Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, convicted and sentenced the duo of Malvis Bello and Abel Peter to prison for fraud.
Bello and Peter were arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate one count charges of fraudulent impersonation and attempting to obtain by false pretence from unsuspecting victims.
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, I.M. Elodi to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, the defence counsel, A.S. Akinfolarin pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first-time offenders who have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Abang convicted and sentenced Bello to two years imprisonment without an option of fine while Peter bagged six months imprisonment with an option of N500,000 fine.
The defendants are to forfeit their phones to the Federal Government of Nigeria and undertake in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.
Similarly, operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the anti-graft agency EFCC, on Wednesday, arrested 23 suspected internet fraudsters.
They were arrested along the Monark, Emene and Golf axis of Enugu State, following actionable intelligence.
The suspects include Ugwuanyi Innocent Kasiemobi, Emmanuel Chukwu Agwu, Onyeama Christian Arinze, Hycienth Nnabuike Emmanuel, Chibueze Augustine Oluebube, Ogaraku Chidiebube Obinna, Chibueze Stanley Onyedikachi, Austus Jeffrey Chiemerem, Ikechi David Faithful and Okafor Collins Chika.
Others are Chimaobi Chukwu Joshua, Onuoha Miracle Oluebubu, Udo Ugochukwu Stanley, Igbo Christian Ikenna, Nweke Kingsley David, Obinna Stanley Obumneme, Okocha Elisha Ewah, Nweke Cosmas Chidera, Justice Anyaegbunam Mba, David Kingsley Nweke, Eze Henry Chiwetalu, Nweke Edwin Chidubem and Ikechi David.
Items recovered include six exotic cars: One Mercedez Benz E350, one Lexus ES350, one Mercedes Benz CLE, one Toyota Camry, a Toyota Avalon and a black Mercedes Benz.
Other items recovered are 43 mobile phones, 11 laptops and charms.
The EFCC added that the suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation
