Justice H. Dagat of the Federal High Court, Maiduguri, sentenced Saleh to two years imprisonment or a ₦100,000 fine, while Aliyu received a four-year jail term or a ₦100,000 fine. Both had used false identities to defraud foreign nationals, mainly U.S. citizens, through scams involving gift cards and payment apps. The court also ordered the forfeiture of their criminal tools and recovered funds.
Oyewale reaffirmed the EFCC’s resolve to rid Nigeria of cybercriminals and warned that the agency would continue to pursue fraudulent individuals with full legal force.
“These convictions are a strong signal to internet fraudsters that the EFCC remains relentless in the pursuit of justice.
“Cybercrime has no place in our society, and we are committed to ensuring that perpetrators face the law,” he said.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious cyber activities as the agency intensifies its nationwide crackdown on financial and cyber-related crimes.